Mark Allan Powell
First, let me say
that The MG Theory is an impressive work of scholarship that holds up
to the standards of the guild. It is not the sort of piece that one expects to
find posted on the web by “an amateur” who is unknown to those of us who
are working in this field. Nelson does, of course, have some advanced
theological training, but he is engaging PhD’s who devote themselves
full-time to this sort of work, and who have done so for decades.
Nevertheless, Nelson demonstrates that he understands the issues; he also
exercises sound judgment, showing a commitment to critical thinking and to
fair representation of his ideological opponents. Most important--and most
impressive, to me--he makes at least one original contribution to the
field: his sustained critique of Spong’s proposed scheme of
“literalization” is of a caliber with what would usually be presented at
one of our scholarly forums. Other scholars have noted that the scheme is a
“weak point” in Spong’s argument and Spong himself has admitted that it
isn’t fully developed, but Nelson appears to be the first to rebut the
argument for such a scheme conclusively. (Critique of MG Theory article,
earlier draft, c. 2002)
Charles Young, PhD
Johns Hopkins, Philosophy Professor Clarement Graduate School
"In the three courses he has taken with me, two in ancient
philoosphy and one in logic, I have been quite impressed with Nelson's
potential for philosophy. ... his papers in ancient philosophy - not his
principal area of interest - were clearly and energetically written, showing a
gift for argumentation and presentation which would be unusual even in an
advanced student.
I am even more optimistic regarding Nelson's prospects as a teacher of
philosophy. He found the logic course he took with me much easier than
most students, and devoted some of his energies to working with his colleagues
on an informal basis, helping them to come to understand the material.
... Nelson has an unusual gift for detecting exactly what someone is failing
to grasp, and for finding ways to put things so that they can understand.
... In my view, Nelson is very likely to prove to be a superior teacher of
philosophy. I recommend him to you warmly. (1983)
John Warwick Montgomery
- Eight earned advanced degrees, including PhD University of Chicago. Currently
Professor of Law and Humanities at the University of Luton, England
Mr. Nelson has a keen, analytic mind. He displays remarkable ability in
critical thinking, analogous to that displayed by the Wittgenstein of the Philosophical
Investigations. Also, like Wittgenstein, Mr. Nelson operates on the
principle that anything that can be said can be said clearly: his
writing is a model of lucidity. I believe that he has tremendous
potential for doing creative work in the philosophical field.
(Recommendation for graduate program at CGS, December, 1980)
Eugene Moore, M.A.
Instructor Religious Studies, Orange Coast College
Eric Nelson has guest-lectured in my course, Bible Introduction,
and has been a debate participant in Life and Times of Jesus. In both
cases he has shown superior ability in regards to mastery of subject matter
and teaching ability. Eric knew his material quite well, and presented
it in a logical and systematic manner. He was animated in his teaching
style, and showed a real desire for the students to grasp the material.
I would highly recommend Erick for a teaching position in philosophy,
philosophy of religion or religious studies.
Stephen Erickson, PhD
Yale, Philosophy Professor, Pomona College
Erick Nelson was an extremely capable extraordinarily intelligent
student of mine at Pomona College approximately ten years ago. He is strongly
self-motivated and works both independently and yet with considerable
appreciation of the thoughts and guidance of those around him. He was one of
the very best students I have had at Pomona College in seventeen years, and I
cannot but think he will do exceptionally well as a graduate student in
Philosophy. Talking with him again just a few weeks ago I found him
mature and adult, eager to return to an academic environment, and as capable
as I remembered him to be. I recommend him most highly for acceptance into
the Philosophy program. (1980)
For more information
Erick's web site
Metaphorical
Gospel Theory article
SSEC article
Software
Project Manager Resume'