so it begins.

i started seminary today at colgate rochester crozer divinity school.  crazy.  i don't think the reality of my choice to go into ministry has totally sunk in yet.  i get so wrapped up in the administrative details of what i'm doing that sometimes i forget why i'm doing it.  to put it simply, i want to help people.  i want to make a difference.  i want to be/do something that i can be proud of.

my first class was early church history.  i'm not going to go into all the details of the class, but my first impression was how tough the early church had it.  they were persecuted like nothing we can imagine and they stuck with it.  they held it together through crucifixions, burnings, drownings... you name it.  that's impressive to me, regardless of how i feel about christianity in general.  the early christian church was hardcore.  that kind of devotion is lost on most of us now, probably because we don't have to face it.  americans don't find themselves facing the barrel of a gun for their religious beliefs, thankfully.  but it certainly makes people certain about their convictions.  i doubt i'll ever have to face that kind of situation but i wonder how i would react if i did.  would i really stand up for the convictions that i say i hold dear?  how would you react?

i'm off to my old testament class taught by the famous dr. brummitt.  i'm really excited for this one.  i'll be giving a bit of my history in my next post.  till then... blessings.