It seems like an age since I last sat down to write a post from scratch. I have several ideas for a series on the Gospels, more specifically the Gospel of John, that I will put together in the summer term (April-June) when I have no lectures, and will need the odd break from revision (let’s pray the optimistic attitude continues!).
Last night I had the joy of hosting two friends, Jonny and Tim Vaine, during their visit to the lovely Exeter. Their band—Last Child Dancing—were down to play a two-hour set at the Bike-shed Theatre in town. They didn’t disappoint!
I always wonder whether I am biased when it comes to my friends talent’s, after all you want to be supportive of the ones you love. However, in this case I must admit that there is no bias involved. LCD are a band that all can appreciate. They create a unique sound, combining hip-hop, folk and rock, unlike any I have ever heard. (Go to http://lastchilddancing.co.uk/music/ and check out previews of their tunes, then buy on purchase on itunes). Anyway, enough advertising (of the unpaid variety). The two hours seemed to fly by. The “shed” was definitely rocked out!
After recovering from a late night, the boys headed back to Winchester and left me to get on with some work. I am currently in the process of writing an essay on the portrait that John gives us of Jesus in his Gospel, writing an exegesis of Mark 1:1-8 (on the Greek text), whilst also preparing for an up and coming Greek translation exercise. Panic mode should have set in by now, unfortunately it hasn’t!
John’s Gospel is fascinating. It’s interesting to see, in contrast to the synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew and Luke), how John portrayed Jesus. He is the only author to put emphasis on Jesus being the divine logos (word), he puts massive emphasis (more so than any other Gospel writer) on Jesus being the son of God and there is even more importance stressed on Jesus being the fulfilment of Israel’s faith and history. Hopefully, if all goes to plan, I will be able to share my findings in a couple of months time.
And finally. What would a post from me be without some criticism of England’s performance on the rugby field? To be fair to them, I wasn’t appalled (like usual) with their showing against Wales this afternoon. They are a relatively young and inexperienced side who, in my opinion, put up a great fight against a Wales side who could and probably should win the campaign, if not the grand-slam.
Owen Farrell put in a good performance, he is definitely one to watch for the future, as well as Wales’ skipper Sam Warburton. I hate to admit it, but for a man who shares his name with a bread making company, he certainly is turning out to be one of the world’s best back rowers.
So, thus (did I really just say thus?!) concludes a somewhat interesting (well, for me at least) 24 hours! Until next time…
