WINTER ’09 VOL.37 NO.2

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

WHO IS Jesus?

Winter 09 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES EMERITI MEMBERS Mr. Joel B. Aarsvold Dr. Allan C. Emery, Jr. Dr. Claude R. Alexander Mr. Roland S. Hinz Mrs. Linda Schultz Anderson Rev. Dr. Robert J. Lamont Dr. Richard A. Armstrong Mr. Richard D. Phippen Dr. George F. Bennett Rev. Dr. Paul E. Toms Rev. Dr. Garth T. Bolinder Dr. Robert E. Cooley, Rev. Dr. Richard P. Camp, Jr. President Emeritus Mr. Thomas J. Colatosti, Chair President Mr. Charles W. Colson Dr. Dennis P. Hollinger Rev. Dr. Leighton Ford Mrs. Joyce A. Godwin Vice President of Advancement Dr. William F. Graham Mr. Kurt W. Drescher Rev. Dr. Michael E. Haynes Mr. Herbert P. Hess, Acting Director of Treasurer Communications and Mr. Ivan C. Hinrichs Marketing Rev. Dr. John A. Huffman, Jr. Mr. Michael L. Colaneri Mr. Caleb Loring III Rev. Dr. Christopher A. Lyons Senior Communications Mrs. Joanna S. Mockler Advisor and Editor of Contact Fred L. Potter, Esq. Mrs. Anne B. Doll Shirley A. Redd, M.D. Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, Jr. Graphic Designer David M. Rogers, Esq., Ms. Nicole S. Rim Vice Chairman Mr. John Schoenherr Writer Mrs. Virginia M. Snoddy Mrs. Ruth Hawk Mr. John G. Talcott, Jr. Joseph W. Viola, M.D., Photography Secretary Mr. Tom Kates J. Christy Wilson III, Esq. Ms. Nicole S. Rim Rev. Dr. John H. Womack William C. Wood, M.D.

Inquiries regarding CONTACT may be addressed to: Editor, CONTACT Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary 130 Essex Street, S. Hamilton, MA 01982 Tel: 978.468.7111 or by [email protected] www.gordonconwell.edu

GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, GENDER, NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN, AGE, HANDICAP OR VETERAN STATUS.

2 Winter 09 contents The Ministry Magazine of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary I Winter ’09 Vol.37 No.2

4 On the Front Lines – The Cost of Following Jesus Anne B. Doll

8 Who Is This Man? 25 Faculty Profile: Tom & Donna Petter Sean McDonough 26 Student Profile: Zachariah Delma 12 Jesus in the Old Testament and Mardochee Nadoumngar Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. 28 Seminary News 14 Is Jesus Really the Only Way to God? Dennis P. Hollinger 29 Focus on Alumni/ae

16 Jesus in the City 30 Opening the Word Alvin Padilla Gary Parrett

19 Deconstructing Jesus: Separating Fact from Fiction Rollin Grams

Winter 09 3 4 Winter 09 Editor’s Note: The individual interviewed for this article must remain anonymous to protect his identity and the identities of those with whom he ministers.

By Anne B. Doll

When a Gordon-Conwell graduate returned to his native Ethiopia after completing his degree in New Testament, he knew full well he would face religious persecution. He had lived in its shadow for most of his life.

“If you follow Christ, you should expect suffering,” he the Communist student association. “Because of the comments matter-of-factly. “We are all called to bear our Communist ideology, we were not allowed to declare our cross. If our Lord was persecuted, who won’t be persecuted?” faith, to worship God openly,” he explains. “We were Now the leader of a Christian school in Ethiopia, he not allowed to pray in the cafeteria or in our dormitories. accepted Christ in high school during Communism’s grip on We could not sing, or do anything that was religious, Ethiopia. Throughout those perilous years, all churches were and we were highly followed by the student association.” closed, and government-sponsored persecution prevailed. As a freshman, he faced a defining moment in his faith “For 17 years, the persecution from the Communist regime journey when he and several fellow Christians were called was very, very difficult,” he recalls. “So many people were before the dean of students to face charges by the student tortured, imprisoned and beaten. They were attacked because association that they were “anti-Communism, unpatriotic of their faith so that they would recant and say, ‘There is and had been hired by imperialist America.” The purpose of no God.’” the charges was to have the Christians dismissed from the Those who refused to recant “paid a high price,” he adds. university and even sent to prison. “So many people died during the Communist time.” The night before their meeting with the dean, the students As a university student, he and fellow Christians gathered to pray. Many were frightened, particularly experienced intense persecution first-hand, especially from because some of their friends, facing similar harassment,

Winter 09 5 had abandoned their faith. The believers also knew When Communism fell in 1991, millions of Ethiopians that university expulsion would forestall any future came to the Lord—approximately 14 percent of the opportunities for employment. population. But persecution did not end. Today in Ethiopia, “That was scary personally for me,” he says. “At that two religious groups are recognized as official religions: the time, I was a younger man. I trusted in the Lord. I believed 35 percent comprising the traditional Ethiopian Orthodox in the Lord. I knew he was my Savior, and I did not believe Church, and the 35 to 40 percent who are Muslims. in the Communist ideology. But now I was in a situation: Persecution is waged by both groups when their members to follow Jesus or deny my faith.” convert to Christianity. As he says, “The two groups call it The next day, when the group appeared before the dean, ‘sheep stealing.’” she looked at the list of accusations by the Communist Converts from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church are student association and finally asked, “What are you going ostracized, threatened, attacked and beaten, and their to say about this?” The students replied, “We will not deny homes are burned, especially in rural areas. Converts from our faith. We will not deny Christ. You can expel us from Islam face even harsher persecution. the university, but we will continue worshipping the Lord.” “The Lord is bringing thousands of Muslim converts

“We are all called to bear our cross. If our Lord was persecuted, who won’t be persecuted?”

Impressed by the students’ response, she commented, into his Kingdom,” he explains. “When these Muslims “I know that you are very faithful and honest students, become Christians, they experience serious persecution from and they are jealous of you—jealous of your performance. their family members and friends.” So the only thing I would advise you is: please be wise Persecution can include ostracism—a hardship in a in your worship and don’t expose yourself to these country where identity is found in the community. Converts dangers.” may also suffer loss of property such as cattle, destruction The alumnus suffered yet another assault when he of their harvests and the burning of their homes. “If again graduated from the university. Included in a standard they endure,” he says, “the radical Islamic fundamentalists reference letter affirming that he had met all requirements tell the local authorities that the converts are anti- was an addendum: “But we want to mention that he is a government so that they can be imprisoned. All this so that follower of a cult.” Evangelicals were seen as cultists. people will abandon their beliefs.” Looking back, he says that growing up under New believers are cautioned not to expose their faith Communism “was good, because it refined our faith. It and immediately join a local evangelical church, and some purified us. At that time, we were worshipping underground. continue to attend services in their mosques, becoming Many people lost their eyes. Their arms were amputated. part of what he calls an “Insider’s Movement.” But if new Some paid their lives. We have experienced all of this.” believers are identified, they are warned by Christians not to

6 Winter 09 stay in the area because some converts have been poisoned. Others have disappeared and are assumed dead. “Islam is a very, very strong religion,” he comments. “People are like in iron bars. It’s very hard to penetrate. But what is happening in Ethiopia is that some people are coming to the Lord through dreams and visions. Sometimes the Lord himself appears and tells them this is the right way.” He says this happened recently to a young college student. “She was tied with a strong rope and somehow the Lord untied her in the night, and she escaped through a window. She took a bus and came to the city and asked the Christians for shelter.” Eventually, her new Christian friends may be able to send her back to college. “Muslim converts in Ethiopia nowadays are paying a high, high price,” he says. “The most important thing is to help them endure through this persecution. It’s knowing the truth. Once they see the light, it is very hard for them to turn their backs. So when they come out of Islam, our graduates who are ministering to Muslims tell them that following Jesus has a cost. They warn them, ‘You will be persecuted.’ But compared to knowing Jesus and the price they pay, it is nothing.” How do Ethiopian Christians like this Gordon-Conwell graduate hold firm under such persecution? “The Holy Spirit helps you to stand in those difficult circumstances,” he replies. “When you make that decision [to stand], you know that there is nothing above the Lord, that if they take your property, they kill you, absolutely your life is in the hands of the Lord. As the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8, ‘nothing will separate [you] from the love of Christ.’ “So it’s knowing God. It’s knowing His love and what He paid on the cross, the price He paid for us in redeeming us. “...you know It’s having a Heavenly mindset, knowing that you are in God’s that there is Kingdom, that this earthly kingdom is temporary and that this persecution will pass.” nothing above He urges fellow Christians to pray for their brothers and sisters in Eritrea, where severe persecution by the government the Lord, that if is rampant, and 3,500 are imprisoned for their faith in Jesus. He also seeks prayer for his school. Many students they take your come from poor churches that cannot support them, property, they kill and occasionally go for several days without food. After graduation, they return to the same poor churches and serve you, absolutely without pay. Teachers at the school also suffer privation. But what your life is in the sustains them, he says, is “the fruit we see. Our graduates hands of the Lord.” go out, and they minister the Lord. And when we see the Kingdom of God stretched across Ethiopia and other countries because of the ministry of our graduates, it keeps us going. We need your prayers.”

Winter 09 7 Sean McDonough, Ph.D., whoAssociate Professor of New Testament is this

who is jesus? Like many parishioners, this question (or its more non- questions answered and promises kept, the final story committal cousin, “Who was Jesus?”) makes seasonal of the sequence–the 12-year-old Jesus’ appearance in the appearances at Christmas and Easter, usually on the temple–features Mary questioning the activity of her son: covers of news magazines looking for a holiday angle. “Child, why are you treating us like this? Your father and I Most readers of these magazines are likely to have a ready have been in anguish looking all over for you!” (Luke 2:48). answer: He is God’s Son, the Savior of the world, the Jesus answers her with a few questions of his own: “Why everlasting King of creation. We may feel, in fact, that were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be the question is no longer worth asking. As Bible-believing in my father’s house?” (v.49). Christians, we already know who Jesus is. Christians today would tend to echo Jesus’ words, But when we turn to read the Bible we believe, we and add a few more for good measure: “Mary, don’t you find that it frequently poses the same question as Time remember this is God’s Son? Have you forgotten about the magazine or ABC News–even if it is much more ready with angels and shepherds and wise men?” But Mary’s concerns a definitive answer. It is found on the lips of disciples and should rather remind us to meditate on the full humanity of skeptics alike. It is impossible to faithfully read the gospels Jesus. He was no flannel-graph icon with thin connections without asking afresh: Who is Jesus? A few selections from to his earthly family. He was so fully a part of everyday life the gospels will serve to illustrate the ongoing relevance of that even Mary, it seems, could sometimes lose sight of the the question. things she had treasured in her heart. It is also worth pointing out that, for all his insight, he who is this boy? was no irritating 12-year old “know-it-all.” He asks the The opening chapters of Luke’s gospel are among the most teachers questions, and gives answers, and the teachers are joy-filled in all the Bible. Like the cast of a musical, the clearly delighted to have such a winsome and able student characters are so inspired by the moving of God in their in their midst (2:46-7). Mary had to learn again just who midst that they keep bursting into song. Jesus’ Mary is, in her little boy really was. Might it be that the same holds many respects, at center stage. But for all her joy at true for us today?

8 Winter 09 Winter 09 9 response to the miracle that most interests us now: “And they were greatly afraid, and Who is Jesus? they said to one another, ‘Who is this that the wind and the sea obey him?’” (Matt. 8:27, Mark 4:41). The alert

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C Jesus did indeed claim to be Imag e of The Invisible Go dJesus the Messiah. But he did not want people assuming that they already knew what the who is this man? Messiah must be and what the Messiah must do. For Jesus, As we move to consider the adult Jesus, we may focus “Messiah” was a question in need of a response; and if you on his stilling of the storm (Matt. 8:23-7, Mark 4:35-41), wanted to find the answer, you had to follow him and find a story that has comforted countless Christians tossed out. The puzzle-posing, parable-speaking Jesus of the first by literal and metaphorical tempests. It is the disciples’ three gospels turns out to be the ultimate parable himself.

