Classes... What I am Learning...

Goodmorning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening - GDay!

Second Blog in a month - you can say it, I am just smashing at this Bloggin deal. Lies - I know.

First, thanks for takin a read!

Australia still remains beautiful and grand but I'll share more of what I am learning and more detailed description of life here in Sydney.

Let us start with classes. Our required class on Australia is a lot of reading and critical thinking. The questions asked in response to our reading and the class discussions is where I am learning most. Just to mention one class session in particular, we were priviledged to have a member from Parliament teach our class. He did a really great job explaining the history and government of Australia. It was really interesting to the learn some of the differences between America and Australia's founding stories and the structure of each government. It would be quite a task but it would be most interesting to learn the story of every country. To hear from natives how their country's government system works, and it's strengths and weaknesses is such an enlightening experience. We can read about government in other countries but it is so much more understandable while being present. It's encouraging to be in another country where things (I'm using a very broad word intentionally) are different but things work just as well or better. I am reminded also though, government and it's ways are fallen everywhere. The ways of American politics are often put down (understandably so in some cases) but other systems fall short as well. I hope this does not stir harsh thoughts or come off as I am making blanket ignorant statements or something horrible. I'd love to go deeper but I think one on one discussions are better for that. I wrote this meaning to bring about fruitful discussion and/or intrigue.

Onward to another class. I have a class titled "Urban Ministry". This class counts as a Sociology internship in the US. I will spend sixty five hours in a church called Newtown Mission Church (http://www.newtownmission.org.au/). Take a peek! I work with the Compassion Pastor, Pastor Brian - which is definetly the best title I have ever heard a church give a position. You will probably hear a significant amount about this experience! I will journal and set goals each week in order to complete this class.

I have two other classes - both with Grenvil Kent. He shares so many stories, loves his family, and has a wealth of knowledge I only dream of having. Grenvil spills over with information, is so willing to learn from his students and is passionate about what he teaches and it shows in how he teaches and how he spends his time pursuing the subjects outside of class. The two classes are titled Faith and the Christian Artist and Old Testament Covenants. Faith and the Christian Artist leads us through being an Artist, appreciating art, and seeing the vital role of arts and culture as a Christian. Truly though, that sentence does not give justice to the class. Each week we have art of some sort to appreciate and take in and then engage in intense discussion. In some of the past classes we have gone through Queen's entire album, talked through Paris Hilton's most recent book, and our last class we discussed the life of Porn Star Jenna Jameson. We talk about the meanings behind lyrics, their lives, what redemption looks like in the lives of the artists, and where Christ seemed apparent to us but why not them? It's refreshing to rip the divide between "secular" and "sacred". It might be one of my passions, no it is.

I truly love all of my classes, my teachers, what I am learning, the discussions and much more. I must admit though, Old Testament Covenants is a class that has my heart! I am learning so much. I am reading, outlining, and writing a review on a book titled, "The God of Covenant: Biblical, Theological, and Contemporary Perspectives" by Jamie Grant and Alistair Wilson. Through the Ocean City Beach project I was encouraged to read the Bible as a Metanarrative - Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consumation. We discussed reading the Bible through a Covenental perspective. I am not real sure that it clicked that summer. I was mostly enveloped in learning about the Redemption of the Heavens AND the Earth. This class examines Covenants in the OT and how the theme of Covenant is running through the entire Bible. The Covenant with the Israelites is not a distant, foriegn covenant that does not relate to us and or the NT. The Covenant with the Israelites and the responsibility of the Israelites is so much more closely tied than I have known. Knowing these couple details transforms the OT for me. I could go into much greater detail with the help of my notes because I am not as wonderful at regurgitating information as I'd like. I do truly understand the class though and feel a whole new passion. This class has helped me to love the OT and reading it more than I ever have.

I think I will close this Blog for a number of reasons. I really want to give credit to my classes. This experience is enriching because of the opportunity to study in another country, to study without also having to work a job, and in particular to study the subjects mentioned above. I will write again so soon, maybe even later. I also wanted to get some words out to those of you reading my Blog faithfully. I would love to hear responses, questions, and well just from you in general.

So much more to come. I am so blessed by this opportunity. I hope reading this is enlightening, encouraging, and enriching - because I hope that's what I am to you! :)
Much love.