On the HB

__________________
R. Scott Clark, D.Phil
Professor of Church History and Historical Theology

"For Christ, His Gospel, and His Church"
Associate Pastor
Oceanside URC
The Heidelblog

Thanks! Great article! I think the problem of devotional vs acedemic reading is our fault. They can and should be one and the same.

__________________
Manley Beasley
Southern Baptist Convention
Lynchburg, VA

Wir sein pettler. Hoc est verum (We are beggars. This is true.).--Luther's dying words

Great article. I can relate, except I hit the ground running and then began to stagger about half-way through. For me it exposed much pride that I was unaware of.

__________________
For the Glory of our King,
Joe Johnson
Slave of Christ, husband, father, Preacherboy at Cornerstone Community Church, Escanaba, MI. and TMS graduate. Personal website - SoundLife.org

I do not know, and I do not say, that a person cannot believe in Revelation and in evolution, too, for a man may believe that which is infinitely wise and also that which is only asinine. ~ CHS

Great blog. I agree completely. "Pray while you study" is a huge part of seminary, along with being prepared beforehand. If a student hasn't already read relevant material to the lecture topic, it will likely go over his head and be of very little use. However, armed with due preparation, the lecture and discussion can be every bit as devotional and motivating as a Sunday sermon.

I know that my seminary studies have been used by God to make me a better husband, friend, and church-goer. I can't get through a class without being convicted of a sin or brought to new appreciation for a grace. Also, the more I read theology, the more conscious I am of my need for the Scripture to be the "norming norm" in my mind. My devotional life has actually multiplied since going to seminary. The Bible, understood covenantally and historically, is so much more accessible!

And the Reformers and post-Reformation Orthodox, WOW! When I started reading Calvin's Institutes for the first time, it was as if the pages were crackling with soli deo gloria. Turretin left me astonished at the power of a mind conformed to regenerate reason. And can one read the Puritans without tears?

Not just the really old guys either. Geerhardus Vos revolutionized my approach to the Gospels. Instead of stories of Jesus, Great Ethical Teacher, in every pericope I see Jesus gathering up the Old Testament in fulfillment and stretching toward the eschaton.

Whew! Out of breath. Thanks for the blog. To infringe upon a famous milk commercial, "Seminary - does your spirit good."

__________________
Charlie Johnson
Heritage Bible Church (non-denom)
Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, student