love9400 Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 I'm 79, former RC Benedictine monk, RC priest (monk from '52 to '69, priest from '58 to '69). Went into banking upon departing the priesthood, did that for 18 years, then wrote novels for a while (Got 4 published--whodunits), then--20 years ago--decided to devote myself to the life of the mind, studying whatever comes across my plate. For a few years, back in the '90s, I studied the New Testament--deeply. I was lucky enough to have majored in Latin & Greek classics, so had enough knowledge of Greek to be able to read the NT in the original language. Of course, I didn't go into this study cold, having had beaucoup courses in scripture during my seminary training, but this was study on a much deeper level than what I engaged in, during the seminary years. I was also, at the same time, reading lots of NT commmentary by the "experts". As it happens, Bishop Spong was NOT one of the authorities I read at the time, but I think he'd have approved of my choice of "advisers": Ray Brown, Jerome Murphy-O'Connor, Jim Charlesworth, & a bunch of others on whose names I'm unfortunately drawing a blank. (Did I mention I'm 79 years old?) I formed some ideas on what the NT is all about, & having now read some of Dr.Spong's books, I can say we're pretty much in sync. For the past 10 or 12 years, my interests have run more toward the scientific--Steven Pinker & his ilk now being my favorite line of study. But I retain my intense interest in the NT. Some of my atheist scientific buddies cannot understand how ANY wisdom could possibly come out of studying folks who lived before the scientific revolution, & I respect their viewpoint, but I think they're being a bit shortsighted. -Bill Love Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosephM Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Hi Bill, That's quite a background. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to what sounds like may be some interesting takes on topics of discussion here. Again welcome, Joseph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glintofpewter Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 We're honored by your presence Dutch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soma Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Bill saluations to Divinity within you and your strength and courage to follow it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterkatamari Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Welcome! You certainly sound like you have a great pool of experience and knowledge to draw from. I really look forward to your posts and discussions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeW Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Bill, Welcome. I very much look forward to your contributions to our discussions. You mention being a Pinker fan. Have you read his latest, The Better Angels of Our Nature? I am in the middle of it now and enjoying it a great deal. George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenellYB Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Sounds like you have a lot to offer toward enhancing discussion within this community here! Welcome! Jenell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Welcome Bill. It sounds like you have many interesting things to bring to the forum. May God bless you and I am pleased to have you join us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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