Scripture and the University

  Sponsor: Jonathan Arnold
While theology used to be considered the ‘queen of the sciences’ and theology was inextricably tied to the explication of Scripture, the role of the study of Scripture and theology in the university is in a very different place today. Given that the university has been traditionally committed to the reality and acquisition and passing on of knowledge and wisdom, and given that Scripture is likewise committed to the twin realities of knowledge and wisdom, the study of the relationship of Scripture and the university is fitting and holds great promise. This study group will consider both ‘meta’ or foundational issues concerning the relationship of Scripture and the university, as well as more specialized studies which focus on particular academic disciplines and their relationship to the reality and truth of Scripture. The goal of these sessions is to produce thoughtful and insightful essays which meaningfully explore and explicate the relationship between Scripture and the university. SAUS is part of the Kirby Laing Centre Scripture Collective (https://kirbylaingcentre.co.uk/scripture-collective).

9:00 to 11:30 am
11/19/2023
Salon K

A Critical Engagement with Christopher Watkin’s work Biblical Critical Theory

This year’s seminar will be a culmination of a year-long study of Christopher Watkins’s new work, Biblical Critical Theory. Through a series of invited analyses and an in-person response from Dr. Watkins, the seminar will focus on distilling a proper understanding of Watkins’s arguments and in assisting the university-based academic in making appropriate applications to the academic educational endeavor. For more information, contact Jonathan Arnold ([email protected]) or visit the KLC website (http://kirbylaingcentre.co.uk).

Jonathan Arnold, Cedarville University, Welcome (5 min)

Opening Liturgy

Susan Bubbers, The Center for Anglican Theology, Presiding (5 min)

Michael Wagenman, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology 
Retrieving and Renewing Biblical Criticality: A Modest Proposal in the Shadow of Empire (25 min)

Matt Albanese, Union University
Biblical Critical Theory in the University of the Future: Scripture as a Constructive Text (25 min)

Break (10 min)

Christopher Watkin, Monash University-Victoria Australia, Respondent (25 min)

Discussion (25 min)

Closing Liturgy

Susan Bubbers, The Center for Anglican Theology, Presiding (5 min)