Interview: John Frame on going to seminary

Ryan Burns and Jake Belder of goingtoseminary.com interviewed Dr. John Frame on the benefits and limitations of going to seminary. Dr. Frame also discusses a couple of interesting pamphlets concerning the case for seminary training and another pamphlet proposing for a revamping of the didactic structures of traditional seminary training. If you are contemplating the thought of going to seminary sometime in the future or just starting seminary this interview will definitely be worth your time. Dr. Frame also gives a little taste of his skillz on the keys at the end of the interview.

Ryan Burns:

Jake and I had the opportunity the other day to sit down with Dr. John Frame of Reformed Theological Seminary – Orlando (RTS-O) and ask him several questions related to his writings and experience in the seminary environment. The interview revolved around two writings of Dr. Frame that I believe to be “must reads” for those in seminary or those thinking about it.

The first is a pamphlet Dr. Frame wrote at the request of the RTS-O admission department called, Learning at Jesus’ Feet: a Case for Seminary Training (free online). This is a phenomenal read for those thinking about attending seminary as it address many of the questions that are probably going through your head.

The second document is much older than the pamphlet. Written in 1972, Proposal for a New Seminary is an amazing work where Frame discusses the current seminary structure and suggests that there might be a better way. Since the original publishing date, Frame has added two postscripts to show how his thoughts have developed in relation to the original piece. This is a great read for all seminarians and some really good food for thought and discussion.

What does evangelicalism look like today in America?

Some Helpful Advice for Learning Hebrew

Biblical languages are incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun once you endure setting down a reasonable foundation for yourself such as keeping up with vocab and memorizing paradigms at the very least. Charles Hilton has provided some advice on learning and keeping up with your Hebrew.

Charles Hilton:

I prepared a one-page guide that I pass out to my first semester biblical Hebrew classes entitled “How to Learn Hebrew.” A friend of mine suggested that I make it available on the blog, so here it is. If it is helpful to you feel free to use it or adapt it.

How to Learn Hebrew.pdf

Update: Tim Bulkeley pointed me to a very helpful and free electronic resource for learning biblical Hebrew vocabulary.

John Piper on Spectacular Sins

Crossway:

John Piper’s latest book, Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ, was published last month. This book offers a penetrating look at what God wants us to know about his sovereignty and Christ’s supremacy in light of sin and tragedy. Spectacular Sins will bolster your trust in the utter sovereignty of God and strengthen your confidence, preparing you for the inevitable trials to come.

You can now download a 40 minute interview with John Piper on Spectacular Sins.

In this interview, Dr. Piper explains why he dedicated the book to Joseph, what he means when he says that “wimpy worldviews make wimpy Christians”, why God allows Satan to live if he’s completely sovereign, and more.

Ways to Grow in Your Theological Development for the Busy Church Planter

Michael Mckinley:

On Tuesday, Mark Dever, Michael Lawrence, and I spoke to a group of church planters at the invitation of the SBC’s Embrace Baltimore initiative. The theme of the day was the role that theology and theological development plays in the life of a church planter, and Michael gave some very helpful advice on how busy church planters can work theological development into their schedules.

9 Ways to Continue Theological Development When Time Is Tight