10 Winter 09 st. john and the cross It is precisely here that John reveals Jesus’ identity in the John may seem to offer a completely different way most dramatic fashion. He could have relayed the words of looking at Jesus from Matthew, Mark and Luke—a and stories of Jesus to demonstrate that Jesus reveals his Christology without questions. In a sense, this is true. In the divine identity even though he was crucified. Instead, he very beginning of the gospel, we learn that the Word was does something still more remarkable: He shows us that with God at the very beginning of the world. In the ensuing Jesus reveals his divine identity precisely in and through his 1 narrative, Jesus repeatedly affirms his divine identity: “I am crucifixion. It is in his moment of greatest human weakness the resurrection and the life;” “I am the true vine;” “Before that he most clearly shows the extent of his divine power. Abraham was, I am.” Only a fool could miss the point. The paradox is captured most beautifully in John And yet…people throughout the gospel cannot seem 12:32: “And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all men to to grasp what seems so startlingly obvious to us as readers. myself.” This must mean victory! Jesus will be exalted like We might understand this when it comes to Jesus’ a champion athlete lifted up by the cheering crowd, exalted opponents. Even when they eventually catch on to what like God himself on his celestial throne. But John is quick Jesus is saying, their response is to try to kill him. But to disabuse us of this notion. The very next verse explains Jesus’ best friends seem equally obtuse at times. what is really in view: “He said this to signify what death What does John expect us as readers to make of all he was going to die.” this misunderstanding? One natural human reaction is to So is this mere irony? No, because his humiliating death have a bit of a laugh at the expense of the characters in the on the cross really is a victory, for it is here that Jesus gospel: we know something you don’t know! But do we finally breaks Satan’s stranglehold on the world. By dying really possess so much more native spiritual insight than for our sins, he liberates us to serve God in newness of life Peter or James or John? Ought we so quickly to jump into as we follow in the footsteps of the Son. the role of Jesus and lament the blindness of those in the But we may suggest something further. The cross is not past (and present) who fail to see who he really is? only the place where Jesus defeats Satan; it is also the place If we are at all honest, we will realize that the disciples’ where his divine identity is most fully revealed. God, as sandals fit us a lot better than Jesus’…and if the sandals John tells us elsewhere, is love (1 John 4:8). And where is fit, as the saying goes, wear them—and walk in them. As God’s matchless love more evident than on the cross? with our reading of the synoptic gospels, the first step is John is pressing us to respond to the crucified Jesus. to remind ourselves of the full humanity of Jesus. He is the Is he a defeated, no-account rebel, or the paradoxically Word that became flesh, a man who eats and sleeps and enthroned king of glory? And if the latter, what sort of weeps just as we do. We must not imagine we can jump people ought we then to be? over Jesus’ humanity to get to the “real” divine Christ. If we are to find his divinity (as we surely must), we need who is jesus? to find it in the revelation he offers in his humanity. The question will not go away. Who is Jesus? It is a The point is worth stressing. It is all too easy for blessing to know the answer, and to receive through the Christians to imagine that Jesus could do miracles because he Spirit the assurance that he is indeed Lord and Savior, fully was God, and not like one of us. This admittedly involves an God and fully man. But it is equally a blessing to keep act of faith. But the earth shattering reality is even greater, asking the question, because as we reflect upon it day by and consequently involves an even greater level of spiritual day, we move deeper into the mystery of who God is, and understanding. Jesus is like one of us, and he equally is who who we are meant to be. God is. Those who spoke with him and ate with him and Dr. Sean M. McDonough, Associate Professor of New touched him needed no convincing he was a human being. Testament, joined the seminary in 2000 after serving as The problem was what to do once Jesus dismantled their Chair of the Biblical Studies Department and lecturer in assumption that he was only another human being. New Testament at Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji. He is active in his local church and also a speaker But there is yet another twist in John’s telling of Jesus’ for MedAir, a Christian relief organization. He received story. The problem was not simply that Jesus dismantled his Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews. Dr. Mc- people’s assumption about what he was capable of Donough is author of several books, including Christ as doing. The more troubling issue was that he himself was Creator: The Origins of a New Testament Doctrine, due for release in early 2010 by Oxford University Press. dismantled on the cross. Did this not lay waste to his claim 1 On all that follows, see the powerful reflections by Richard Bauckham in to be the chosen one of God? his book, God Crucified.

Winter 09 11 Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Ph.D., President Emeritus

12 Winter 09 There is no finer teacher on whether Jesus is to be found in the pages of the Old Testament than the teaching of our Lord Jesus himself.

He it was who said in John 5:39, “You [Jewish and accurately predicted, and that he would people] diligently study the Scriptures [which come first as our Savior, and then in a later sec- at that time were the 39 books of the Tanak/Old ond coming, would appear as the King supreme Testament]…. These are the Scriptures that tes- over all the earth. Such an unusual state of tify about me.” That should settle the question. affairs is possible because he was, he is and he But even more famously, Jesus rebuked is the One to come. But sad to say, all too many Cleopas, and that other unnamed disciple, as miss both his real presence in the Old Testament they walked along the road to Emmaus on that narrative and the numerous predictions of both first Easter Sunday, “How foolish you are, and his first and second advents/comings. To remedy how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets this, let us turn first to those places where he have spoken! Did not Christ have to suffer these appeared in a Christophany in the Old Testament things and then enter his glory? And beginning times. Then we will sample some of the numer- with Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] explained ous predictions of his comings. to them what was said in all the [Old Testament] Scriptures concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27). old testament appearances Even King David predicted the resurrection of christ of Jesus back in 1000 B.C. as he, too, saw what Jesus is first seen in the Old Testament as the was ahead, namely, that Jesus would not be person who appeared as “the Angel of the Lord” “abandon[ed] … to the grave, nor [would he] let in his sudden confrontation with Sarah’s maidser- his Holy One see decay” (Ps 16:8-11; Acts 2:30- vant, Hagar (Gen 16:7). Thereafter, he continued 31). Therefore, it is not unexpected that we, too, to appear intermittently throughout the earlier should find Jesus present in the events and the books of the Old Testament. These real occur- predictions found in the Old Testament. rences, initiated by God, were characterized by It is only right that we should find that Jesus the fact that they were convincing revelations of Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Ph.D., was both actually present in the Old Testament his person and work, as much as they were also President Emeritus

Winter 09 13 transitory, fleeting, but audible and clearly visible appear- ances. He came temporally in the form of a human, much before his final incarnation as a babe in Bethlehem, yet this same “Angel of the LORD” is called and is addressed often ...the relationship as “the LORD/Yahweh” himself (Gen 12:7; 17:1; 19:1; etc.). This “Angel of the LORD” was a title that stood for between the Old his office, but it did not describe his nature. The Hebrew word for “angel” (mal’ak) had the basic idea of one who and New Testaments was “sent,” a “messenger.” Of the 214 usages of the He- brew term used for “angel,” about one-third of them refer is one of strong to what is labeled by theologians as a “Christophany,” a temporary appearance of Christ in the Old Testament. It continuity and a is certain, however, that this special angel of the Lord is divine, for Hagar “…gave this name to the LORD, who progressive revelation. spoke with her [as the Angel of the LORD]: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ as she observed, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me’” (Gen 16:13). 1 Other instances of Jesus’ appearances in the Old Testa- Angel of Yahweh turning against Israel occur in 2 Samuel ment can be seen representatively in Genesis 22:11, 15, 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, where the Angel is the agent of where it was the Angel of Yahweh who spoke from heaven God’s punishment of David, because he disobeyed God and to Abraham when Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, conducted a national census. and stopped him from proceeding. Again, it was the Angel of Yahweh who appeared to Moses in the flame of fire in old testament predictions of the Exodus 3:2. Throughout the dialogue at that burning bush, coming messiah it was also declared that he was no one less than “Yah- In addition to the real presence of Jesus as the Angel weh,” who spoke at that time, causing Moses to hide his of the Lord/God, J. Barton Payne2 listed some 574 verses face from him (Ex 3:6). in the Old Testament that had direct personal messianic Later, it was the same Angel of the Lord who appeared foretellings. Payne found 127 personal messianic predictions to the wife of Manoah (Judg 13:2-25), mother of Samson, involving some, 348 verses that had any or all types of real whom she reported to her husband was indeed a “man of and typological prophecies of Jesus’ first or second coming. God” that had appeared to her. When Manoah asked for This number was exceeded only by Alfred Edersheim,3 who the “Angel of the LORD” to also appear to him as he had noted that in some 558 rabbinic writings in pre-Christian appeared to his wife, the Angel repeated the appearances times, there were some 456 separate Old Testament/Tanak and his conversations to him, after which he ascended in passages used to refer to the Messiah or to messianic times! the flame of the altar (Judg 13:20), implying the sacrifice In my own book, The Messiah in the Old Testament,4 was in worship of the Lord himself! Moreover, this “An- I was able to identify 65 direct predictions of Jesus’ com- gel” is regarded as a “Redeemer,” who saves Israel from ings in the Old Testament. Few will dispute that there are evil (Isa 63:9). at least six direct Messianic predictions in the Pentateuch: How can readers of the Old Testament doubt that these Genesis 3:15; 9:27; 12:2-3; 49:8-12; Numbers 24:15-19; and sample instances, along with a host of other such descrip- Deuteronomy 18:15-18. tions in the earlier Scriptures, were anything less than Eve was promised in Genesis 3:15 that a male descen- pre-incarnate appearances of our Lord Jesus in real flesh, dant from her line would crush the head of the serpent, even if it was in those days only a temporary in-flesh-ment/ i.e., the Devil himself, and win completely over evil, as the incarnation for the immediate needs of the people until he prince of evil, Satan, would be finally vanquished. Then in would come and take on flesh permanently? Oftentimes Genesis 9:27, God would come and live/dwell in the tents Jesus came to earth to help his people in their distress 2 J. Barton Payne. Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy. New York: and their need for direction. The only examples of the Harper and Row, 1973, 667-68. 3 Alfred Edersheim. The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah. 2 vols. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1953, 2:710-41. 1 See James A. Borland. Christ in the Old Testament. Ross-shire, UK: 4 Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. The Messiah in the Old Testament. Grand Christian Focus Publications, 1999. Rapids: Zondervan, 1995, 237-239.

