This morning I had my oral comprehensive exam. After two hours of questioning about issues of Bible content and interpretation, the professors informed me that I had passed the exam. I am thankful to those who prayed for me. The Lord is good to have sustained me through this long process.
I never would have guessed that when lines would be drawn at the school where I’m studying that I would find myself firmly on the side of Zane Hodges. But I am. Perhaps the memory that will stay with me most distinctly from my years of study here is the moment in one of my… Read More »
One month from today I plan to begin my exams. My present preparations have slowed down this blog and probably will continue to. Most of my readers probably have not and will not enjoy the experience of doctoral comprehensive exams. Those of you who have (or will) may have very different experiences. My program consists… Read More »
Some scholars believe that the Gospel of Thomas is as reliable as the four Gospels in the New Testament. The book consists of 114 sayings, and some sound like Jesus, some do not sound like Jesus, and some are just embarrassing. You judge for yourself: 51. His disciples said to him, "When will the rest… Read More »
For those of you keeping score at home, this morning I completed another phase in my PhD program. I will never again sit in a classroom as a student. Until, of course, I do. But assuming that I pass all of the present courses, I am not required to enroll in any more seminars for… Read More »
As I mentioned before, one of the classes I have this semester is New Testament Backgrounds. The chief goal of this course is to acquaint us with the primary literature from the centuries before and after the time of Christ. I’ve mentioned previously some of my readings in the Apocrypha, but I haven’t had time… Read More »
Yesterday I finished research and then wrote a paper on the historical background to the acclamation of Herod Agrippa as a god (Acts 12:20-23). That was the last of seven short research papers/projects of the semester. This afternoon I started research on my major one. The assignment is to produce an article of publishable quality… Read More »
This strikes me as funny. At least it provides a revealing look into ancient life. It was written on papyrus in AD 28 in Egypt. To Serapion, chief of police, from Orsenouphis son of Harpaesis, notable of the village of Euhemeria, in the division of Themistes. In the month Mesore of the past 14th year… Read More »
The Turabian handbook is well-known to students as a guide for writing research papers, theses, and dissertations. Within another few weeks, I ‘ll have read it cover to cover. Tonight I read this sage piece of advice on finding books on your topic: If you ‘re allowed in the stacks (where all the books that… Read More »
I have been asked in a comment on the previous post to list the textbooks for the courses this semester. 1. Research Procedures Required texts: Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. 7th ed. Revised by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph… Read More »