[B-Greek] Greek for laymen

Joseph Weaks j.weaks at tcu.edu
Mon Mar 8 11:28:37 EST 2004


I think we're overlooking the reality of learning when we 
(understandably) take the hard line on doing a little Greek. I can tell 
you that 90% of the students in the Greek class, 1st and second 
semester, in the seminary where I was TA for many years (and now will 
teach in the Fall) end up a year later looking exactly like these 
descriptions of "layfolk" in terms of Greek competency. We can pine all 
we like, but most ministers will not take the time to keep up a regular 
discipline of Greek reading. So, should we eliminate Greek (and Hebrew) 
from our seminary offerings? MH GENOITO.

The vast majority of seminary students who do a Greek component let the 
skills fall by the wayside, get rusty. How many old sets of Kittel sit 
upon clergy bookshelves, uncracked since 2 years out of seminary? But 
even after atrophy of their Greek muscles, their Greek courses have 
still "expanded their horizons", offered an ever-important appreciation 
for "the broader dimensions of Biblical literature as a phenomenon of 
human culture as well as of profound inspiration," and given them "a 
feel for Biblical Greek" with the possibility of  "a view into a 
fascinating vista for lifetime exploration."

I suggest that even a ridiculously inadequate 3 session intro to Greek 
in the congregational setting can still be beneficial for a set of 
reasonable goals, and should not be shunned less we open up Pandora's 
box. If the result is "knowing enough Greek to be dangerous" then fault 
lies with the teacher, or the naivety of the student. As an instructor, 
this should simply be compensated for by having "lots of illustrations 
of goof ups (AGAPAW and PHILEW, etc)" coupled with constant doses of 
"humility."

I just passed my Ph.D. Greek exam, where I translated at sight GNT, LXX 
and other koine material (they asked for bits from Mark, Revelation, 
1Cor, Esther, Nehemiah, and Lucian's Demonax), but I still have a LONG 
way to go.  If I am unable to increase my competency (unlikely), it was 
not all for a loss now.

Medial Greek,
Joe Weaks




More information about the B-Greek mailing list