Would you care to help or comment please?

[Dr Denis O'Callaghan]

Gentle readers,

In January 2011 Scripture Institute will be 10 years old. We have moved from a small organization with little ambition to a grand group of fellow believers, brothers and sisters from around the country and around the world, whose only connection with each other is the love of the Lord and His most sacred word. I in turn will celebrate 40 years in the ministry. We feel that as our goal has been and always will be to "Know Him" and to make Him known, and as we have reached out beyond our boarders, we now need to move forward even further.

Our writings have been about what we were interested in at the time. For example

Dr. Ron McRay has been writing on Eschatology:

The branch of theology that is concerned with the end of the world or of humankind.

A belief or a doctrine concerning the ultimate or final things, such as death, the destiny of humanity, the Second Coming, and/or the Last Judgment.

While Dr. Jerry Bernard, since his retirement, has focused on the Historical Critical approach of the Bible. At the heart of the approach is the historical question (hence its name) of what Biblical writings meant in their original context.

Rabbi Del and Rebbitzin Rifkah Karlman our Hebrew Scholars provide the perfect background for a better understanding of the Hebrew mind with their faithful ongoing teaching through the entire Tanakh (Jewish Bible)

Dr. Donna Dixon, evangelist, teacher, psalmist, and continuing Hebrew/Christian scholar continues to astonish us with her indefatigable energy.

I manage as a Pauline Scholar teaching in the areas of Hermeneutics (Principles of Biblical Research and Interpretation) History, Linguistics, teaching and research in the fields of Church History/Historical Theology, New Testament Exegesis and Theology, Old Testament Exegesis and Theology, and Systematic Theology with a side of Irish humor for those less inclined to serious study. I also currently mentor doctoral candidates from various universities.

In a recent conversation with Dr. Bernard, I was informed that Scripture Research was considering a school and that we might be called to help in some way. We have never charged for our studies however the thought of a school is daunting. There are several approaches that could be considered and we would ask for your insights.

1) Continue to write on the areas of our interest On Line- at no cost-in a non formal setting.

2) Provide a formal setting (courses, requirements, class goals, etc.) at no cost On Line.

3) Provide a formal setting (courses, requirements, class goals, etc.) at a nominal cost for books etc.

4) Provide Formal Course work e.g. Introduction to Old Testament/New Testament, Pauline theology, Hermeneutics, etc. on DVD’s at a small cost for production and expenses.

5) Have a formal campus similar to that which we have in abundance throughout this country.

These are just some ideas that I have considered as an approach to sharing the wisdom that God has allowed each of us. There are I am sure mny others who would possibly be involved or might want to contribute their input in some fashion.

How about helping Scripture Research but giving them your feed back as to which of these ideas might be better as a long term goal. At this point Dr. Bernard ( V. P. and Director of Instruction for Scripture Research and board member for Scripture Institute) would like your thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks in advance,

Denis