User:Jimhuffman

I'm Jim Huffman and I live in North Carolina.

Interests: history -- I'm intrigued by the big picture in what seem to be random historical events, such as John Kennedy's death, and the 9/11 events. The big picture includes what led up to such events, and what bigger events led from them. We Americans seem to like simple explanations for what are very complex matters. Which leads me to wonder why we seem to NEED such simple explanations, and what is the historical outcomes (to our country) for collectively believing such simple (and perhaps erroneous) explanations.

Interest: theology. I've studied philosophy and theology since I was young. I began formal study with a degree in Bible and theology from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, graduating there in 1976, and went on to complete a degree in philosophy. I'm a Lutheran Christian, and continue doing dual studies (dual in a formal sense, but not "parallel" studies) in the scriptures and theology. I'm currently working through Martin Chemnitz's monumental work, The Two Natures in Christ (ISBN 0570032105). It's axiomatic that most people who see themselves as "practical" are in reality playing out something taught by a philosopher they likely have no knowledge of.

Continuing the theology theme, I am also currently thinking about the theme of confession in the scriptures, and how confession plays out in the church. I'm intrigued by how private confession (as a practice of confessing one's sins, receiving forgiveness of sins, and spiritual succor from a pastor) has died out in the Lutheran churches, although holding to it is a matter of confessional faithfulness (confessional here defined as holding to the teachings of the Book of Concord, the writings which define the parameters of what it means to be Lutheran.

I'm also fascinated by Luther's doctrine of vocation, how Christians are called to be of service to their fellow man, and how that plays out, both individually and in society.

Interest: popular culture. Contrary to the initial impression I sometimes give, I like popular music, and appreciate the impetus given by popular culture. I like a lot of country music, mostly an older, less rock-influenced variety. (Not that I have anything against rock music).

Interest: Mongolia -- history, culture, and the country. The Mongols terrified most of the civilized world some 800 years ago. After Genghis Khan's death, the Mongols went into a long cultural decline. (Interestingly enough, the problem for the Mongols was that of the succession of power. In other words, after the great Khan's death, Mongol generals had to return to Mongolia to choose a new Khan).

Day job: I'm a free-lance RN (registered nurse)  I provide contract work for various insurance companies, and work from my home. My blog is at http://networkfornurses.com  My nursing degree is from Excelsior College. I've been self-employed in nursing full-time since 1982, and I wrote Dare to Be Free: How to Get Control of Your Time, Your Life, and Your Nursing Career. Available from Amazon (or anywhere else): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059509855X/sr=8-2/qid=1152047835/ref=sr_1_2/102-7544882-2539302?ie=UTF8

ISBN 059509855X