14 Winter 09 of Shem, the Semitic peoples. But which one of the Semites Bethlehem (Mic 5:2; cf. Mt 2:1, 6), and John the Baptist did God intend: the Arabs or the Jewish people? Abraham would be his forerunner (Isa 40:3-5; Mal 3:1; cf. Mt 3:3, settled that question, for God called him to go from Ur of Mk 1:3; Lk 3:4-6). Mesopotamia to Israel, and he was to be a blessing for all It was further announced ahead of time that Messiah the nations on earth in Genesis 12:3. would enter Jerusalem [what turned out to be Palm Sun- This promise could be narrowed down even further for day] in Triumph as the crowd shouted “Hosanna” (Zech the tribe of Judah. Son number four of Jacob would be the 9:9-10; Ps 118:25-26; cf. Mt 21:9; Mk 11:9; Lk 19:38; one God would invest with the scepter of ruling and the Jh 12:13). But in less than a week, he would be betrayed one from whom the line of Messiah would descend (Gen [by one of his own disciples, Judas, as it turned out] 49:8-12). In fact, this coming one from Judah would be “A (Ps 69:25; cf. Acts 1:20). star [that would] come out of Jacob, a scepter [that would] Messiah’s side would be pierced (Zech 12:10; cf. Jh rise out of Israel” (Num 24:17). Moreover, the Messiah 19:37), and he would suffer vicariously for the sins of the who would come would also be a “prophet” (Deut 18:15) world (Isa 53:6, 9, 12; cf. I Pt 2:21-25; Rom 4:25). Even as well as a “king” (Ps 72). more dramatically accurate was the fact that Jesus would If the book of Job is to be placed in the period of the be killed with the “wicked” ones (Isa 53:9a, note the plural patriarchs (c. 2100 – 1800), as we believe he is to be placed, noun in Hebrew) [as he hung between two thieves], yet he then there are four texts in Job that should be added to the would be buried with the rich one (Isa 53:9b, note its singu- six in the Pentateuch. There Messiah is called an “angel” lar form in the Hebrew). and a “Mediator” (Job 33:23-28). But that was not the end of the matter for the predic- Add to these 10 direct Messianic prophecies another five tions about Jesus in the Old Testament, for Messiah would from the times both prior to and during the Davidic period. return to earth a second time (Daniel 7:13; cf Mk 13:26; Lk He is seen as the “Anointed” one in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 and 21:27), and he would one day rule in the city of Jerusalem the “faithful Priest” in 1 Samuel 2:35-36. But the most as King of kings, as the nations would go up to that city outstanding text by far is the Davidic Covenant text found to be taught in his ways, never more to “train for war any- in 2 Samuel 7 (repeated in 1 Chron 17) and elaborated more” (Isa 2:3-4). on in Psalm 132, which pointed to the dynasty/house of As far as the case for the Messiah in the Old Testament David as the place where God would originate his throne, is concerned, the relationship between the Old and New dynasty and kingdom forever. The promise given to King Testaments is one of strong continuity and a progressive David was so astounding that David cried out in 2 Samuel revelation. The seminal seeds of the doctrine of the person 7:19c that “This is the law/charter for [all] humanity.” In and work of Jesus bloom and blossom in the New Testa- other words, God had just now conferred on David an ment even though the Old Testament often carried in semi- enlargement of the promise he had originally made with the nal seed form much that eventually developed out of the patriarchs.5 Old. What a gracious, revealing God, and what a wonder- There is not enough space to relate how 11 Psalms ful gift of a Savior who has come to earth once, but who is celebrate the person and work of the coming Messiah, but due to return once more in all his fullness and glory! even though he would be rejected (Ps 118), and betrayed (Pss 69, 109), die and be resurrected (Pss 22, 16), he would Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., President Emeritus, served come as Conqueror and Enthroned Ruler (Pss 2, 110), as the seminary for nine years as President and Colman Planner and Groom (Pss 40, 45), and as Triumphant King M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Old Testament. (Pss 68, 72). He previously taught at Wheaton College and Trinity In addition to the previous 15 direct references to the Evangelical Divinity School, where he also was Senior Vice President and Academic Dean. He is the author coming Messiah, there are some 39 predictions of the Mes- of more than 30 books, and his articles have appeared siah in the Old Testament prophets. A sample of these in numerous journals. He continues to write prolifically, and teaches and announcements before they happened would include these preaches throughout the U.S. His Ph.D. is from Brandeis University. facts. First, it was predicted that Messiah would be born of a virgin (Isa 7:14; cf. Mt 1:33). His birthplace would be

5 See the full elaboration of this theme in Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. The Promise-Plan of God: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008.

Winter 09 15 Is Jesus Really

the Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D. President & Coleman M. Mockler Only Professor of Christian Ethics Way to God?

ast year, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public that Hinduism leads to God and 42 percent even believe that Life published a major study on religious affiliation, atheism leads to God. Among Evangelicals, the numbers are Lbeliefs and practices in the United States. One of the 35, 33 and 26 percent respectively. Clearly in recent years, in significant findings was that 70 percent of all Americans the midst of growing cultural and religious pluralism, large believe that many religions can lead to eternal life, including numbers of Christians are troubled by, or ignore, the claim 65 percent of all self-identifying Christians. Perhaps the most of Jesus, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes surprising finding was that 56 percent of all Evangelical to the Father except through me” (Jn. 14:6). Christians believe that there are many paths, other than faith What are we to make of all this? Is Jesus really the only in Christ, to God and eternal life (See http://pewforum.org). way to God? In a pluralistic world, why shouldn’t we accept Many were so shocked by these numbers that the Pew an inclusivity that embraces multiple ways to salvation? Isn’t Forum went back and did further polling to make sure that it arrogant to believe otherwise? by religion, respondents did not have in mind other Christian bodies or denominations. Their earlier results were essentially Our Pluralistic Context confirmed. The perspective that there are many ways to God is In this most recent study, large numbers of Americans essentially one variant of universalism, the belief that believe that actions or a combination of beliefs and actions ultimately all humans will be embraced by God and can lead people to God. Even among the 30 percent of experience eternal life. To be sure, it is an old belief that Americans who say that eternal life depends on one’s belief, was occasionally found early on in Christianity. In the 3rd nearly half designate belief in God, a higher power or other century, the theologian Origen contended that in the end generic beliefs as sufficient for salvation. Among Evangelical God would restore the whole of creation, including Satan, Christians, only 45 percent clearly affirm that a personal belief to a perfect state. This meant that people who never trusted in, or relationship with, Christ is essential for eternal life. Christ would be saved. Origen’s beliefs were condemned by a Increasing numbers of Americans, Christians and even Church council in the 5th century. Evangelicals are questioning the long-held commitment of the Over the years, and in our own time, there have been Church that salvation is found only in Jesus Christ. Among many arguments for a universalism, or at least religious all Americans affiliated with a religion, 52 percent believe pluralism, which question the uniqueness of Christ for that Islam leads to eternal life with God, 53 percent believe salvation. Some argue that it is arrogant and triumphalistic

16 Winter 09 to believe that any one way is essential for salvation. Others way to God. Our context of multiplicity tends to undermine the contend that surely God is a God of love and mercy who will long-held belief that salvation is found only in Jesus. accept people into his presence who don’t believe in Christ. The mercy of God trumps all other characteristics of God. How Do We Respond? Some contend that all religions are essentially the same, Given the contexts of our time, what do we do with the simply using different names for the divine and different question, “Is Jesus really the only way to God?” emphases in following the divine path. Still others attempt As we respond to this question, we need first to note that to articulate a religious pluralism or universalism on biblical Jesus thought himself to be unique and the only way to a grounds, citing texts such as Colossians 1:18-19, “For God personal relationship with God. In Jesus’ teachings, he made was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and very direct claims about himself and his work which clearly through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things reveal his own identity: on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross;” or Romans 11:32, “For God has All things have been committed to me by my Father. bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have No one knows the Son except the Father, and no mercy on them all.” one knows the Father except the Son…. Come to But perhaps the most significant factor for the growing me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will belief in many paths to God is the pluralism of our social give you rest (Mt. 11:27-28). context. By pluralism I don’t mean merely the existence of multiple nationalities, races, ethnic groups or religions in a Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the society. More fundamentally, pluralism means that varying works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of worldviews, belief systems and moral frameworks exist side God is this; to believe in the one he has sent” (Jn. 6:29). by side in a given culture. With pluralism, we now rub shoulders daily with people I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will who put their world together in vastly different ways. There never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will are varying perceptions of God, the good life, salvation never thirst…. My Father’s will is that everyone and human nature. There are varying ways of life reflecting who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have these worldview assumptions. As we daily live with a eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day plethora of worldviews, we experience these folks to be (Jn. 6:35, 40). exceptionally fine people, who often reflect integrity, high morals and outstanding contributions to our communities. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me For a democracy to work, we recognize that these multiple will never walk in darkness, but will have the light frameworks all need to have a voice in the public square, of life (Jn. 8:12). and all religious and moral frameworks need to be assured of essential rights under the law. I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who In the milieu of social and legal pluralism, it is quite believes in me will live, even though they die; and easy to glide into a religious pluralism which questions the whoever lives by believing in me will never die (Jn. uniqueness or truth claims of Christian faith. When we 11:25-26). experience people of other religions as good, moral people, it becomes increasingly difficult to entertain any notions I am the way and the truth and the life. No one other than multiple paths to God and salvation. When we comes to the Father except through me. If you encounter the plurality of the public square, it becomes really know me, you will know my Father as well almost second nature to believe that such plurality must exist (Jn. 14:6-7a). with regards to truth and paths to eternal life. Moreover, when we look around us, many who are exclusive in their Such statements may not sit well with a postmodern beliefs often appear to be arrogant and intolerant. Religious mindset which is squeamish about truth, and particularly pluralists appear to be kind and accepting, and exhibit a any claims to truth. As C.S. Lewis once pointed out, many tolerance needed for a pluralistic world. are willing to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher but not The reality of this sociocultural pluralism makes it difficult his unique claims to be God. In Lewis’ memorable words he to maintain a belief in, and commitment to, Christ as the only responds:

Winter 09 17 That is the one thing we must not say. A man who Christians have allowed the world to shape their sentiments. was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus Affirming the uniqueness of Christ for salvation and said would not be a great moral teacher. He would eternal life does not, of course, answer all our questions. either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who There is much that God has not told us about the mysteries says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the of life, death and eternity. We naturally wonder what devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either happens to those who never had opportunity to embrace this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a Christ. To such quandaries, we must simply trust in a Savior madman or something worse. You can shut Him who is both loving and just, and whose understandings are up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill him as far beyond ours. We must acknowledge that from Scripture a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him we know relatively little about heaven and hell. What we do Lord and God (Mere Christianity, p. 41). know is that Jesus, the apostles and the historic Church in all its variations have affirmed that Jesus is the only true way Not only did Jesus himself believe that he was the only to God. And it only makes sense that if a person didn’t want way to God, being one with God the Father, the early Jesus as Savior and Lord on this earth, they would hardly followers and apostles believed the same. Peter, in one of want to spend forever with Him. his early sermons, said, “Salvation is found in no one else, To affirm the uniqueness of Christ for salvation is not for there is no other name given under heaven by which we cause for arrogance and boasting. In fact, Scripturally it is must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The apostle Paul had hated exactly the opposite. Our salvation has nothing to do with Christians before he became one. After his conversion, he our attainments, efforts and native beliefs. In salvation we do spoke frequently about Christ with clear conviction that he not find God through our own ingenuity. Rather, God finds was the only way to salvation. Speaking of Jesus he said, us as we respond to his loving mercy in Christ as evidenced “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave on the cross. The embrace of Christ as Savior and Lord can him the name that is above every name, that at the name of never be touted as cause for human triumph, smugness or Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and self-assertion. It is not a sign of our superiority, or cause for under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus triumphalistic efforts in society. Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:10, 11). The uniqueness of Christ is a sign that the triune God In similar fashion the apostle John wrote, “Everyone who of the universe cares so deeply for his wayward creatures believes that Jesus is the Messiah is born of God…God has that he mercifully provided a path to forgiveness—a way to given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Father’s embrace. It is in the Father’s embrace through the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, that we come to not have life” (I Jn. 5:1, 11-12). realize that we can never pull the Triune God apart. For Since the days of the apostles, the historic Christian indeed to know Christ is to know the Father, and to know Church has affirmed the uniqueness of Christ in his identity the Father is to know the Spirit, who enables us to stay true and in his role as the only savior for human sin. There to the One Savior in the midst of a pluralistic world. has, of course, been substantial variation regarding particular doctrines among the various families and denominations This article first appeared in the Spring 2009 edition of Knowing & Doing, a of Christianity. But Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy and quarterly publication of the C.S. Lewis Institute. Protestantism have historically been in agreement that salvation is found in no other than the person of Christ. The recent trends are contrary to those convictions. Dr. Dennis P. Hollinger is President and Colman M. Conclusion Mockler Professor of Christian Ethics. He formerly The growing number of Christians who are troubled by served as President of Evangelical Theological Seminary; as Provost, College Pastor and Professor of Christian Jesus’ claims to be the single course to salvation indicates Ethics at Messiah College; and as a professor at two how much the world has come to live in us as we attempt to additional seminaries. He has also been a visiting live in the world. We easily allow the push and pull of our professor at seminaries in the U.S., Ukraine, Russia and culture to define our beliefs, commitments and way of life, India, and a full-time pastor at three churches, including an urban church on Capitol Hill. He speaks extensively in the U.S. and internationally, has even while giving lip service to the name of Jesus. Perhaps written or co-edited eight books, and has authored more than 65 articles. the Pew Forum poll will be a wake-up call as to how much His Ph.D. is from Drew University.

