[B-Greek] Sunday School Class Advice?

North Dude northdude7 at yahoo.com
Fri Oct 6 00:17:03 EDT 2006


I have been attempting to teach some Greek to my college-age bracket Sunday school class at church.  My goals are pretty simple: Initially, I want them to learn the alphabet, a consistent pronunciation system, and a few dozen high-frequency words (including some common N.T. scriptures).  As time goes on, I can delve more into the grammar.  But my main goal is to take some of the mystique or "foreign-ness" out of approaching Greek, to have them able to competently use literate Bible study materials, and to have them not feel intimidated when dealing with those who challenge their faith on the basis of what "the Greek" supposedly says.  I also want to lay the groundwork so that if some of my students wish to continue their studies on a more intensive basis, many of the initial hurtles and barriers will have been cleared away.  

Do any of you have any advice to offer?  What materials would you recommend that would support this (things that could be enjoyed by people who are possibly not so "nerdy" as I am).  I have chosen to present Byzantine pronunciation instead of "seminary" Greek pronunciation...sorry, but "haw law-gaws" just sticks in my throat, as does "ah-pah-stah-lahs"... yet modern Greek pronunciation seems to be so replete with letters and blends that sound the same that I think it would be hard to learn to spell...any comments, experiences, or advice in this area?

Some of the kids are "grammar-phobic", too, and wouldn't know a predicate nominative from a direct object (in English), despite having graduated from high school and having gone to college (for some of them).  I only meet with them once per week for class...and I don't want to turn every Sunday into a language marathon.  What do you think would be the best approach?

Troy Fullerton
Pauls Valley, OK




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