I participated in a faculty forum in chapel this morning at DTS. Four professors discussed current issues in the academy and the church. John Grassmick, the Academic Dean at DTS, moderated the discussion. We each had about five minutes to discuss an issue we thought relevant for both arenas. Here's the run down:

Dr. John Hilber, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, discussed how monotheism is in crisis in OT studies. Just as now many people argue for early Christianities (plural), many in OT studies are arguing for multiform monotheisms in Israel.

Dr. Bob Chisholm, department chair and professor of Old Testament, spoke on the issue of theodicy, that is, the problem of evil. This is a major thrust in the writing of many atheists, and the Church needs to think much more carefully about this issue.

Dr. Buist Fanning, department chair and professor of New Testament studies, spoke on a new development in the academy named theological interpretation of scripture. Its emphasis is on reading the Bible as a theological document, not simply as a historical record. What is interesting of course is that many mainline and liberal professors are embracing this approach, which has been a legitimate facet of evangelical interpretation of scripture for hundreds of years.

I spoke on the movement to relegate historical Jesus studies to the trashbin in light of the current evangelical theological climate. My essential point is that historical work on Jesus (or any other matter related to our faith) must have historical study as a functioning element to properly understand the biblical text.

 Usually chapels are available on the DTS chapel website. On that page you can subscribe to chapel if you want. I'll keep my eye open to see if this becomes available.