What language?

For my money, yes. However, German never hurt anyone. Lot of theological writings in German, so why not have both in your pocket to be safe.

 

Either Latin or German would be your best bet.

Tons of theological writings in German, but also many core doctrines described in Latin.

Being of German descent, of course, I would go with German.

 

I agree, I think Latin would be best. Btw, I've heard it is a very difficult language to learn. Anybody know?

 

I would equate it somewhat with Greek. Get through the "fog", you're fine, but the deeper you go the harder it is.

(That makes me want to poll on who thinks Greek is easier than Hebrew or vice versa)

Having a good English vocabulary helps both, as much of our language has Greek/Latin etymological derivations.

 

Die Duetsch ist sehr gut.

Le français est aussi préférable, si l'histoire n'est pas aussi largement utilisé.

Essentially you have to figure out what your focus is going to be during your cognate studies. If you are doing patristic studies Latin is ideal. If you are doing Continental Enlightenment in Europe, German is better.

What is your focus period and what do you plan on doing your thesis on? That should dictate the language.

My PhD required two languages and I chose German and Latin for them since my field was utilizing research in both areas.

 

Like other's have said, it depends on where you want to do your work. Lots of theological stuff in German, and that's where the current liberal mess got going in full swing.

That said, my vote would be for Latin. There are libraries full of excellent work in Latin that is being slowly lost with no scholars to read them, and fewer evangelical scholars.

As for South Texas, if you can make it to Houston, St. Thomas has good latin classes. Not sure about any online.

 

Languages shouldn't make you have to aim and fire

Do a google on "online latin" courses. I found several. Some may be HS level, but at least that's a start.

http://www.fridaycenter.unc.edu/cp/catalog/latin.html

http://www.correspondencestudy.ufl.edu/College.aspx?course=603

http://www.fortlewis.edu/community_culture/extended_studies/online/default.aspx (Scroll down to bottom)
http://www.math.ohio-state.edu/~econrad/lang/latin.html

Unfortunately, the University of Tennessee (the real UT since you live out there in Texas) doesn't offer online/DE courses in Latin :smilewinkgrin:

 

Smart Catholics are interesting and insightful to study with. Just don't say anything about the pope.

 

I'd recommend RosettaStone stuff for classes. It actually is a great way to learn a language (i.e. German) and be able to learn for life. It is not nearly as expensive as actual classes.

Oh, and if you're interested check out BH Carroll Institute or the Southwestern Baptist Seminary extensions in Houston. They might offer something occasionally.

 

St. Thomas is the university. There is a separate seminary, Saint Mary's, that is across town..........it's different. The university, while Catholic in origin, is just another school, like the myriad secular ones. The latin classes should be just latin. If you're really interested in the language, they'd be able to do as good as anywhere you'd find. They also have a decent philosophy PhD.

But I'm with you about the theology. I'm not sure they'd keep me around long in the theology classes.

 

I'd go with Latin for church history if you're talking about interacting with the primary source material, with German if you simply want to know what others have said about the primary source material.