My name is Craig and I am a Biblical studies major originating from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 

I have an obsession with buying, selling, collecting, and reading books. Since my trip to Israel, I am highly interested in Judaism as a religious system. And, the musculature system of the human body intrigues me. I enjoy testing this interest by pumping iron in the weight room. There is no greater experience than “the pump” — the feeling of blood circulating through the human body and blasting your muscles to double their size. 

“I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life. To put to route all that was not life, and not when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
— Henry David Thoreau

February 13, 2009

Graduation

Dr. Williams speaking at Graduation

Craig10.JPG Shaking Dr. Williams' hand
Craig11.JPG Sam Matlack and I

Craig15.JPGMy Mom, Dad, Sister Amy, and Grandparents at Graduation

Craig14.JPGMr. Palladino and I

Craig16.JPGAnya and I

Craig21.JPGCelebration afterward- Matt and Anya joined us

Posted by Craig at 1:38 PM | | Comments (0)

December 3, 2008

A Renewed Perspective

As I have pondered the question concerning what I have learned at University over the past few weeks I have come to a slightly different conclusion than my last post. Perhaps, though, it is not an entirely different conclusion, but just a different perspective or view point of viewing the same matter. In my last post I was skeptical about whether or not I have learned anything at university. However, I am now convinced that I have learned a rather large sum of subjects, perspectives, and disciplines. I am no authority in any one particular discipline, but the goal of undergraduate studies is not to create authorities on subjects, but well rounded individuals who can think, reason, and question for themselves. However, these faculties are not the sole existence of the university. For, and I quote "Philadelphia Biblical University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character."
One of the goals of the University is to educate students to have a Biblical world view. I cannot say that this is something I would have been able to nurture on my own apart from godly teachers, mentors, and friends. To be Biblically minded is to have the mind of Christ. In order to have the mind of Christ we must first know Christ. In order to know Christ, we must be students and learners of His Word. PBU has not taught me everything, but it has taught me how to study the Word. Through the depths, struggles, classes, trials, temptations, and failures, God, through this institution has taught me my need for utter dependence upon His Word. In order to act as Christians, we must first know what it means to be a Christian. Studying at PBU has given me a much greater depth of what it means to think and act as a Christian.
Over my course of time here at PBU I have encountered a number of individuals who feel that University is a waste of time. Many have said, "What are we doing here studying and wasting our time when there is a world out there that needs saving?" I fear greatly for these individuals. I often think of the our Lord Jesus at these times. in comparison to the length of his life, he served the public in ministry for a relatively few amount of years (3). Would any of us dare say that Jesus' preparation for His ministry was a waste? No, and, neither is ours. I have said before that the college years are the most important years of an individuals life. Because, it is during these years that most of our opinions and beliefs concerning living and acting are formed. To be a student is to serve the highest calling of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
I would like to end by commending you, the student to continue in your studies. Perhaps you are just beginning or perhaps you are considering coming to PBU. The time is ripe for you to learn and grow tremendously. It is a shame that I am graduating this semester, because I realize that THIS IS THE TIME TO COME TO PBU. The transformation in the university over the past few years has been amazing to watch. I only wish that it was my turn to be entering. But it is not. However, it could be your turn. Redeem the time and opportunities that PBU has to offer you. You will never regret it.

I would like to end by posting one of my favorite Hymns

May the Mind of Christ My Savior

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

Posted by Craig at 9:08 AM | | Comments (0)

December 2, 2008

Eugene Peterson and the Message

I would like to encourage you to watch the following you tube video containing an interview with Eugene Peterson. Peterson is the author of The Message, Eat This Book, and Tell it Slant. He was a pastor for over thirty years. In this interview he talks about ideas from Eat This Book as well as why he wrote The Message. I have heard a number of Christians ridicule him for The Message and its deviation from the original text. I do not think that those people are fully aware or educated about Peterson or his reasons for The Message. I hope you take the opportunity to watch the following clip. It is about 29 minutes long, but is certainly worth the time.

Posted by Craig at 5:40 AM | | Comments (0)