18 Winter 09 DECONSTRUCTING JESUS :

Separating

Rollin G. Grams, Ph.D., Fact from Associate Professor of New Testament; Director of the Fiction Robert C. Cooley Center for the Study of Early Christianity at Gordon-Conwell—Charlotte

Winter 09 19 hese are exciting days in Jesus studies. Much is 1. Orthodox churches in the 2nd century could trace being written on the historical Jesus, and intriguing their lineage back to their apostolic foundations (cf. Tstudies in New Testament Christology have recently Tertullian, Prescriptions Against Heresies; Polycrates, been published. Yet some of the works making it to bishop of Ephesus (Eusebius, H.E. 5.24.2-7)). print are intentionally trying to deconstruct the Jesus of orthodox Christianity. This article intends to address a few 2. Our canonical Gospels present the testimony of such challenges while recommending recent publications eyewitnesses.4 worth reading. Deconstructing the Jesus of faith has been around in 3. Normative New Testament Christology is built out of Modernist and now Postmodernist forms for some time.1 its Jewish, especially Old Testament, roots.5 Herman Reimarus’s Apology or Defence of the Rational Worshippers of God (1778) argued that Jesus was a pious 4. Orthodox Christian tradition was preserved with Jew who called people to repentance and got himself killed due care for accuracy.6 Consider the important role in Jerusalem. His disciples then decided to steal His body of teachers in the community, the likely memorization and claim that He had risen from the dead so that they of sayings of Jesus, the role of eyewitnesses in the would not have to go back to work. Secrecy, conspiracy community and the community’s high value of accurate and scandal are not new to studies on Jesus. For those memories of Jesus. Also consider the importance placed denying Jesus’ resurrection, such theories are standard fare on apostolic custodians of the Church’s tradition, the (cf. Mt. 28.11-15). assumption by New Testament authors that the churches Deconstructive Postmodernist scholars, however, seem knew traditions about Jesus, the Gospels’ historical willing to float theories primarily for the results they interests in their choice of the genre of biography, the produce. The game is to construct alternative scenarios and tendency to check prophecy with tradition and the see what happens: move Gnosticism into the 1st century, control that a community exercised on the right telling argue for different dates of manuscripts, imagine that Jesus’ of a story. tomb has been discovered, and so forth. New theories— ones touting secrets, conspiracies, and scandals—also sell (5) The early Church held a high Christology (e.g., Jesus well, as authors, publishers and bookshops have discovered. seen as divine) from as early as we can tell. It did not A number of works, such as those by Bart Ehrman, are develop from low (e.g., Jesus seen merely as a prophet) aimed at undergraduates to unsettle their faith. His titles to high Christology over the rest of the 1st century. The promote hype around secrecy, conspiracy and scandal, using evolutionary view is inherent in the title of Maurice words like “lost,” “battles,” “betrayer,” “misquoting Jesus” Casey’s book, From Jewish Prophet to Gentile God. and “Bible fails.” Key 20th century works assumed it: Wilhelm Bousset’s Consider how one deconstructs Jesus in a Postmodern age.2 Kurios Christos, John Hick’s Myth of God Incarnate First, argue that orthodox Christianity is less credible and and James Dunn’s Christology in the Making. perhaps even later than certain heresies because there were contending views on Jesus from the start. It is, of course, Recently, however, strong challenges to this evolutionary quite true that from the very beginning there were any view have appeared. Larry Hurtado notes that the number of responses to Jesus. The idea that Christianity earliest Church’s devotion to and worship of Jesus testify first had a solid, orthodox trunk and only afterwards to its high Christology.7 Richard Bauckham argues that developed branches reaching out in heretical directions is the earliest Church held a high Christology through its clearly false. But the correct picture is not of an upside- interpretation of the Old Testament.8 Gordon Fee argues down tree, with branches in all directions at the beginning exegetically that the New Testament’s earliest author, Paul, and then a particular branch emerging from the mix as consistently held to a high Christology that was already in

orthodoxy. There was a “normative Christianity” from the (Wipf & Stock Pub., 2004). beginning.3 Five lines of argument are worth considering. 4 Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewit- ness Testimony (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2006). 1 In Rival Versions of Theological Enquiry (Prague: International Baptist 5 N. T. Wright, Jesus and the Victory of God, Christian Origins and the Theological Seminary, 2005), I explore the Modernist, Postmodern Deconstructive Question of God, Vol. 2 (Augsburg Fortress, 1997). and Postmodern Tradition versions of theological enquiry. 6 James D. G. Dunn, Jesus Remembered, Christianity in the Making, Vol. 2 In addition to several works cited elsewhere in this article, see also Ben 1 (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003). Witherington, III, What Have They Done With Jesus? Beyond Strange Theories and 7 Larry Hurtado, Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christi- Bad History—Why We Can Trust the Bible (New York: HarperOne, 2006); Darrell anity (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005). Bock and Daniel Wallace, Dethroning Jesus: Exposing Popular Culture’s Quest to 8 Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the God of Israel: God Crucified and Unseat the Biblical Christ (Thomas Nelson, 2007). Other Studies on the New Testament’s Christology of Divine Identity (Grand Rapids, 3 Arland J. Hultgren, The Rise of Normative Christianity MI: Eerdmans, 2008).

20 Winter 09 the Church tradition.9 And Sean McDonough of Gordon- including the four Gospels! One must assume that there Conwell argues that the often neglected miracles of Jesus was an earlier version of the GT—but we have no such explain the early Church’s view that he was the agent of document. Second, the GT’s units of Jesus’ sayings are creation.10 linked by Syrian catchwords, and it often depends on A second way to deconstruct Jesus is to rearrange the Tatian’s Syrian Diatessaron, which was compiled around evidence from primary sources. What if one could argue AD 170. It is surely a late 2nd century, Syrian work that that 2nd century Gnostic sources11 were either from the shows Gnostic influences—hardly an early, reliable source early 1st century or that they represent an early version of for the historical Jesus. Christianity?12 What if the 200 or so verses that Matthew A third way to deconstruct Jesus comes through and Luke have in common, called ‘Q’, were taken as a archaeology. We should expect that archaeology will complete perspective on Jesus held by a community, continue to provide us with further helpful discoveries to and then one focused on what was not in this imaginary assess events in the Scriptures, including those in Jesus’ time. There is a lot more digging still to do in Israel! Yet The idea that Christianity first had a archaeology’s revelation of “secrets from the earth” can also play into the deconstructive agenda. Some speculation solid, orthodox trunk and only afterwards is relatively innocuous, such as the discovery of a cave supposedly used by John the Baptist in Suba in 1999.16 developed branches reaching out in Other speculation intends to deconstruct Christian faith, heretical directions is clearly false. such as the claim that Jesus’ ossuary (bone box) has been discovered, along with family members, in a tomb in Talpiot.17 Judaism practiced a two-stage burial of the document—Jesus’ death and resurrection!13 What if the dead: an initial burial over the first year until only the Gospel of Thomas14 was actually written around AD bones were left, and then a second burial of the bones in 50—before the canonical Gospels? One essential feature of a stone box. If Jesus’ bone box were to be discovered, Postmodernist deconstruction is to see truth as communally that would be the end of Easter for most of us. Numerous (or locally) constructed. So, why not put forward 2nd problems with such a view have ably been pointed out by century Gnostic works, even if one does not subscribe to Craig Evans and Ben Witherington. such views oneself, as an equally true or even preferable In conclusion, the peculiar arguments in recent representation of Jesus? deconstructions of Jesus are not simply the rehashing of All this requires some discussion of the dating of views met already in Reimarus in the 18th century as the documents. Consider, for example, the date of the Gospel Enlightenment was coming to a close. They come in new of Thomas. Craig Evans has argued rather convincingly that packaging for a consumerist, iconoclastic age, but also with the GT should be dated after AD 170, over against the view new arguments. Yet more credible analyses of Jesus in the that it predates the canonical Gospels,15 as key scholars light of ancient texts and archaeology are providing us with in the “Jesus Seminar” have maintained. Two of Evans’ exciting evidence about Jesus, the Messiah of Israel and the arguments might be noted. First, to state the obvious, the Lord of all creation. GT quotes or alludes to various New Testament works,

9 Gordon Fee, Pauline Christology: An Exegetical-Theological Study (Pea- Dr. Rollin G. Grams is Associate Professor of New Testament and Director body, MA: Hendrickson, 2007). of the Robert C. Cooley Center for Early Christianity at 10 Sean McDonough, Christ as Creator: Origins of a New Testament Doc- the Charlotte campus. He served for many years as a trine (Oxford University Press, forthcoming December 2009). 11 Works often under discussion are: a Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, The missionary in theological education in Kenya, Ethiopia, Dialogue Gospel, The Apocryphon (or Letter) of James, The Secret Gospel of Mark, Croatia and Singapore, and lectured and tutored at a so-called Cross Gospel (part of the Gospel of Peter), the Gospel of Mary and, most the Oxford (England) Centre for Mission Studies. He is recently, the Gospel of Judas. 12 So, e.g., some have argued that Jesus married and had a son or that currently a lecturer/doctoral program supervisor at a Jesus’ family formed a dynasty in the Church. Cf. James Tabor, The Jesus Dynasty; seminary in Prague, and SIM-USA theological education Margaret Starbird, The Women With the Alabaster Jar: Mary Magdalen and the coordinator. He holds a Ph.D. from Duke University. Holy Grail (Bear and Company, 1993). Starbird identifies Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and claims that Jesus, in the line of King David, intentionally mar- ried a Benjaminite in the line of King Saul. And, of course, this was all kept secret. 13 Q ranges in agreement between Matthew and Luke from 100 percent to 8 percent of the time. It seems highly unlikely that we can consider it a single docu- 16 Shimon Gibson, The Cave of John the Baptist: The Stunning Archaeo- ment presenting a complete theological perspective. logical Discovery That Has Redefined Christian History (NY: Doubleday, 2004). 14 The Gospel of Thomas was found in 1945 in Nag Hammadi (Egypt), 17 James Tabor, The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of Jesus, His along with other Gnostic works. Royal Family, and the Birth of Christianity (Simon and Schuster, 2007). He also 15 Craig Evans, Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gos- believes that the ‘James Ossuary’ belongs to this tomb. A trial over this ossuary’s pels (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006). possible forgery is still in session in Israel.

Winter 09 21 Jesusand the

CityDr. Alvin Padilla, Ph.D., Dean of Gordon-Conwell–Boston & Associate Professor of New Testament

22 Winter 09 It is generally accepted that the proclamation of the advent of the Hellenistic world was significantly urban. Kingdom of God. His central message is As Alexander the Great expanded his that the promises of God have begun to empire eastward, he envisioned the be fulfilled in His own person. He has emergence of a civilization emblazoned arrived on the scene as the divine King with Greek culture. One of the critical ready to reclaim, redirect and redeem components of this Hellenization was the His people. To the cities, Jesus sends his founding of Greek cities, which would disciples with a message: the Kingdom of serve as emanating centers of Hellenistic God is at hand. cultural elements. In the Synoptic Gospels we find It seems that thousands of years before that Jesus’ geographical focal point, his the advent of urban studies, Alexander destination, is the city of Jerusalem—the understood the importance of the city city that dominated the social, cultural, as the axis of fashion, music, language, economic and religious landscape of politics, lifestyles, commerce, trade, etc. the entire region. Of course, there will Today, that fact is lost to many in the be those who are quick to point out Church—particularly to women and men that Jerusalem as the focal point is a who are called to serve in leadership consequence of its status as the cultic roles. While there are many reasons for center in Judaism. And that is precisely my this disregard, I am of the opinion that point. A cultic center of such importance the major impetus for it is the modern can only be located in a city. The presence polarization of the urban and rural worlds of the Temple in David’s royal city, which evident in many industrialized societies. was the center of religious and political However, if we are to judge by the use spheres of influence, could only lead to the of the term polis, the importance of the rise to eminence of that city. city was not lost on Jesus. Let us take a It is not possible in this brief essay to To the cities, Jesus sends his disciples with a message: the Kingdom of God is at hand. cursory glance at Jesus’ “urban mission,” fully present Jesus’ urban mission. A quick which can be particularly discerned in the journey through the Gospel of Luke must Gospel of Luke. suffice for the present. The noun “city” During the time of Jesus’ ministry, (polis) is used 160 times in the NT. Half 1st century Judea had its share of cities. of this usage is found in Luke and the Describing southern Galilee, the Jewish book of Acts. This interest in the polis historian Josephus writes, “the cities lie can be discerned in the way that Luke very thick and the very many villages that employs that label to designate localities are here are everywhere so full of people not so characterized in the other Gospels. by the richness of their soil that the very Bethlehem is called a “village” by John least of them contained about 15,000 (7:42), whereas Luke calls it a city (2:3-4, inhabitants” (War of the Jews, 3.43). In 11). According to Mark, Bethsaida is a southern Galilee, one could not live in the village (8:23), while Luke considers it a villages and escape the ramifications of city (9:10). This usage might suggests urbanization. that Luke is dogmatically employing Jesus clearly embraced the idea the term polis as a synonym for kome of the importance of the city for the (village, town), and this appears to be the

