Mondays with Marty

In this week's installment from Off the Record with Martin Luther, Luther explains the labor of love that is writing:

"6438. On Jun 10, 1545, Doctor Martin Luther wrote a thesis for a doctoral disputation, and was extremely exhausted. It was late when he finally rested and he said: I have had more than enough to do today, would like to have done much more and written two books, one in Latin, and one in German. I am weak. Come, Lord, and set me free! Those who know nothing about writing think there is no work to it. Only three fingers are used, but the entire body is worn out. It is a noble work, worthy of praise, for those who do it correctly." (p. 171).

DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.

Mondays with Marty

In this week's installment from Off the Record with Martin Luther, Luther gives advise to those who want to study theology:

"2146. He who wants to study theology and accomplish something is a fool, and will not become a theologian. The highest art of a future theologian is that he very carefully differentiates between the cleverness of reason and the Word; that is the wisdom of God. For those who confuse the two get heaven and earth mixed up." (p. 216).

DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.

Keeping Your Greek

This is the time of the year when Greek students are wrapping up the semester and looking forward to their summer break. For some it means the end of their formal Greek study, while for others merely a three month pause until they resume in the Fall. Other readers of this blog are actively involved in ministry and are years removed from their Greek studies. Regardless of which one of these situations describes you, Constantine Campbell has written a book for you. The title says it all: Keep Your Greek: Strategies for Busy People. Based on a series of blogposts, Campbell provides equal parts motivation and tips to equip you to fight the good fight of language retention, all in less than 100 pages.
After a brief introduction, Campbell offers the following ten tips, each with its own brief chapter:

1. Read Every Day
2. Burn Your Interlinear
3. Use Software Tools Wisely
4. Make Vocabulary Your Friend
5. Practice Your Parsing
6. Read Fast
7. Read Slow
8. Use Your Senses
9. Get Your Greek Back
10. Putting It All Together

The book then concludes with an Appendix for current Greek students entitled "Getting It Right the First Time."
In my estimation this is now the go-to resource to help students think through practical ways they can keep their Greek fresh.

Mondays with Marty

In this week's installment from Off the Record with Martin Luther, Luther comforts those tormented by doubt and uncertainty:

"114. 'My Dear Brother, do not be surprised that the devil tortures you so, Christ said, 'If you were of the world, then the world would not hate you. But because you are not of the world, etc. [John 15:19].' You may take your doubt and torment as a sign that you are a child of God. That is why Satan torments you, throws you into doubt, and makes you his son." (p. 309).

DISCLAIMER: The views reflected in this quote do not necessarily reflect those of the author of this blog. This quote is shared in the interest of edification, education, and/or humor.