When I went to Bible college, the approach to Greek was unapologetically
preaching-oriented. The first year, we learned paradigms and read John
1.1-18 and all of 1 John. We were taught to read with an analytical lexicon
in one hand and a Kubo in the other. (I still use Kubo, by the way, but I
burned my analytical lexicon).
The second year we read Colossians, but the primary focus was on
etymological word studies. We were encouraged to read with Rienecker in
hand, to use TDNT and NIDNTT *every* *day*. We weren't learning Greek at
all--we were learning "preacher Greek", where the reader is taught to look
under every conjunction and behind every particle for theological intent.
D. A. Carson's *Exegetical Fallacies* could have used several examples from
our classes.
There are right ways to learn second languages. I don't think I learned
Greek the right way. In fact, I don't feel like I ever really learned to
read Greek. I have a good enough memory (and I've been in church all my
life) to remember most of the English of the NT and fudge my way through the
Greek.
My question: assuming I someday teach Greek in a church-supported school,
where at least part of the focus is on producing pastors and other
ministers, how can I teach Greek in a way that avoids the handicaps I've
been fighting through? If I were to start teaching Greek 101 tomorrow, I
honestly don't know how I'd approach it.
PLStepp
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Pastor, DeSoto Christian Church, DeSoto TX
Ph.D. Candidate in Religion, Baylor University
#1 Cowboy Fan
Keeper of the Top-10, news://alt.fan.letterman
When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders
at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the
construction of the state, will be of no service.
They will become flatterers instead of legislators;
the instruments, not the guides, of the people.
--Edmund Burke
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