Winter 09 23 thinking of the NIV translators who on numerous occasions King. As the King enters His royal city, the city in which translate polis as “town.” However, Luke uses the term He will offer his life as a sacrifice for many, only Luke kome to refer to the hostile Samaritans (9:52), the home of notes that Jesus pauses to weep for the city (19:41). Mary and Martha (10:38); the home of the colt ridden by What are we to make of this urban emphasis in Luke’s Jesus upon entering Jerusalem (19:30) and the destination of gospel? First, it should not lead us to conclude that Luke the two dejected disciples who were traveling on the road places more importance on the city over against the to Emmaus (24:13, 28). Whereas Matthew and Mark in countryside, or rural areas. The use of polis in the third their rendering of the parable of the soils (Mark 4:1//’s) rightly gospel does not suggest that Luke did not care for the draw attention to the crowds who came to hear Jesus, only countless villages that dotted the known world. Rather, Luke notes that they came from various cities (8:4). it suggests that as an urbanite Luke well understood the In Luke, the angel Gabriel is sent to the “city” of influence that the polis exercised over the surrounding rural Nazareth and as soon as Mary hears the angelic message, regions. Focusing evangelistic attention in the polis results she departs for the home of Elizabeth who lives “in a in evangelistic efforts in the surrounding regions as well. polis in the hill country of Judea” (1:3)1. The first synoptic The early Christian missionaries understood this concept quite well. Paul and other itinerant preachers gravitated Focusing evangelistic attention to the cities of the Roman world as Acts, Luke’s second volume, bears witness. Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian in the polis results in evangelistic official provides a good example that is often neglected by efforts in the surrounding those studying the urban-rural dichotomy, for at first sight it appears to support a rural focus to Philip’s evangelistic regions as well. efforts. However, a contextual reading of the story reveals that Philip is busily engaged in ministry in the nearby city healing narrative (Mark 1.21//’s) takes place in Capernaum. of Samaria (Acts 8:5) when he is pulled from that ministry Only Luke designates Capernaum as a “polis of Galilee” for a momentary encounter with the Ethiopian official (again we should note that the NIV translates this as (Acts 8:26-39).2 After the conversion of the Ethiopian, “town”). The widow’s son is raised from the dead in the Philip returns to his preaching in the cities until he reached city of Nain (Luke 7:11). The woman who anoints and Caesarea (Acts 8:40). For his part, the Ethiopian joyfully kisses the feet of Jesus is from “that city” (7:37). returned to his home, certainly a city, for we cannot Crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus heals a demoniac imagine Candace, the queen of Ethiopia, ruling from the living in the tombs and says that the man came from the countryside. city (8:27). And whereas Mark employs the proper name Second, this Lucan emphasis should encourage the Decapolis to refer to the region (Mk 5:20), only Luke says modern Church not to ignore the city, but rather, to that after his deliverance the man bore witness of Jesus actively seek the “peace of the city” and to labor for its throughout the whole city (8:39) After the tumultuous welfare. The presence of the Church in the city will impact events on Calvary, some of Jesus’ followers take down the with the message of the Kingdom of God the men and body of their Master for burial. Once again, only Luke women who rule over us, set economic policy, compose the designates Arimathea as a “city of the Jews.” music we listen to and fashion the lifestyle that the rest of The central section of the gospel of Luke (9:51-19:27) the region emulates. focuses on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, the city of the great king (9:41; 22:10; 23:19; 24:49). Jesus will fulfill his mission Dr. Alvin Padilla, Ph.S., is Dean of the seminary’s urban only when he arrives in that city and gives His life as an ministry campus in Boston, and Associate Professor of atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This central New Testament. He formerly taught at Nyack College section is a long processional towards the city as ultimate and at the Spanish Eastern School of Theology in Swan goal. Throughout this journey, Luke reminds his readers Lake, NY, a school he founded. He also pastored the Washington Heights Presbyterian Church (USA) in New of the pilgrimage’s final goal—Jesus resolutely set out for York City. He received a Ph.D. from Drew University Jerusalem (Lk 9:51, 53;13:22; 17:11; 19:11). The redemptive Graduate School. plan can only be accomplished in the city of the Great

2 I have always imagined how ludicrous this would have seemed to 1 In both instances the NIV uses the English word “town” to translate the Philip—to abandon the receptive crowds of Samaria and go to an uninhabited region Greek polis. at high noon.

24 Winter 09 FACULTY PROFILE

From Students to Professors: Donna continues, “I was taking an elective in biblical Hebrew with Dr. Pratico, and the way he opened up even A Journey Taken Together simple vocabulary words to us made me think, ‘I want what this guy has.’ Walking out after the first class, I Michael L. Colaneri, Acting Director of Communications thought, ‘This is it.’” According to Donna, who also directs the seminary’s Hebrew Language program, “It is really difficult to express how amazing it is that we are teaching here. It was our dream. Initially, we were somewhat conflicted as to whether we would teach in a seminary or return to work with YWAM. But God had us in the right place at the right time. We came in on a Team Ministry Grant and now we’re team teaching the Old Testament.” The Petters, whose family includes nine-year-old Marcus, are also ministering with another Gordon-Conwell graduate, David Cook, M.Div. ’09, to plant the North Point Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Peabody, MA. Earlier this year, Tom and Donna realized yet another dimension of their dream when YWAM asked them to speak at the SBS consultation, an event held every four Drs. Thomas and Donna Petter joined the Gordon-Conwell years. This event brings together missionaries across the faculty in 2006, but their relationship with the school was world, from Uzbekistan to Africa to South America, to be forged more than a decade ago. encouraged and equipped. Tom and Donna were asked The two, who are now Assistant Professors of Old to headline this year, speaking on the state of theological Testament, were also students in the early ‘90s. They education. developed such a fondness for seminary that, in Donna’s “One thing I realized is that while we left SBS, it never words, “...we kept our bank account open in the hopes left us,” says Donna. “And everything I do here is infused that God would lead us back here someday!” with the biblical literacy so important in that program.” The Petters have followed a remarkably similar The Petters teach that biblical literacy through the trajectory leading to their current faculty positions. They Hebrew language, as well as through exegesis courses. served and worked with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Both are passionate about the importance of learning the and attended the organization’s School of Biblical Studies original languages, specifically Hebrew. before pursuing M.A.R. and M.A. degrees at the seminary. “I think that when you go into the pulpit, mission Subsequently, each earned an M.A. and Ph.D. from the field or wherever God calls you, as a graduate of University of Toronto’s Department of Near and Middle Gordon-Conwell you have the confidence to teach the Eastern Civilizations. detail of God’s word, not just the gist,” Tom comments, “But what led us to Gordon-Conwell in the first place,” “because even a very good translation will not be able to Tom emphasizes, “was a call to teach the Word, the Bible, communicate the full meaning of the text. For example, and more specifically, to teach the Old Testament from the one of the emphases of the Suffering Servant song in Isaiah standpoint of the Hebrew language. 53 occurs with the personal pronouns ‘he’ and ‘us.’ ‘He’ “The focal point was always to be trained to do does something for ‘us.’ You can see that in the original exegesis. And then to be able to teach others to be grammar, but it is easily missed in an English translation.” competent exegetes.” Donna adds, “To learn Hebrew is not just to make That desire began two decades ago at YWAM. “I did another translation, but learning it helps you understand the School of Biblical Studies in 1986,” Tom remembers, that the language carries and presents meaning. For “and during that time, we went through an in-depth study example, in 2 Samuel 11, Bathsheba is only mentioned by of the English Bible. After finishing, I realized that I needed name a couple of times. Mostly, she is referred to as ‘she’ more than just that one year of study.” or ‘The wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ The emphasis of the While at Gordon-Conwell, the couple’s vision further narrative, through the language, stresses the misconduct of crystallized when both fell in love with biblical Hebrew. David and Bathsheba.” Tom relates that for him, “It started with a study in the She concludes, “Learning the original languages will add history of interpretation with Dr. Garth Rosell. I wanted depth to any teaching or sermon. And that is not because to understand the way the Scriptures have been interpreted you say, ‘Oh, the Hebrew says this or the Greek says that,’ throughout Christian history. That was a great experience, but because you are able to give the details. And those but I also took classes with Dr. Doug Stuart and Dr. who are listening have their souls fed. They know they’ve Gary Pratico, and the whole field of Ancient Near Eastern had a good meal.” history was opened up to me.”

Winter 09 25 STUDENT PROFILE

African D.Min. Students Put cal Plymouth Brethren church, where he sees firsthand the Training to Work brokenness from which many of his parishioners suffer. He plans to learn from his D.Min. training how to more effec- Ruth E. Hawk tively counsel these parishioners. “I expect it to help me not only teaching, counseling, Gordon-Conwell D.Min. students Zacharie Delma and pastoring in the Bible college,” he said, “but also as I am Mardochee Nadoumngar are very busy people. an assistant pastor in a local church, it will help me work- Delma runs a continuing Christian education program ing with church members who are struggling.” that produces Sunday School curriculum and offers train- Both men heard ing seminars for all the churches in his country of Burkina about the D.Min. pro- Faso. Nadoumngar is Director and Professor of New Tes- gram through connec- tament at an evangelical theological school in Chad and an tions to Gordon-Con- assistant pastor in a local church. well. A Gordon-Con- Yet, for Delma, in his last year of the D.Min. in Pasto- well D.Min. alumna ral Skills, and Nadoumngar, in his first, these ministries, who is an instructor at far from hindering their schooling, necessitate it. the WAAST introduced Delma, for instance, needs to be able to teach other Delma to the program. leaders. Through producing Sunday School curriculum, Nadoumngar learned teaching seminars, publishing a church magazine and about the program dur- overseeing the extension site of the West Africa Advanced ing a trip to Gordon- School of Theology (WAAST), his ministry equips leaders Conwell arranged by to empower the church. Gordon-Conwell pro- “We have to focus on the leaders so they can take what fessor Dr. Scott Hafe- we are giving them to the people,” he said. He credits the mann, who has taught D.Min. program with giving him the knowledge he needs Zacharie Delma at Shalom for the past to do that better. six years. “The [D.Min.] program helps me study more and know Both men face more than just time constraints in more,” he said. “Because I came into this program, I have studying for their D.Min. degrees. Both also face language new insights to excel in my ministry.” difficulties (English is Delma’s fourth language), and finan- Nadoumngar, on the other hand, anticipates using his cial difficulties when coming to the U.S. for the annual, D.Min. training most in his role as assistant pastor in a lo- two-week residency classes. Nadoumngar remains unsure who will pay for his plane ticket when he returns next year. However, the men remain undeterred. “Sometimes it is really hard to leave what I am doing,” Delma said, “but you have to.” For information about the Doctor of Ministry program, visit: www.gordonconwell.edu/dmin

Mardochee Nadoumngar 26 Winter 09 DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Why Would Anyone Partner with Gordon-Conwell?

