2010-2011
Having had a few successful events in 2009/10, such as visits and talks by Prof Bruce McCormack (Princeton Theological Seminary), Prof Jeffrey Bingham (Dallas Theological Seminary), John Franke (Biblical Seminary, PA) Prof Markus Bockmuehl (University of Oxford), the Institute looks ahead to further adventures in integrating the study of Scripture and the tradition of its interpretation with the doing of theology for today. It can be a hard task at times, but the health of the discipline as a whole can be improved by dialogue between Bible, Theology and contemporary (ecclesial) context.
With the suspension of the MLitt in Theological Interpretation of Scripture, pending its reconstitution in 2011-12, the Institute has missed its twice-weekly backbone of discussion of issues biblical-theological and hermeneutical. By way of compensation we have sought (to some degree in response to those who have said ‘what about the Scripture and Theology seminar?’) to organize four events with contributors near and far, together illustrating the diverse aims of the Institute. One should add that involvement with the Systematic Theology and Biblical Studies Seminars is part of the Institute’s mission. The Director is due to give a paper at the former on Dec 1, 2010.
We are also giving consideration to the next (2012) Scripture and Theology conference. This is likely to take place in St Andrews in July of that year and likely be on Galatians.
Events organized by the Institute for the Academic Year, 2010-2011
Friday December 10, 2010. Sacred and Secular Scriptures: a workshop. With presentations on the theme by Prof Robert Crawford (English) Prof Don Paterson (English), Dr Oliver Smith (Russian) and Dr. Alison Jack (Divinity). An ensuing discussion will be chaired by Dr Mark Elliott (Divinity). It will probe the relationship between the Bible and Literature and how far each overlap with the other or replace each other. Mulled wine, etc will be served at the end. Location: Senior Common Room, St Mary’s College. 4pm-6.15pm. A conference report (PDF, 76 KB) is now available.
Friday February 3, 2011. Reformed Theology forum. This provides an opportunity to invited contributors, mostly Systematic Theologians from Scottish universities, to speak about what Reformed Theology means for their theological practice and vision. Postgraduates and colleagues are welcome to attend, and should notify Mark Elliott (mwe1) in advance. Location: Senior Common Room, St Mary’s College. Time: 11am-4pm.
Tuesday 8 March, 2011. ‘What on earth is biblical theology in heaven’s name?’ A discussion on this thorniest yet most fruitful of subjects with short papers from Dr Mark Elliott, Prof N.T. Wright (Divinity, St Andrews) and (possibly—TBC) Prof Kendall Soulen (Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC). Location: Senior Common Room, St Mary’s College, 2pm-4pm.
Friday June 17, 2011. Symposium to honour Professor James Cameron. This will be a celebration of Prof Cameron’s career, with talks relating to some aspect of Prof Cameron’s work and scholarly interests (Reformation church, theology and humanism) will be addressed by Prof Euan Cameron (Union Theological Seminary, New York), Prof Bruce Gordon (Yale Divinity School), Prof Ian Hazlett (University of Glasgow) and others. Location: Senior Common Room, St Mary’s College. Time: 4pm-6.15pm. Downloadable flyer (PDF, 1,339 KB).
MWE 3rd November 2010