Dialogos Studies Information

Dialogos is the Greek word meaning dialogue. Dialogue is defined by Webster as "open and frank discussion, as in seeking mutual understanding" and "a written work in the form of a conversation." WHY WAS THE NAME "DIALOGOS STUDIES" CHOSEN? "Dialogos Studies" was chosen because it represents the purpose of the writings that come from it: to encourage an active dialogue between two viewpoints on the same doctrinal topic, enabling readers to see a pointbypoint treatment of the main issues. Too often, books and articles make a convincing argument for their position, but may not address certain points of concern for those holding a different view. A dialogue format allows each side to deal with the same points as well as to respond to the other's position. The result is, hopefully, a work that allows those seeking a good understanding of an issue to see both sides clearly. WHAT IS THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF DIALOGOS STUDIES? The primary emphasis has always been to seek the truth and to present as evenhanded a treatment as possible. To that end, contributions and suggestions have been actively solicited from those who have studied and written on these topics in order to better discern God's leading, to fairly represent varied viewpoints, and to create a work that is clear and understandable. WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THE WEBSITE? Herb Kraker's undergraduate work was done in engineering. He obtained a B.A. from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, USA and a B.S.E. Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Both of these degrees were received in 1978. Throughout his college years, Herb felt a deep interest in studying theology, but was always directed toward the sciences. After several years as an engineer, he decided to go to Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There his scientific background and the engineer's inclination to hone in on detail and see the parts of the whole shaped his approach to the Scriptures. He graduated in 1987 with a Masters of Theological Studies degree. Herb's basic theological perspective is Reformed, evangelical and conservative. At present Herb is employed as an engineer and he and his wife, Lynn, have four children. WHAT PART CAN OTHERS PLAY IN DIALOGOS STUDIES?