Kurt W. Drescher Vice President for Advancement

I came to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary five months ago after 23 years in the marketplace. This followed several years of some heavy soul searching, asking God and myself questions like: “Am I using my God-given giftedness to its fullest potential?” and “What does God want me to do with the rest of my life?” These are hard questions, but questions well worth asking, because what we do matters to God. Let me tell you why I felt called to partner with Gordon-Conwell. Plain and simple, I love the Church. Our great God, in his infinite wisdom, chose to do his work in this world through his people: the Church. I love our little “c” church where our family has worshiped for 19 years, and I love the big “C” church all over the globe. Gordon-Conwell exists to build up the Church. One over the globe. These people are not only our friends. We of the things that I love best about my new role is that stand on the frontline with them in ministry. It is humbling, this institution is laser focused to do everything we can rewarding, sometimes overwhelming but always real. for the Kingdom by strengthening the Church. Our vision I love the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. No statement is not a tagline. It is at the very core of who one wants to be the one-talent servant in this parable. we are: “To advance Christ’s Kingdom in every sphere The master’s response is very harsh. For me the question of life by equipping Church leaders to think theologically, might be, “What is the difference between the five-talent engage globally and live biblically.” I left a somewhat servant and the two-talent servant?” The master’s response comfortable and successful career in large part because I to both the five- and two-talent servants is identical. believe to my very core that this vision is something that I can The difference is what the master entrusted to the servants give my “head, heart and hands” to every day of my life. in the first place. Gordon-Conwell has been entrusted Gordon-Conwell has touched my life in tangible ways, with an enormous responsibility, and we treat that with and I have benefited directly and indirectly through this the seriousness and urgency of the five-talent servant. We ministry. My childhood pastor is a Gordon-Conwell believe to whom much is given much is required. graduate. He invested in my life when it mattered most. Why do you or why might you partner with Gordon- I came to love the church through his influence and Conwell? If you love the Church–which I trust you the influence of my parents. As a teenager, I watched do–partnering with us seems like the next logical step after our church grow and stretch physically, relationally, your partnership with your church. We are constantly intellectually and spiritually, and I grew as well. Our investing in, debating about, planning for, teaching and pastor was trained well to lead his congregation, and I engaging with the Church and its future leaders. Our great thank God for that gift to me and to our family. God has uniquely blessed this institution for that single Fast forward 30 years to our present church, Grace purpose. It is just that simple. Please do not hear these Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts, where my pastor words as just one more appeal for a donation. For the sake is also a Gordon-Conwell graduate, and where my wife of advancing the Kingdom, we need your prayers most, and I serve side-by-side with many Gordon-Conwell your partnership and yes, of course, your financial support. graduates. We partner with these folks to do Christ’s work in the world in our communities, in our region and all

Winter 09 27 SEMINARY NEWS

Evangelical conference draws more than Lauren Winner, Os Guinness, Bruce McCormack, Kevin 500 pastors, theologians and students Vanhoozer and Michael Horton, addressed three clusters of topics: Renewing the Global Mission, Renewing the Theological Mission, and Renewing the Ecclesial Mission. Dr. Richard Lints, Andrew Mutch Distinguished The conference, attended by more than 500 participants, Professor of Theology underscored both the dangers and the opportunities facing evangelicals in the present cultural environment. Gordon-Conwell The temptations of evangelical cultural captivity were honored the legacy emphasized throughout the conference. The reminders of of Dr. David F. the resilience of Christianity in the global south, and most Wells’ longstanding especially in persecuted lands, served as a powerful witness contributions to of the necessity to recover a larger vision of God by North the seminary with American evangelicals, not domesticated by consumerism a major conference and materialism. in October on the Many of the plenary speakers drew attention to the theme “Renewing the surprising renaissance of interest in the Church as a Evangelical Mission.” distinctive theological community in North American Dr. Wells, who is now evangelical circles, and the need to keep intertwined its Distinguished Senior confessional commitments and its spiritual practices. A Research Professor, challenge presented in several of the sessions was to keep served for many years as the Andrew Mutch Distinguished the theological identity of the movement clear, rigorous Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology. and integrated—a challenge for Christians in every age. The 10 plenary speakers, Mark Noll, Cornelius Plantinga, Miroslav Volf, Tite Tiénou, J.I. Packer,

Left to right: Os Guinness, Miroslav Volf, Lauren Winner, Tite Tiénou

28 Winter 09 SEMINARY NEWS

New Art Journal Fosters Community and Shalom In keeping with this desire, the journal’s name and first theme, Kalos, a new art journal at “What is Beauty?” arose. Gordon-Conwell published “Kalos means good, or beauty,” in the fall of 2009, has no Andene notes. “These words small goal: to strengthen the are diluted by overuse, and in a Gordon-Conwell community; fallen world, it’s difficult to be connect faith and art; observers of, or contributors to, encourage the artist within our world’s goodness and beauty. each person; and break down But as Christians we can artfully the false dichotomy between reveal the tension of hope in the sacred and secular. midst of brokenness through “Art has this unifying works of creativity.” power—it has the ability Yellow Gem by Deborah Hafemann “Our culture tends to to bring the community compartmentalize morality and beauty,” John adds. “But the together,” says John Meinen, one word kalos expresses their intrinsic unity, which is owed a second-year M.Div. student, to the existence of God and the nature of who He is.” co-founder and senior editor of Kalos. “We want to create Ultimately, more than 40 submissions were pared more space at Gordon-Conwell for people to connect with down to a 32-page journal featuring the poetry, artwork, each other and with God.” photography and The idea for Kalos was born at an art/craft fair at creative writing Gordon-Conwell in December 2008, where John noticed of 32 students, art’s unique ability to bring people together. In response, faculty, staff and he and friend Andene Christopherson, a Gordon-Conwell spouses. graduate, and co-founder and senior editor of Kalos, began “Within to envision a publication that would use art to foster Gordon-Conwell, community. people are given However, Kalos is much more than bringing people space to use gifts together. The idea of shalom and art’s role in it is central God has given to their vision. them that would “Kalos was birthed in earlier conversations about the not normally be sacredness of all of life,” John explains. “The Gospel encouraged within is what heals and restores a broken world. As such, it the traditional brings shalom—that is, wholeness and human flourishing. classroom,” This idea of wholeness includes music, dance, painting— Andene says. ‘culture.’ As the recipients of the Gospel, are we exercising “People outside shalom at Gordon-Conwell?” Gordon-Conwell Andene and John hope that Kalos, by celebrating the want copies of artistic presence at Gordon-Conwell, will foster shalom. Kalos. Tree of Life by Ellie Cho

“To hear of a seminary engaging with the creative arts is an encouragement for artists who sometimes feel their work is not affirmed within the Church. And to have that validated is good, it’s kalos.” John and Andene want Kalos to be a twice-yearly publication that comes out at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. They are currently planning the second publication of Kalos to be published February 2010 and are looking for both submissions and benefactors who can help support the journal’s production. The theme of the February issue is “Light.”

Painted Koi by David Cumbie Winter 09 29 SEMINARY NEWS

Anne Graham Gordon-Conwell Names New Provost Lotz Awarded Dr. Frank A. Honorary James III, a former Degree President of the Orlando, Florida, Anne Graham Lotz campus of Reformed received an honorary Theological Doctor of Divinity Seminary (RTS), degree from Gordon- has joined Gordon- Conwell during Conwell as Provost the commencement and Professor of exercises of its Historical Theology. Charlotte campus on May 16. She Dr. James has taught at Villanova University and also served as the Westmont College and was Visiting Professor at the Center commencement for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Oxford University speaker. for 12 years. He has been a guest lecturer or guest professor Lotz is the daughter of renowned evangelist Rev. Billy at seminaries in the Czech Republic, Turkey and Canada, Graham and is founder of AnGeL Ministries, a nonprofit and at universities in Switzerland and Italy. organization dedicated to the distribution of Bible Currently he serves as General Editor of the Peter Martyr exposition through her speaking, tapes and books. Lotz has Library, is on the Editorial Board for the Reformation spoken at conferences, seminaries, churches and universities Commentary on Scriptures, is Contributing Editor at on six continents. She serves on the Board of Directors Christian History Magazine and is the author of eight books for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. She is the and more than 50 articles. Dr. James holds a D.Phil. degree author of nine books and holds an honorary doctorate in Modern History from Oxford University and an M.A. from King’s College. in Religion and Ph.D. in Historical and Theological Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He is married to Carolyn Custis James, a popular speaker and author of books for Christian women, founder of Synergy conferences and President of Whitby Forum. They have one adult daughter. President Hollinger Named to Fill Mockler Faculty Chair

Dr. Dennis P. Hollinger is now President and Coleman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics. The Board of Trustees, in concurrence with the Faculty Person- nel and Policy Committee, named Dr. Hollinger to the faculty chair previously held by Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., President Emeritus. According to Provost Dr. Frank James, “GCTS has a long tradition of distinguished academic leadership and the appointment of Dr. Hollinger to the Mockler chair contin- ues that strong heritage.” The endowed chair was established in memory of the late Colman M. Mockler, Jr., former Chairman and Chief Ex- ecutive Officer of The Gillette Company. Gordon-Conwell’s Mockler Center for Faith and Ethics in the Workplace was also created to honor Colman Mockler’s deep interest in is- sues of faith, values and ethics in business.

30 Winter 09 SEMINARY NEWS

Gordon-Conwell Sister School in Korea “The foundation upon which Pyongtaek University was Awards Honorary Degree to built up is the gospel, the good news of salvation… Today the whole community of Pyongtaek University, a spiritual Dr. Robert E. Cooley offspring of Dr. Pierson, is honoring the heritage which he left. That is to preach the good tidings of salvation to all Pyongtaek University in Seoul, Korea, corners of the world.” recently conferred an honorary Doc- Dr. Cooley has provided support to Pyongtaek since tor of Divinity degree on President 1986. He has visited numerous times, attending the uni- Emeritus Dr. Robert E. Cooley for his versity’s 75th anniversary celebration, assisting with board contributions to theological education, education programs, presenting papers at the Annual Pier- and named in his honor the Robert E. son International Symposium, and providing ideas for the Cooley Lecture Hall at the university’s development of a new campus in Pyeongtaek City. Pierson School of Theology. According to Dr. Cooley, “At our first visit, the school In an introduction to these honors, Pyongtaek officials had 300 students and seven professors. Today they have wrote: “Historically speaking, Korea was brought good 6000 students with over 60 degree programs and more than news from distant countries. Paul, the great Apostle and 400 professors. GCTS and Pyeongtaek University have a Evangelist, expresses ‘How beautiful are the feet of those sister-school relationship authorized by our board in 1989. who bring good news.’ .....One hundred years ago, we Since then we have exchanged students and faculty, hosted received this good news of salvation from Dr. Arthur T. student groups for a joint summer institute with Gordon Pierson, the second president of the Boston Missionary College, and entertained their leaders on campus numerous Training Institute [the school that was to become Gordon times.” Divinity School and subsequently Gordon-Conwell].

Major Gifts Fund New Chair in Early Christianity at Gordon-Conwell—Charlotte

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has received a major deferred gift to create a future academic chair, the Robert E. Cooley Chair in Early Christianity, at the seminary’s Charlotte campus. Additional current gifts of $525,000 have also been pledged to fund the new professorship by the fall 2010 semester. A search committee is recruiting nationally for a professor to fill the new position, and fundraising is on- going to support this position until the endowment is fully established. The endowed chair honors Gordon-Conwell’s second president, Charlotte resident Dr. Robert E. Cooley. Dr. Cooley, who was President of Gordon-Conwell from 1981 to 1997, and is now President Emeritus, is internationally known for his 50 years of study and excavations in the Middle East. He is a frequent lecturer and has taught at many colleges and universities. During May 2009, he participated in the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Interfaith dialogue with the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land.

