The Beginning

The beginning. Good place to start. Sometimes, the only place.

I have so many things to tell you, but for now I hope that it is enough to inform you that I do plan for this to be a religious blog. I hope that it does not scare you away, but I do hope that such ideas and possibilities make you curious.

What would a college student say about God? About Christ?

For anyone who was paying attention, "Theologier" is not a real word. If you choose to write this into one of your English papers, the teacher will most likely ask you to find a dictionary, a computer with spellcheck, or your brain. Perhaps all three. Unfortunately, 'theologian' and 'theologia' were both taken already, so I had to come up with something. Theologier sounded good enough.

Yes, I am a Christian, but I do ask that you keep in mind two things:
One, Christians are not perfect, only forgiven. There are times that I do mess up and make mistakes.
Two, I'm only one college student trying to understand this eternal being that everyone keeps calling "God" for some reason. Some of your philosophies and theologies will agree with mine. Some will not. But do not worry whether or not you and I agree, but worry whether or not we agree with God. As for me, I'm just trying to figure things out.

The name that I have chosen to call myself bears significance. It was not simply picked out at random from the depths of my brain, but rather very carefully from those depths.

"Israel" was the name given to Jacob meaning "one who wrestles with God". The Israelites themselves were constantly disobeying God, then asking for His forgiveness. I too wrestle with God at times, trying to understand why He does some of the things that He does. Poverty, murder, rape. Why are such things allowed to continue?

"Blackdog" was actually a name taken from an anime entitled "Cowboy Bebop". Watch the show, you will understand. To put the meaning of the name into my own words, it means "the one who bites and does not let go". There have been many times that I have wanted to walk away from God and faith, but I know where I would be without Him. I have not let go. I am a black dog.

As for the rest, you will know soon enough.