Friday, January 4, 2008

"It's all greek to me..."

As one would expect, the journey to a particular destination sometimes includes detours. As I mentioned in previous posts, I've been studying early church history and various apologetics to better understand the foundation of my beliefs. One of the themes I keep seeing presented by skeptics is that accuracy has been lost in translation from the original manuscripts to the modern english bible. Perhaps the only way to PERSONALLY settle this dispute in my mind would be to learn the original language.

Ironically, for quite some time, I have heard numerous preachers state "in the greek it means..." or "the word X is only used Y times and it always means..." during their messages. Having never really considered how such statements are researched, I have always assumed their correctness at face value and assumed this must have required significant study on the ministers part.

A little over two weeks ago I began researching various resources to learn greek. I've discovered a couple great items that have aided my learning process...

Biblegreekvpod is a free video podcast, available on iTunes, that offers short videos as introduction to various grammatical aspects of the language.

Teknia Software, along with the "Basics of Biblical Greek - Grammer" and Basics of Biblical Greek - Workbook" are great books to fill in the blanks not answered in the video podcasts.

Greek Bible Study is an online bible that uses the "Basics of Biblical Greek - Grammer" to create a graduated reader system for greek students. Very useful in testing your new skills.

3 comments:

Corky Alexander said...

Good for you. After two years of greek in college and four in Seminary, I must say I was greeked out. Good to know of your blog and honored to be linked.
A New friend,
Corky

The Prodigal Pig said...

I have enjoyed learning it so far. I can, however, see how one would get "greeked out." Especially when we have great tools like a Strongs Concordance.

:)

Corky Alexander said...

Would you post T. Tommy video to YouTube? If you start a TTT channel I can give you passwords, etc. I have a bunch of VHS to get on there too.