Winter 09 31 SEMINARY NEWS

Hamilton Campus Appoints Acting New Vice President for Advancement Joins Academic Dean of Faculty Seminary Community

Carol M. Kaminski, Ph.D., Associate Kurt W. Drescher joined the seminary Professor of Old Testament at community in August as Vice Gordon-Conwell Theological President for Advancement. Seminary, has been named Acting A graduate of Gordon College, Academic Dean of Faculty for the Kurt has more than 20 years of Gordon-Conwell-South Hamilton experience as a sales and marketing campus. She also continues to teach executive in the printing industry. Old Testament courses at the campus. Much of his work has been Dr. Kaminski is the author of the with clients in the field of higher Casket Empty Bible Series, a timeline and a study guide education, including New England schools like Babson (forthcoming, fall 2009) for understanding the meta- College, Simmons College and College of the Holy Cross. narrative of the Old Testament based on the acronym Kurt has also been an active member of Grace Chapel CASKET (Creation, Abraham, Sinai, Kings, Exile, in Lexington, MA, for nearly 20 years. As a volunteer, he Temple). Her dissertation has been published as From has served as an elder, coordinated communications for Noah to Israel: Realization of the Primaeval Blessing After two capital campaigns and a church-wide initiative and the Flood, and she is currently writing a book entitled Was served on ministry teams. His other church leadership roles Noah Good? Finding Favor in the Flood Narrative. Her have included chairing a church-wide initiative and co- public speaking engagements focus on in-depth biblical chairing a church-wide evangelical/outreach event. teaching for laity. Originally from Australia, Dr. Kaminski holds an M.A. and an M.A.R. from Gordon-Conwell and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. She is a member of the Institute for Biblical Research, the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature. CUME Gains New Instructor in Old Testament

Quonekuia Day, M.Phil./Ph.D. (cand.), Dean of Enrollment Management and has become a full-time Instructor in Old Testament at the Boston campus of Registrar Selected for Hamilton Campus Gordon-Conwell. Prof. Day, who holds an M.Div. and Scott Poblenz, M.Div., has been a Th.M. from Gordon-Conwell, joined named Dean of Enrollment Man- CUME in 2004 as Coordinator of Student agement and Registrar for the Advisement and Mentored Ministry, South Hamilton campus. and as a teaching assistant and adjunct Scott joined the seminary professor teaching Hebrew and Old Testament courses. community as a Master of Divin- Prior to teaching at Gordon-Conwell, Prof. Day, a ity student in 1998, earning his licensed clinical social worker, worked in healthcare as a degree in 2004. He has worked family treatment specialist/substance abuse counselor, case continuously in the Registration Office since 1999 as management social worker and a clinical social worker. She Assistant Director for Enrollment Management and has also used her social work skills in ministry at Greater Records. He has also been heavily involved in youth Love Tabernacle in Roxbury, MA. ministry, volunteering at First Presbyterian Church in A licensed evangelist of the International Church of God Ipswich, MA. A Michigan native, Scott earned a B.S. in Christ, Prof. Day has been a speaker and is currently in Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University District President in Boston for the denomination’s Young in Detroit and served for a year with a chemical firm Women’s Christian Council. at the end of his college years.

32 Winter 09 SEMINARY NEWS

Michael Colaneri Appointed Acting Dr. Todd Johnson Co-Authors New Atlas of Director of Communications and Marketing Global Christianity

Michael Colaneri, Assistant Director of The Atlas of Global Christianity, Communications, was named Acting edited by Dr. Todd M. Johnson, Director of Communications and Gordon-Conwell Research Fellow in Marketing, effective November 1. Global Christianity, and Kenneth R. Michael joined the seminary in 2004, Ross, Council Secretary of the Church after serving in Müllheim, Germany, as of Scotland World Mission Council, Communications Coordinator for Euro- was released in October 2009. Team, a division of Greater Europe The full-color atlas examines Missions. In that capacity, he produced publications and Christianity since the “Edinburgh created promotional videos from numerous locations 1910” World Missionary Conference. It is the first atlas to throughout Europe. show the shift of the center of Christianity to the Global He has also served as Writer/Desktop Publisher for South. It covers every Christian denomination and includes Aquidneck Management Associates, Ltd. in Newport, RI, historical essays by authors from each region of the world. where he led and supported projects for government and A CD of all maps, charts, graphs and tables is included. commercial clients, and was Public Relations Assistant for Dr. Johnson is the Providence, Rhode Island, Public Library. Director of the Center Michael received a B.A. in Communications from for the Study of Global Rhode Island College in Providence. Christianity at Gordon- Conwell and Editor of the World Christian Database, which provides statistical information on Christianity worldwide. Gordon-Conwell Program Director The atlas is available in North America Receives Discernment Leadership through Columbia Initiative Award University Press.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Macchia, Director of the Pierce Center for Disciple-Building at Gordon-Conwell, received a Discernment Leadership Initiative Award from George Fox University’s Spiritual Discernment as Ockenga Institute Relaunches Online Store Christian Leadership Initiative. The award, given to 15 pastoral, After a much needed overhaul, the Ockenga Institute educational and denominational/ relaunched it’s online store this summer. The Ockenga organizational leaders, provided a small grant to be used Institute offers a wide variety of events and resources for through fall 2009 to gather local leaders for discussions pastors, church leaders and the entire church community. on spiritual discernment. Each grant recipient attended The store offers you the opportunity to register for events a conference in June, where Dr. Macchia presented a and purchase audio and curriculum resources including workshop on Spiritual Discernment, and a consultation in non-credit Semlinks, Dimensions of the Faith, the Builders’ October. Series and Pulpit Talk. Grant recipients will share their findings with each other in order to raise awareness of all that spiritual discernment entails for individuals, ministry teams, Check it out at store.gordonconwell.edu. educational institutions and congregations.

Winter 09 33 FOCUS ON ALUMNI/AE

Alumni/ae Gather at Four Events discussion with Gordon-Conwell faculty members Dr. John Jefferson Davis (‘72 M.Div.), Dr. Carol Kaminski Daryl Olson, Coordinator of Alumni/ae Relations (’96 MA, ’96 MAR), and Dr. Sean McDonough (‘93 M.Div., ‘94 Th.M.), as well as Dr. John Huffman, long- During September and October, four separate Gordon- time Gordon-Conwell trustee and former Senior Minister Conwell alumni/ae gatherings took place, bringing together of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, alumni/ae from all three campuses and every decade since CA. President Hollinger served as moderator for the panel, the 1950s. which addressed the importance of theological education and continuing education, among other topics. North Carolina Mountain Region Alumni/ae Dinner Montreat, North Carolina Gordon Divinity School Class of 1959 Reunion South Hamilton, Massachusetts The Charlotte campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary held a kick-off event in Montreat on October Twelve classmates from 1959 gathered at the South th 10 for its newly-formed North Carolina Mountain Region Hamilton campus October 22-23 for a 50 reunion. alumni/ae network. Classmates traveled from far and wide to reconnect and Alumni/ae and student families from the Carolinas reminisce, tour both Gordon-Conwell and Gordon College, and Tennessee gathered with Gordon-Conwell faculty and visit classes. A booklet was produced in conjunction and staff in the historic stone fellowship hall of Montreat with the event which gave updates on many of the class of Presbyterian Church for barbecue and fellowship. The 1959 alumni/ae, including a number who were unable to Mountain Region Alumni Council was introduced, and attend the event. Charlotte Academic Dean Dr. Tim Laniak led an after- The Alumni/ae Office staff is excited that these four dinner discussion. groups recently gathered, and is pleased to announce The gathering is part of Gordon-Conwell—Charlotte’s upcoming events in the near future: initiative to form regional alumni/ae groups that meet locally for fellowship and encouragement within the larger DECEMBER 27-31, 2009 context of Gordon-Conwell’s growing effort to build life- Urbana Student Missions Conference Alumni/ae Gathering long relationships with its graduates. St. Louis, Missouri

Plans are underway for an alumni/ae gathering at the ’09 Urbana Student Missions Conference in Saint Louis, MO.

FEBRUARY 12-13, 2010 Southeast Region Alumni/ae Reunion Charlotte, North Carolina

Alumni/ae in the Southeast region of the country will gather at the Charlotte campus for several activities on February 12-13, highlighted by the installation of Dr. Timothy Laniak (’89 M.Div.) as Academic Dean of the Charlotte campus.

FEBRUARY 22-24, 2010

Pictured, from left to right, are Mariana R. Glass (’01 MACC), Rev. Bob Timothy Project Chuprevich (’05 MACC), Terry Hanna (’98 M.Div), James Walters (’02 M.Div.), South Hamilton, Massachusetts Dr. Tim Laniak (‘89 M.Div., Academic Dean of the Charlotte campus), Dema Barishnikov (’05 M.Div.), J. Michael Brown (’01 M.Div), and Bob Mayer (‘97 D.Min., Senior Librarian, Charlotte campus). These are the members of the newly- The Timothy Project is for alumni/ae of Gordon-Conwell formed North Carolina Mountain Region Alumni/ae Council of Gordon-Conwell— Charlotte.Text and photo were provided by Mrs. Beth McKnight of Charlotte, NC. Theological Seminary in their first 10 years of ministry. It is a time for reflection, conversation, evaluation, and Alumni/ae Lunch (Renewing the Evangelical Mission encouragement and is offered at minimal cost annually in Conference) South Hamilton, Massachusetts the winter.

Approximately 140 alumni/ae and spouses gathered for For more information or to register for upcoming events, lunch on October 14 in conjunction with the Renewing call 1.800.294.2774 or visit www.gordonconwell.edu/alumni. the Evangelical Mission Conference at the Hamilton While you’re at the website, sign up to receive InCommunity, campus. The lunch was held in the former BookCentre to the monthly alumni/ae e-newsletter, which provides the latest accommodate the large numbers, and included a panel in alumni/ae happenings. 34 Winter 09 FOCUS ON ALUMNI/AE

Alumni/ae Gathering in South Korea

President Hollinger and his wife Maryanne traveled to South Korea where Dr. Hollinger spoke at a number of churches and schools. In addition, he joined Gordon-Conwell alums at the Onnuri Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 2 in Seoul.

Pictured, from left to right, Ectet wisl iriliqui te tet, quate min ex exerosto odolutpate modigna feuis num zzriliq uiscin utpatue tat, core deleniat. Ut loreet, consequat lute vulluptat adio cor sequat, quismod min hendre vullutem in heniametuer sim iurero consenit lutet velit utat, vullam dignim ad eugue dolenim nonsequis dolorer alit irit lutpati smoluptatue feugue mod eugue tatum ing et, quismodio od magniscin henibh exerit wis eu faccum qui eum velit, corerostrud do od del do eriure esequat. Wissed magnibh ex

Greater Chicago Area Alumni/ae Dinner “Perhaps the best one of all was recounted by two grads Wheaton, Illinois from the 1950’s. During their seminary years, they both helped to fill the pulpit of the same church. On one Nearly 50 alumni/ae, spouses and guests gathered at occasion, the person telling the story received a call late on College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, on September 24, a Saturday night from the pastor’s wife asking if he could for dinner with President and Mrs. Dennis Hollinger. fill in for her husband the next morning. When the student Dr. Hollinger testified to what the Lord is doing in and asked whether everything was okay, the wife explained through the seminary, including some special opportunities how the pastor had been ill [and vigorously vomiting] to for gospel advancement. the point that he actually spit out his false teeth, which the In addition, colorful stories and priceless memories wife then unwittingly flushed down the toilet. His sermon were shared among long-time friends. Rev. Chris Castaldo manuscript was ready, but the teeth were gone.” (M.Div. ’99), alumni/ae host for the evening, writes,

Pictured, from left to right, Ectet wisl iriliqui te tet, quate min ex exerosto odolutpate modigna feuis num zzriliq uiscin utpat

Winter 09 35 ALUMNI NOTES

Wesley Smith, M.Div., ‘76, Senior Pastor of Phillips

In Memoriam Memorial Baptist Church, was mentioned in an article Betty Lee Lovelace, beloved wife of Dr. Richard about the church that appeared in the Warwick Beacon. Lovelace, Professor Emeritus of Church History, died in Northampton, MA, on April 30, 2009, while praying David Renwick, M.Div., ‘77, and First Presbyterian with her husband. The Lovelaces had been married for 50 Church in Spartanburg, SC, where he is pastor, were years and reared three children. Betty is remembered as highlighted in an article on GoUpState.com about the 166- a very sweet and much-loved woman who was extremely year-old church’s addition of a more casual worship service supportive of her husband’s teaching and interest in called MorningSong. spiritual renewal in the Church. A memorial service was

held June 5 in Northampton. Daniel Buttry, M.Div., ‘78, an American Baptist International Ministries global consultant for peace and Margaret Montjane, MATS, ’86, passed away April 7 in justice, was honored with a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) Johannesburg, South Africa. A memorial service was held degree by Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Shawnee, July 12 in Topsfield, MA. KS.

