3 minute read
EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to our tenth issue of SIMUL, the journal of St. Paul Lutheran Seminary. This edition includes a number of insightful articles concerning our “other” neighbors, those we don’t usually identify as belonging to our Lutheran tradition. In this volume, David Breidenbach shares his experiences of being a missionary in war-torn Ukraine. Michael B. Duggi examines the creation of a new Lutheran seminary in India. Horacio Castillo explains how to teach Lutheran pastors in poverty-stricken Nicaragua, and Steve Cohen argues for the need to witness to an often ignored population: our Jewish neighbors.
Now as many of you already know, our Lutheran tradition lost a great mind late last year, the Rev. Dr. Carl E. Braaten. In tribute to his life and work, I have reviewed his semi-autobiographical book, My Ecumenical Journey: Ecumenical Experiences and Perspectives of an Evangelical Theologian, published by ALPB books.
This edition includes a number of insightful articles concerning our “other” neighbors, those we don’t usually identify as belonging to our Lutheran tradition.
What’s Ahead?
Upcoming Issues - Our Spring 2024 issue will discuss ministry to those suffering from mental illness, including Alzheimer’s disease, depression and PTSD.
SPLS now offers the Th.D. – We are excited to announce that St. Paul Lutheran Seminary is partnering with Kairos University in Sioux Falls, SD to establish an accredited Doctorate in Theology (Th.D.). The Th.D. is a research degree, preparing candidates for deep theological reflection, discussion, writing, leadership in the church and service towards the community. The goal of the program is to develop leaders in the Lutheran church who are qualified to teach in institutions across the globe, to engage in theological and biblical research to further the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to respond with faithfulness to any calling within the church. Those who are accepted into and complete the program will receive all instruction from SPLS professors and will receive an accredited (ATS) degree from Kairos University.
The general area of study of the Th.D. program is in systematic theology. Specializations offered within the degree include, but are not limited to: Reformation studies, evangelical homiletics, and law and gospel dialectics. The sub-disciplines within the areas of specialization are dependent upon the interest of the student provided they have a qualified and approved mentor. Other general areas of study, such as biblical studies, will be forthcoming. For the full description of the program, go to https://semlc.org/academic-programs/ If you are interested in supporting our effort to produce faithful teachers of Christ’s church, contact Jon Jensen jjensen@semlc.org. All prospective student inquiries can be directed to Dr. Marney Fritts mfritts@semlc.org.
Giving - Please consider making a generous contribution to St. Paul Lutheran Seminary at: https://semlc.org/support-st-paul-lutheran-seminary/. I hope you enjoy this issue of SIMUL! If you have any questions about the journal or about St. Paul Lutheran Seminary, please shoot me an email at: dennisdimauro@yahoo.com
