Yesterday was a short day for class. We finished after lunch. We went to the newish Orthodox congregation on the south part of Akademgorodok to purchase icons. On the way, we passed the bust of the founder of Akademgorodok.
He’s quite a good looking guy, don’t you think? Akademgorodok is unique as the many institutes of study here were established before the university. Typically the advanced institutes were created after the university, following its offerings.
Concordia Seminary is now part of the iTunes Store. There is quite a bit of good content to watch and listen to, including many sermons and lay-level (Bible class) coursework. Simply open iTunes on your Mac/PC and go to the iTunes Store on the left. In the iTunes store, click on iTunesU and Concordia Seminary will be listed on the left.
All the content is free and worth the effort. The Two Kingdoms program and the Lay Institute classes are notable. Enjoy.
On Tuesday evening we attended the ballet of Novosibirsk. The company was formed in 1945 during the blockade of St. Petersburg. The ballet company there was evacuated to Novosibirsk. After the blockade ended, many remained here and formed a new company. It is not quite the Bolshoi but its considering one step back. Neither Anne nor I have ever attended a professional ballet. Our ability to criticize is limited. But more on that later.
I wasn’t going to write a post today but I’ve gotten quite a few email with requests for specific information. I will try to address them completely and briefly.
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Buy a Mac. Do not hesitate. Break away from bondage of PCs. If you’re not convinced, the following is an contemporary apology for Macs.
Why most people should buy a Mac | APC Magazine:
Of course, there’s still the lingering chestnut that Macs are still too expensive. My tip to ordinary computer users is not to take the advice from your geek friend who builds his own computer in the back room — yes, dear APC reader, I’m sort of talking about you.
But don’t be offended. I’m trying to save you time in tech support.Unfortunately, the ordinary computer user doesn’t realise that it’s necessary to be connected to the net to download virus updates; has no idea of the importance of running Windows Update and doesn’t know what the guy from Symantec is on about when they ring to say the subscription’s expired.
One of the nights last week we had the single guys over for stir-fry, wine and beer, and treats. One of our classmates got lost in the woods (so we thought) and the party got off to a late start. We had a great time and I kept the party going late with a heated ethics discussion with another classmate. Go figure!
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There is not much to report here. We’ve been continuing our course with a routine of waking, sleeping, and eating. This class continues to be interesting, and I hope once we lay the groundwork we will get more interaction with our two cultures. One of the differences is the vacuum left from the Soviet era. In their own words, in this vacuum they are adopting modernity wholesale. This has been nowhere more evident than with technology. Cell phone usage is at least as heavy in the States and probably more so. Our car has navigation system. The Seminary has high-speed internet. What was an isolated, distant land has become as modern, connected land. Interesting though that our Russian classmates lament this swallowing of modernity. What they recognize is that the modernity isn’t just technology but it is an ideology. Critical use of modernity is a fallacy in their opinion. Adopting in part ultimately results in gulping the whole pill.
The second day of the class is complete. As with yesterday, the interaction of theological ethics and the American and Russian students is fascinating. Our professor asked the class if there were discussions after the collapse of the USSR in regards to abortion. They said the Soviets legalized abortion in the 1950’s in reaction to the number of occurring underground. When the USSR fell, the persisted with the status quo. Its not off the radar map but there has not been a Christian ethic for over half a century nor the opportunity for change. One of the deaconesses helps operate a crisis pregnancy center but discussions are definitely not widespread. Contrast this to America where it is on the front burner in political bantering.
I’ve had my notes from the Holy Ministry class given from Dr. Nagel sitting idle for weeks. It was a great opportunity, and the effect of its content has been pervasive in my consequent thought. There are so many gifts to share from the thirty hours of class. Thankfully I do not have to complete the required reading or coursework. Unfortunately, I accepted a challenge given in the course. I’m still working on developing the content, but the future paper’s conclusion is perhaps earthshaking for Lutherans. Nah, not really but I had you going for a bit!
We slept in late until 2:30 p.m. local time (2:30 a.m. Chicago time.) We went to the grocery store and picked up enough groceries for the four of us in the flat. We spent 880 rubles (about $34). Very european. Breads, crackers, cheese, sausage, keifer, etc. We sat around talking and then were picked up for pizza and orientation.
