Since I haven’t posted in a while, I thought it might be nice to update. In light of my previous post, this may seem strange to think that you care, but my rationale is that pretty much only people who know me will read this, and if you know me, you might care.

1. In May, I completed my first year of MDiv studies at PBU, after transferring from Westminster in the wake of the Enns debacle. In God’s providence, this was a great move for my spiritual and intellectual growth; PBU is going through some great changes in leadership and direction. With all the credits they gave me from WTS and my undergrad, I have only two FT semesters and one PT semester left.

PBU’s large undergraduate base affords the grad students many opportunities not available at a seminary. There are more professors, who have a plethora of specialties and interests, as well as time to do independent studies and smaller classes with the grad students. I did two independent studies this semester, and I’m working on one right now over the summer. I was also given the chance to present some of my research in an undergraduate Hebrew class.

It’s a great time to be an MDiv student at PBU, especially since they beefed up the program last year. I think it is among the best in the Philadelphia area, in terms of academic rigor, academic freedom, practical teaching and diversity among the students. (For you Reformed folk, don’t worry–dispensationalism is going the way of the buffalo here.)

2. My current research interests include Paul and the Roman Empire, Christology in Second Temple Judaism, and Hebrew discourse analysis. My independent study is with OT professor and newly appointed provost, Brian G. Toews; we are studying DA methods in Hebrew poetry. Dr. Toews is a polymath; his advanced degrees are in theology and linguistics (his dissertation was on Biblical Aramaic), but he teaches philosophy, linguistics, film, anthropology, OT, Hebrew, Aramaic and NT. It’s unfortunate that academia has become so specialized that there are very few true scholars, Renaissance men.

I took Exegesis of Romans last semester, which is the capstone course of the MDiv. It was a challenging course, translating through the Greek every week, writing and researching. But it was also very encouraging, particularly in light of some personal and family issues I encountered. I think Romans 5-8 is one of my favorite passages in the the Bible.

3. Corrie just finished her second year as the choral director at Plumstead Christian School. Given the financial troubles that private schools are facing, there was some question as to whether she would keep her job for next year. But they found the funds somehow, and she will be back in the Fall–teaching Spanish as part of her courseload (go figure!). So our evenings often include messing around on one instrument or another, and extended conversations en Español.

We lead a small group of young couples at our home. We’ve been at a Baptist church for two years now, but I’m still a Presbyterian at heart. Thankfully, Chelten is pretty Calvinistic, and they let me teach Reformed theology in Sunday School. We also get the chance to lead the music every once in a while.

4. Bekah is back from Oxford. She has one semester left to finish at PBU. She then hopes to go back to Oxford next fall for grad work. Deb is taking some community college courses and babysitting. Michael is going into high school, and he loves computers, music and Greek.

5. Pray for me and Corrie as we make life-changing decisions in the next year or two. We have talked about going overseas to do Bible translation or teaching, pursuing a doctorate right away, or going into FT ordained ministry in the states. We also hope to be blessed with children soon. God has provided for us so far, and we know he will continue to do so.

That’s all for now. I hope to post more faithfully this summer, so check back occasionally.