I’m currently a student at Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne, majoring in Computer Information Systems. Prior to that, I got a BA in History/Political Science at Concordia University-Irvine, and an MA in Historical Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary. For a while, I was in their Deaconess program, but they have absolutely nothing for me. As a result, I ended up “going secular” and now I’m pursuing a career in Web Management and Information Technology. So far, so good– and I get to play with spiffy gadgets and spend money on it. I got my CompTIA certification for Network+ and A+ as well as its (now defunct) i-Net+ certification, and looking forward to be certified in Linux+ (or Security+, whichever I feel more ready to take on).
I have a business that focuses on computer repair, Mad Theologian Computer Services. I serve the Fort Wayne area as well as the surrounding communities. If your computer needs repair or an upgrade, don’t hesitate to contact me at madtheo (atsign) carolrutz (dot) com. After taking more web site development courses, I will offer web design services.
My present laptop has its XP Media Center edition and it works great as it is. On my desktop box, I had Vista Business (until I erased that and installed Red Hat for experimentation) and Ubuntu 6.06 LTS (Dapper Drake). Whereas Vista does not let me have the flashy effects, Ubuntu with the help of the Beryl Project gives me what I want plus much more! Probably that is the reason that I refuse to upgrade my XP lappy to Vista. (I had to take that back, especially with XP’s looming end-of-life date. I might as well get used to it.)
I rather watch Doctor Who than anything else. Unfortunately, the PBS station in my area does not carry it…but the good folks at Netflix provide my fix. (By the way, my fave Doctors are Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee.) I also love cartoons like Tom and Jerry and those produced by Tex Avery– but I do enjoy anime. But the rest of my time is spent surfing the web and listening to 80s Synthpop, early Gothic and British New Wave. A sampling of what I listen to: Bow Wow Wow, Slow Children, Daft Punk, CSS, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Secret Chiefs 3, Adult., Fad Gadget, Felix Da Housecat, and the early works of Kitaro.
My main virtual hangouts are on Fark.com and Threadless.com. Fark.com is an online community that comments on news and offbeat matters as well as the Photoshop contests. The great thing about Fark is that we come from all walks of life– and somehow, we get along posting up silly pics of the HA!HA! Guy and making Vodak jokes. Threadless is a t-shirt company and it has a very close-knit online community dedicated to the shirts, designs, and hilarity.
I am a Missouri Synod Lutheran who was inducted officially 26 April 1998 and glad that I am. I consider myself as a Confessional Lutheran who holds a “quia” (unconditional and unqualified) subscription to our Confessions and I value the Liturgy highly. The historic and Scriptural truths are beyond faddish popular culture but it reaches us to all. Lutheranism acknowledges the presence of an eternal God Who interacts in the finite space-time continuum, becomes Man, gave Himself His all via the Cross, and redeems us so we can share eternity with Him.
As for political philosophy, I switched from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party in 2000 because of its Constitutional stance and I want to preserve individual freedom. Somehow, Libertarianism really fits well with classical Lutheran theology, especially with the distinctions with sacred and secular realms. This year, I’ve returning to the GOP for one guy: Ron Paul. Because of him, I’m working within the Republican Party in my area and emphasize the “old school” roots that Goldwater, Paul, and others promoted. Less government and bureaucracy? Sure! Life, Liberty, and Property? I’m there!
For over 10 years, I’ve been an Amateur Radio operator, and my call sign is KF6FNS. I hold the Extra Class license ever since the FCC removed the 20 wpm Morse Code requirement. (At the time, I had my Advanced ticket with 13 wpm and passed the Extra written element. And I was ready to take the code exam when the FCC made its announcement.) Most of the time, I’m listening on the 2 meter band. It was my interest in Amateur Radio that landed me in Concordia-Irvine and thus set off events leading me to my conversion to Lutheranism.
Finally, I’ve been married to the Rev Wayne Rutz since 2003. (Yes, I’m really a pastor’s wife– but don’t let that fool you!) Some of his nicknames I used in reference online are “The Prediger” and “Mr Theologian.” Wayne is a wonderful man who is dedicated to serving the Lord and he stands up for what he believes. Together, we are in an age-gap marriage that spans over 35 years. Continue to pray for us as we walk together in faith and love.
I thank you for stopping by at my page and encourage you to come back often.