1950s Ed Kenerson, MATS, ‘78, has published two books, The Morris Inch, M.Div., ‘51, recently published Pain as a Cabin in the Woods (Xulon) and Reaching Teenagers For Means of Grace (Wipf & Stock) and Space/Time Odyssey: Christ: The Cheshire Teens Story (Xulon). The books are A Christian Perspective (Eloquent Books). A third book, available at Amazon. The Wonder of It All: Mystery & Meaning in Scripture (University Press of America), is forthcoming.

1980s Lucinda Secrest McDowell, MATS, ‘80, published the 1970s book Spa for the Soul: Rejuvenate Your Inner Life Fulton Chin, M.Div., ‘70, retired again from Christian (CrossBooks). Witness Theological Seminary in California to Vancouver, BC, as of July 2, 2009. He plans to spend some of Geoff Hubbard, M.Div., ‘81, was elected to his third his retirement on 3-month missions trips, possibly to term as President of the Bedford County (VA) Ministerial Mongolia, Northern Thailand and/or Kenya. Association. Geoff and his wife, Marilyn, also celebrated the birth of their first grandchild, Zane Telsch, on March 4. Ramez Atallah, M.Div., ‘72, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Egypt and Program Chair for the Lausanne III Elizabeth Kazan, MATS, ’82, graduated summa cum laude World Congress, will be the Bible Expositor at Urbana 09. in May from the University of New Hampshire Graduate The major missions event will be held at the America’s School with a Masters in Education, Early Childhood, Center and the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO, Special Needs. Dec. 27-31, 2009. Ronnie Booth, MATS, ’83, President of Tri-County David Chandler, MATS, ‘72, received the Franklin College Technical College in Pendleton, SC, delivered the college’s Faculty Teaching Excellence Award at the school’s 2009 summer commencement address on August 6. commencement ceremonies. Dr. Chandler is a professor of philosophy and religion. David Henderson, MATS, ’84, has joined Woodstone Consulting in Steamboat Springs, CO, as an executive Stephen Hayner, Th.M., ‘73, has been appointed President performance consultant. of Columbia Theological Seminary, where he has served as Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth John Barnes, M.Div., ‘87, has been appointed Senior since 2003. Pastor at Thomson First United Methodist Church in Thomson, GA. Robert Lowery, Th.M., ‘75, published the book Revelation’s Rhapsody: Listening to the Lyrics of the Lamb David Alves, M.Div., ‘88, has been awarded “Editor’s (College Press, 2006). Choice” by Publisher iUniverse.com for his newest book, We’re the “sons of God”. . . So What? Neil Lebhar, MATS, ‘76, has been elected the first bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese of the newly formed Anglican Church of North America.

36 Winter 09 ALUMNI NOTES

Peter Sung, M.Div., ‘00, has been appointed Director of

1990s Church Planting in the Department of Church Growth and Adam Linton, M.Div., ‘90, has concluded his service as Evangelism of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Rector of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Ogden, UT, to begin as Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Chris Castaldo, M.Div., ‘02, has published his book Spirit, Orleans, MA. Adam and his wife, Lori, will reside Holy Ground: Walking with Jesus as a Former Catholic, in Orleans. published by Zondervan in October 2009.

William Ferguson, M.Div., ‘91, has been ordained by Josh Davis, M.Div., ‘02, is now a correctional chaplain at Byfield Parish Church in Georgetown, MA. Rev. Ferguson the Federal Correctional Complex, Pollock, LA. He and his has been serving as Chaplain at Landmark High School in wife, Margaret, have purchased their first home in central Prides Crossing, MA, for 22 years. Louisiana. Their son, Paul, will attend kindergarten in the

fall. His younger sister, Grace, turned one in February. Robert Ruckert, M.Div., ‘91, has been called to pastor

Rockport Presbyterian Church in Port Murray, NJ. Virginia Viola, M.Div., ‘02, is the author of Living in

Two Economies: Following Christ into the Marketplace Peter G. Heltzel, M.Div., ‘98, has published his first (Xlibris), a Bible study guide for those seeking to integrate book, Jesus and Justice: Evangelicals, Race, and American faith and life in the marketplace. The study guide contains Politics (Yale University Press). Dr. Heltzel credits Dr. Jack 20 lessons under 10 topics with leader’s notes. It is Davis, Dr. Dennis Hollinger and Dr. David Wells with available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. influencing the argument in his book.

Susan Gleason, M.Div., ‘99, wrote two advent prayers that Mike Thedford, M.Div., ‘03, has been appointed Assistant will appear in the upcoming lectionary aids issue of Call to Pastor of Community Life at Community Church of Joy in Worship, a publication of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Glendale, AZ.

Daniel M. Gurtner, M.Div., ‘99, published his fourth Keith Boyd, D.Min., ‘05, M.Div., ‘88, received a Lilly book: Second Baruch: A Critical Edition of the Syriac Text Grant for a pastor’s sabbatical. He and his wife, Dee Ann, (London: T&T Clark), about a late first-century Jewish and their three children served in Rwanda for the summer. apocalypse, similar to Revelation. Gurtner is Associate

Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary (St. Paul, Jonathan Dodson, Th.M., ‘06, M.Div., ‘05, spoke at the MN). LEAD09 Conference in Auburn, ME, October 9-10 and

will speak at the Regional Missional Network Gathering Kadiker Rex Dahn, MACE, ‘99, has published Learning November 10-11 in Kansas City. from the Lives of Exiled Liberian Women: An Oral History From 1979 to 2006 (VDM Verlag, 2009). James-Michael Smith, M.Div., ‘06, is a National Religion & Spirituality Examiner at the news website Examiner.com. 2000s Brian Grassley, D.Min., ‘00, M.Div., ‘76, preached his first John Daniels, D.Min., ‘08, is serving as Lead Pastor at Life sermon June 7 at First Presbyterian Church of Denton, Church in Starkville, MS. The church will hold its first TX, where he is Interim Pastor. worship service on Sept. 20.

Juan Hernandez, Th.M., ‘00, M.Div., ‘98, was the only Aaron Jarvinen, M.Div., ‘08, and Rachel Gronewald were junior American scholar to present at the Codex Sinaiticus married November 7, 2009, at Trinity Evangelical Free Conference in London July 6-7. His research is titled, Church, Lakeville, MN. “Codex Sinaiticus: The Earliest Christian Commentary on John’s Apocalypse?” Dean Glover, D.Min., ‘09, MAYM, ‘96, is featured in an article on the SeaCoastOnline website about how he Juan Hernandez, Th.M., ‘00, M.Div., ‘98, was awarded became a pastor. the 2008 Prize for Biblical Research by the Armin Schmitt Foundation for Biblical Research, associated with the William Hayes, MAR, ‘09, is the Assistant Chaplain at University of Regensberg, Germany. Dr. Hernández Ohio Wesleyan University. He is serving with the Coalition was honored for his dissertation, Scribal Habits and for Christian Outreach (CCO). Theological Influences in the Apocalypse (Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck 2006). The award includes a grant of 4000 to Timothy Oakley, MACC, ‘09, CFO of iContact, has been support his ongoing research. recognized by the Triangle Business Journal as one of the Triangle’s top CFOs of the year.

Winter 09 37 Opening Gary Parrett, Ed.D., Professor of the Educational Ministries and Worship; Word Chair, Division of Ministry

faithfulness. It was a convicting message, but the only The Word about the Word mention of Jesus was a passing reference in the first sentence of the sermon’s introduction. No mention was “And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, made of the fact that only in the Gospel of Jesus Christ he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things is there power to save and transform our lives. concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27) Beyond a sense of conviction, I wonder what my fellow believers took away from the message. After a few days or weeks of a renewed effort to live more faithfully, I wonder how they felt when they realized they were As He walked with two downcast and deeply unable to live up to their aspirations. I wonder, too, disturbed disciples on the road to Emmaus, the about any unbelieving visitors who may have heard that risen Jesus opened the word for them in a powerful, sermon. Perhaps some had finally mustered the courage transforming way. Their hearts burned within to visit a church, sensing that something was amiss in them (Luke 24:32) as they came to realize that the their lives. Did some walk away convinced that, “Yes, Scriptures testified to Jesus, and the truth of the Gospel that’s it—I need more passion in my life!”? If so, I transformed their despair into a sure and living hope. can only hope that they dared to return to services in Jesus’ use of the Scriptures in this way was not an subsequent weeks and that on those occasions Christ isolated incident. Again and again, He engaged His was more adequately proclaimed. hearers with biblical texts in ways that pointed to Sadly, I have come to recognize that in the many himself. This was altogether fitting, for as Jesus said years of my own preaching and teaching, I have not in John 5:39: “You search the Scriptures because you always exposited the Scriptures in ways that pointed think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they plainly to the incarnate Word. Now and henceforth that bear witness about me.” The Apostles shared this I pray that whenever I open the word—especially in approach. When they opened the written word, they service of others—I may resolve, as Paul put it, always did so to point to the glories of the incarnate Word. and only to preach Christ (Col. 1:28; 1Cor. 1:23; 2:2). As we read their sermons in the book of Acts, this is abundantly clear. Their extended written sermons and teachings—in the form of the New Testament letters—also reveal that they understood the Scriptures Gary Parrett, Ed.D., is Associate Professor of principally as concerned to testify about Jesus. Educational Ministries and Worship, and Chair, Division of Ministry of the Church. He has taught How does our own reading of, study of, at Gordon College, and for 20 years served contemplation upon and proclamation of the churches in Boston, New York City, New Jersey, Scriptures—both Old and New Testaments—compare Seattle and Korea. He is a regular speaker at with Jesus’ and the Apostles’ practice? Are we opening conferences, retreats and Christian education workshops, and has written books and articles the word to point to the Word? I recently heard a for national publications. He has also written numerous hymns and sermon on an important Old Testament character. We choruses for congregational worship. He holds an Ed.D. degree from were challenged by this biblical hero’s passion and Columbia University.

38 Winter 09 “Gordon-Conwell helped turn a short-term missions trip into a lifetime commitment to global ministry.”

Wendy Der, MA in World Missions and Evangelism, ‘05

After college, Wendy Der had a “perfect job” lined up— until she sensed the Lord’s call to missions in Mexico City. She went for one year and stayed for four, serving in local churches and ministering in their language.

Gordon-Conwell’s Missions Encouraged to pursue Missiology training, Wendy chose Gordon- Resources for Students Conwell “because it had a lot more to offer in terms of diversity, urban ministry and community life.” As a student, she led short- • International faculty term missions teams, and had “many ministry opportunities that • New Islamic Studies track helped me put into practice what I was learning in the classroom.” • Overseas Missions Practicum She is now a missionary with Latin America Mission, partnering • Missionary Loan with evangelical churches throughout Mexico in evangelism, Repayment Program discipleship and global missions. • Center for the Study of Wendy says her degree gave her “tremendous perspective on Global Christianity missions, including its history and strategy within a biblical • J Christy Wilson Jr. Center for framework. This helped me see the bigger picture of what God is World Missions led by Doug doing around the world. Gordon-Conwell helped turn a short-term Birdsall, Lausanne Executive Director missions trip into a lifetime commitment to global ministry.” • Cross-cultural Plunges and Discovery Weekends • Missionaries-in-residence

Missions Degrees Gordon-Conwell • Four MA in World Missions and Evangelism tracks Theological Seminary SOUTH HAMILTON • CHARLOTTE • BOSTON • JACKSONVILLE • D.Min. in Missions & Cross-Cultural Studies www.gordonconwell.edu • Joint Th.D in Missiology with Boston University 1.800.428.7329 Winter 09 39 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.... colossians 3:16

You can now help Gordon-Conwell by ordering resources through a new website created with Christian Book Distributors. A portion of the proceeds gcts.christianbook.com from your order will benefit the seminary.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 50243 Boston, MA 02130 130 Essex Street South Hamilton, MA 01982

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40 Winter 09