Resources

A condensed version of the author’s inaugural address as Professor of Dogmatics at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary.

An article about the Old Testament laws of restitution and their message for today.

An article outlining a Christian worldview.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” This speech begins by considering the role of women in the Greco-Roman world, discusses some aspects of Paul’s views in 1 Corinthians, and then explores to what degree his view was rooted in his convictions about the creation and fall of mankind.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” Many scholars have accepted the idea that biblical exegesis should focus on the text rather than on original author’s intention. More recently, a third perspective has been added, which focuses on the reader of Scripture. In short, the reader (or: every reader) makes the (or: his/her own) meaning. This speech evaluates that approach.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 2, it is the Holy Spirit who teaches us, and the mind of Christ that we receive. This indicates the importance of a soteriological perspective on how we interpret the Bible. Participation in Christ is a central motif in this address. Dr. Alan Strange responds to this speech.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” The first part of this speech will present a proposed structure for Jeremiah. A second part introduces and applies some critical methods to test the validity of the proposal. A third part assesses the profits and perils of the critical methods themselves and suggests what a Reformed Old Testament scholar can and cannot say. In this way the structure of the book of Jeremiah serves as a test case for the interplay of confessional integrity and quality control. A panel discussion follows this speech.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” In Reformation times both sides were accusing the other of making Scripture a wax nose. Today one may well wonder whether the doctrinal construct of God’s “accommodation” in divine revelation has become a wax nose.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” Not only the Biblical text, but also Christian doctrine requires interpretation. First, in discussion with Harnack’s thesis of the Hellenization of the gospel, this speech shows the importance of investigating this historical aspect of dogma. This also has consequences for the character of our commitment to the confession. Further, the catholicity of doctrine will be dealt with. Finally the metaphorical character of doctrine and its consequences will be discussed. Dr. A.J. de Visser responds to this speech.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” In discussions on understanding portions of Scripture that narrate historical events, the distinction is being made in conservative circles between Scripture’s truth claim and truth value. This speech asks whether such a distinction and method of determining truth and meaning in narrative passages is warranted and necessary as a model for biblical exegesis. Dr. van Bekkum responds to this speech.

Recorded during Conference 2014: “Correctly Handling the Word of Truth: Reformed Hermeneutics Today.” Christian ethics is one area in which the modern and postmodern challenge is felt strongly. New questions arise about which the Bible does not seem to speak. Existing answers to old questions are attacked and give way to new proposals. How do Christians deal with this?
Dr. T.G. Van Raalte responds to de Bruijne’s speech.