An Enjoyable Theological Commentary

Recently, I have been reading Herman Ridderbos' theological commentary on John's Gospel. I would highly recommend it to my fellow classmates and other advanced theological students. Ridderbos taught for years at the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands in Kampen (NT department). The book is certainly scholarly and focused upon the meaning/message of John's Gospel. Thus, less time is spent on text, source, and compositional critical issues in exchange for a more theologically driven pursuit.

I have enjoyed it so far. Perhaps I have given him some benefit of the doubt on some matters based upon my appreciation of his other work I read entitled, "Redemptive History and the New Testament Scriptures", another book that I would recommend on Canon and its theological significance. Anyway, perhaps you will find this tid-bit interesting, if not, well then, click on something else for now.

Why Seminary or Even Studies at All?

Ahhhhh...Blogging. Well I am trying to return back from my work and homework schedule of the summer months it has been hecktick to say the least. But I have returned with something on my mind. Oh yea, something has actually been on my mind and I am READY to say it (as if you care, right).

Anyway, I find myself thinking again and again about how it is that EVERYONE is an expert in theology/Bible? I mean it is baffling to me as to why churches demand that men who desire the office of a Bishop spend some difficult time and money to go and STUDY the Bible? I mean, it was not so much a mystery to me until I began to actually do it. Ya know, go to a Bible College graduate and then move to a Seminary to further study the text of Scripture under difficult circumstances and so on and so forth. Now I am into my fourth (and final) year of Seminary and I learning that nearly everyone who does not go to seminary or perhaps even Bible college is convinced that they understand, perceive, discern, and perhaps even know just as much if not more than I ( and other seminary/theological students).

I know this because biblical conversations over somewhat "controversial" subjects (calvinism, liberty issues, service types etc.) usually end up having a layperson say, "well, I think", or "It seems to me", or better yet he says, "That's not true". I mean, why do many churches insist upon having men go to seminary for TRAINNING if in the end every Tom, Dick and Harry know just as much, or even more than the Pastor? See what I am saying? What is the point of extended study for a pastor from a lay person's perspective if he already thinks he understands the issues better, is more discerning or even knows just as much as his Pastor or those studying to become Pastors?

Please do not misunderstand I am not saying that only the "professionals" can understand the Bible. However, I am arguing that they do know more than the average congregant. We demand this of them! Right? I mean, they study it more than the average trade worker, golfer, engineer etc. Right? They have been called to and have spend time daily working and laboring at their task. So I ask you why is there so much resistance and posturing when it comes to learning from men who honestly love God and want to continue his work in the body of Christ?



I know that I need to clarify some of my thoughts. I look forward to your responses. Perhaps I have ranted without context? Do you feel me?