Sunday, 10 September 2006

"How did You DO that?!"

This is just plain weird, and yet unbelievably cool at the same time. On the approach to this year, I came loaded with questions, concerns, and the list goes on. However, I think I'm starting to find some answers thanks to one my course in the Religion Dept. (yes, really), the Bible Studs, and a seemingly-random AIM conversation with Ben.

I've wondered about this for awhile, so it's old news: what do I want to teach? I used to think high school, but with an uncertain rating from Mr. DeBoer and yet another pair of methods classes, I'm not sure. College or university level is starting to sound more like my thing-give me some students that actually CARE, okay? Okay, so maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but I'm still wondering about teaching higher education.

Hope College requires every student to take at least two classes in the Religion Department, one at the 100 level and one at the 200 level. I thought it was time to clear another requirement this semester, so I'm taking Religion 220, which is Introduction to Biblical Literature. I honestly selected it because it fit my schedule, sounds like a class I wouldn't completely hate, and wouldn't brainwash me. In my section, we're focusing on Paul's writings.

With Ben graduating, that left the Bible Studs in limbo. However, after some prayer and conversation with Nate, Brandon, and Pete, we're carrying on with a four-way-led Bible Study this year-praise God! We kicked around some topics and ultimately decided on Paul's epistle to the Romans. *Gulp* Isn't that one of the most challenging of the epistles to study and understand?

Well, in preparing the first lesson in Romans, I discovered some things about myself. Nate led the discussion last week, and he uses a style that is EXCELLENT, but a lot different from mine. In preparing the lesson, I feel like I'm approaching this like a scholar. Yup, I pulled out some resources I have from Bib Lit for my planning. When I finished, Ben was online so I thought I'd talk to him for just a minute. Below is a fragment which led me to realize how all this seemingly unrelated stuff is related.

Tyler: this honestly wasn't too bad, but i'm starting to feel like i need to teach at a college-i've turned into a hardcore academic
Tyler: in putting together a study for romans 1, i bounced all around the old and new testament for references, i consulted a book we're using in bib lit, and some handouts my prof gave me
Ben: Nice
Tyler: God's timing is ironic-the first semester i'm helping co-lead the bible studs, we select romans as our topic, and i take intro to bib lit, where we focus on pauline literature
Ben: There you go
Ben: Sounds perfect to me
Tyler: it's one of those things where you suddenly put it all together, look straight up to the heavens and say to God, "Wow... how did You do that?!"
Ben: Haha
Ben: Nice

Teaching college (maybe)... taking a class focusing on Paul's writings, planning a Bible study in Romans and saying to yourself, "You're acting like a professor!" and realizing God brilliantly put it all together Himself.

Wow God... how DID you do that?!

Currently Listening Bach: Mass in B minor / McNair, Ziegler, Simpson, Aler, Stone, Paul; Shaw Gloria see related