The New England School of Theology was established in 2010 when a group of seminary trained teachers and scholars came together to form a school to serve the Southern New England region. We are united in our vision for encouraging a vital, living orthodoxy and a biblically based faith.
Veritas Newsletter Summer 2010
June 30, 2010
Hello Friends of The New England School of Theology:
I am pleased to announce the startup of our new school here in Fairfield. I am grateful first to God for the outpouring of support during our efforts these past few months. We have assembled a qualified team of individuals with years of experience as teachers, administrators and founders of seminaries. Among the other numerous activities, we have hammered out an orthodox doctrinal statement, and composed a syllabus for our upcoming apologetics course in the fall (2010), all posted at our website www.nestheology.org .
We are poised to launch our school featuring five seminary trained faculty who have earned degrees from institutions like Gordon-Conwell Seminary, Johns Hopkins University, Liberty University, Seminary of the East, Prairie Bible College and Luther Rice Seminary. Our faculty also boasts formal training in philosophy, mathematics and the natural sciences, which help to broaden considerations of the world around us.
We are committed to assisting our students grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by supplying affordable, excellent, seminary-level instruction. Our doors are open to all who might come and are willing to accept the challenge of rigorous academic instruction. The value of this service is multi-fold as students coming from a variety of different backgrounds can supplement their education to better serve as missionaries, pastors, Bible teachers, evangelists, or witnesses to the community.
It is certainly my hope – as it is with all those involved with the school – that you will consider joining us as we promote glorifying our Lord with all of our hearts and minds. We welcome your phone calls, e-mails and frequent inspection of our website to learn more about our apologetics course as the fall approaches. We will be studying topics such as the existence of God, origins of evil, science and the Bible, and Bible reliability. This course will be offered at Trinity Church at 300 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT.
One of our efforts to reach our friends is through our newsletter Veritas which is included with this note. Our hope with the newsletter is to inform and comment upon current events and solicit opinion from our readers. We feel that this venue will permit a space for interested individuals to address local and global concerns. It is not at all our position that we have “all the answers” but rather humbly offer a virtual forum for opinions from a Christian perspective and allow open discussion. We invite concise comment and opinion in the context of the articles offered. Additionally, we solicit requests for other desired topics. We have also constructed a blog, where biblically based opinion will be posted for all to consider and respond.
In this issue of Veritas…
- We begin with a bit of a squabble of a most alien nature where celebrated scientist Stephan Hawking and NASA disagree on the threat of alien invasion. Hawking is not coy on the matter but flatly warns that contacting other intelligent races may provoke hostile reaction. But his concerns, according to the space agency, may be an overreaction. Behind the discussion lies the assumption that multiple civilizations have evolved over billions of years and now belligerent space-born civilizations prowl the universe seeking to consume materially rich planets. Believing scientists have not been quiet on the matter of alien life and respond with significant questions about these assumptions.
- The National Day of Prayer (NDP) also recently passed, with what has become an increasingly vocal opposition. This time U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb (nominated by Jimmy Carter, 1979) made a ruling stating it is “an inherently religious exercise that serves no secular function.” The NDP designation (36 U.S.C. § 119) calls for the nation “to turn to God in prayer and meditation,” in keeping with a tradition stretching back to beginnings of the country. Defenders of the NDP have come forward citing its historical and constitutional moorings.
- More locally, it appears that voodoo practices are vexing law enforcement. The discovery of animal body parts near a sacrificial alter, in Bridgeport’s Beardsley Park, has triggered an investigation. The clues uncovered so far have suggested the practice of Santeria, a syncretistic (mixed) religion from the Caribbean combining elements of Roman Catholicism and African native beliefs. A Haitian Pastor from Bridgeport shares some of his boyhood experiences with those practicing Santeria and offers a biblical warning.
- Lastly, the changing of the season was observed by pagans on a beautiful day in early May. During the first weekend of May, a Celtic celebration known as Beltaine brought a gathering of witches and neo-pagans. Dance, tarot card reading, and palm reading were among the day’s agenda. We take a brief but closer look at Beltaine, the witch manifesto, and comments from a former witch.
It is our hope that our spotlighted items are of interest to our readers, helping to cultivate a knowledge and heart for the challenges facing the believing community. Again, if you have comments, thoughts and questions please do send them to us at john.demassa@nestheology.org for possible inclusion in a future newsletter. Please also send suggestions for other articles.
I close the letter with a hope and prayer that you will continue to support our school and most importantly ask you to pray for us as together we “get the word out.” The biblical mandate to make disciples (that is learners) is clear and it is our hope that the New England School of Theology can be part of your life-long learning and growth process in the Lord as we co-labor to satisfy this commandment. If you have any questions about becoming involved with the school as a student or supporter, or if you have questions about the school, please do not hesitate to call me directly.
God bless you,
Dr. John M. DeMassa
President, The New England School of Theology
Website: nestheology.org
E-mail: john.demassa@nestheology.org
PH: 203-554-0850
