My wife and I have been reading through the Book of John (New Testament). It has been a rewarding experience. I am amazed how this particular Gospel seems to address postmodernism and modern gnosticism. One section really has me excited. John 1:51 states, "And He said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'"
Compare this to Genesis 28:12; "And he (Jacob) had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it."
Jesus is saying that he is the ladder in Jacob's dream. This statement is amplified when Jesus later says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me"(Jn. 14:6). It is also a beautiful reminder that the Old Testament remains completely valid. Christians are able to look at this earlier testament and see Christ in its pages. Who knew that the ladder in Jacob's dream was actually a prophecy of the coming Messiah?

June 21, 2006

I have been reading through "A Layman's guide to Protestant Theology" by William Hordern. The book is about 50 years old, but it has been a very helpful introduction. I think he is a bit to generous toward Barth and Brunner (Neo-Orthodox), but overall, it gives a good general sketch of modern theology.

The picture I posted today is from my graduation from Concordia University, Irvine, this past May. My degree is a Master's in Research in Theology. My thesis was a comparison between Christ's dialogue with the Rich Young Ruler and the Book of James.

The completion of this degree has only fueled the desire to continue a theological education. I was prevented from pursuing a doctoral degree due to lack of breadth and depth of my degree. I have decided to pursue a second master's degree at Fuller Seminary. I considered Lutheran options, however, it is not possible for me to attend Ft. Wayne or St. Louis at this time.

I am a recent convert to Lutheran (Evangelical) Christianity, and have been a member of an LCMS church for a little over a year. I am a confessional Lutheran, but not a repristinator. I deeply appreciate liturgy, but have difficulty understanding why music, in any form, cannot be contemporary.

If you are a conservative Christian (confessional Lutheran even better) and have attended or are attending Fuller Seminary, please send me some names of Professors who are conservative (especially in O. T. studies). I am in the Biblical Studies and Theology program, so I would greatly appreciate your input.

God's mercy and peace,
JDo