Notre Dame requires all students to take at least two theology courses before graduation. I pushed off these required classes as long as I could because I figured there was no way that I could keep pace with the other students who mostly attended Catholic private schools their whole lives.

The first theology course all students are required to take is an introductory class and I was blessed to have Nathan Eubank as my professor. At some point during most classes, he would write a Greek word on the board. These moments were probably the first time in my life that I even saw Greek words spelled out. The way Professor Eubank spoke about these individual words moved my heart and opened the scriptures, and my own faith, in a new way. 

A few semesters later, I took Introduction to the New Testament with Professor Eubank as that was required for all students pursuing a Theology supplementary major. The first assignment of that course was to memorize the Greek alphabet and it was worth 5% of our entire course grade. 5%!!!! For just memorizing an alphabet that is required by most sororities. 

Shortly after graduation I was recommended the book Naming the Powers by Walter Wink.  The book begins with defining Greek words such as Archē, Exousia, Dynamis, Thronos, Kyriotēs, Onoma, etc.  It was a fantastic book although I knew I couldn’t receive the full fruits of the work because I didn’t know the background Greek that the author was referencing.

It was around that time that I decided to make a committed effort to learn biblical Greek. I bought flashcards, a textbook, study guides, etc. Most days I watched a two minute clip breaking down one scripture verse produced by DailyDoseofGreek. Not only did these exercises fulfill my intellectual curiosity, but it also allowed me to pursue and express my religious vocation. 

I would not recommend the serious studying of the Biblical Greek language to every individual. A serious understanding of the Greek language is not required for reading and enjoying these reflection pieces and in no way do I profess to have a complete understanding of the Greek language myself. However, I truly believe that seeing a common word of our faith written in its original language may open up new avenues to connecting with Holy Scripture. Similar to what Professor Eubank, Walter Wink, and others have done for me, I hope that these reflections may provide spiritual fruit for those who enjoy Kevin’s Corner.