New Directions

Hello and greetings to my friends out there in the universe, whoever and wherever you are.

I have decided to make some serious changes to my online presence. Until recently, I have engaged in discussions about the Hebrew language and also about the Greek New Testament from a mildly religious perspective. Included in this was the hosting of forums online for people of various religions to discuss and learn about the Bible and its languages. First, there was JHR Online, which was more centered in the religious discussion, and then lately there has been the Hebrew Café, which has focused more seriously on both Hebrew and Greek.

Basically, I have decided to leave behind the religious side of things and take on all of my discussion of the Bible (which really is the top of my interests) from a secular perspective. I'd like to discuss the things that have brought me out of religion. I consider myself datlash (דַּתְלָ״שׁ), a Hebrew acronym meaning "formerly religious" (דָּתִי לְשֶׁעָבַר dati l'she'avar), even though I never maintained a level of observance that would count for "religious" (that is, "frum") in Orthodox groups.

I'll reveal more of my personal journey over time as it comes up in my posts, but for now I'll give the basics:

• I grew up in a Christian home and believed in the Bible and in Jesus from a young age.
• I visited several types of churches. Grew up in the Baptist church, was baptized United Pentecostal at the age of 15, finally joined the Christian Church.
• I attended Bible college for three years at Ozark Christian College, where I studied both Greek and Hebrew.
• My faith in Jesus came to an end while in Bible college, and I then sought conversion to Judaism.
• After three years of study, I converted to Judaism. Visited Israel the following summer for the first time. Moved to Israel two years later. Have been here since.
• I lost faith in the entire Bible and God only a year ago.

It's been an interesting journey, and I'm liking the fact that it's still going. I hope you will enjoy what I have to say and that you present good arguments that make me think of things even more clearly.

Looking forward to sharing with you!