This is the blog of Matthew Emerson, Luke Stamps, Luke Wisley, and Brandon Smith.*
The name of our blog is “Biblical Reasoning.” For those who are familiar with the writings of the late John Webster, you will recognize this phrase as the title of one of his most influential essays. First published in the Anglican Theological Review (90:4) and then in The Domain of the Word (Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2012), Webster’s essay seeks to articulate a vision of Christian theology that locates both Scripture and theological reasoning in the context of the divine economy: God’s redemptive and revelatory activity in the Son and the Spirit. In this understanding, Christian theology “has its origin in the Spirit-sustained hearing of the divine Word,” which in turn prompts “the rational contemplation and articulation of God’s communicative presence,” on the part of the created, fallen, and redeemed intellect.
We do not claim to speak for Webster or his legacy, but we have been profoundly influenced by the framework he has articulated for a truly theological interpretation of Scripture. The phrase “biblical reasoning,” then, expresses in plain terms what we aspire to here: using our created and redeemed rational capacities to contemplate and elucidate the revelation of the triune God in Holy Scripture.
Matt Emerson (Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary ) serves as Co-Provost and Dean of Theology, Arts, & Humanities at Oklahoma Baptist University. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Baptist Renewal. His areas of interest include biblical theology, canonical interpretation, theological method, and Baptist theology.
Luke Stamps (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as Professor of Christian Theology at Anderson University (South Carolina). He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Baptist Renewal. His areas of scholarly interest include Christology, the Trinity, and Baptist theology.
Luke Wisley (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) serves as Lecturer in Old Testament Studies at the Bible College of South Australia. His areas of interests include the Former Prophets (especially 1–2 Kings), Wisdom Literature (especially Ecclesiastes), and Hebrew grammar.
Brandon Smith (Ph.D., Ridley College, Melbourne) serves as Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology & Early Christianity at Oklahoma Baptist University. He also hosts the Church Grammar podcast and serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Baptist Renewal. His research interests include the Trinity, canonical and theological interpretation, and patristic theology.
*DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the individual authors and (obviously) do not necessarily represent the positions of the institutions at which they are employed or enrolled.
Hey Matt,
First time on your blog. It looks great and I’ll be adding it to my reader so that I can interact with your posts!
Hey Brian,
Thanks for reading. I enjoy reading Near Emmaus and look forward to the interaction!
Matt
Luke, I do not know you personally, but I am curious as to what attracted you to study over in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh? I am looking into Masters programs, and I know little to nothing about the options in the U.K. area.
I think that Brevard Childs’ Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testament definitely belongs on this list, perhaps in conjunction with his last book the Church’s Guide for Reading Paul; likewise, Child’s book the Struggle to Understand Isaiah as Christian Scripture could be included under hermeneutics. Beyond that I also think it would be worthwhile to include something by Walter Moberly (e.g. his Old Testament Theology) and perhaps something by C. Seitz.
Wayne, thanks for the comment. Childs and Seitz have both been very influential on my own approach to hermeneutics, although I wonder if they would be properly categorized under TIS. The line between TIS and BT is still a bit fuzzy, I think, but your point is well taken – Childs certainly was among the first in the last 40 years to begin asking how to read Scripture Christianly.
Been reading the site for a little bit and always enjoy it… Especially the particular post on Baptist theology. Just to get to know y’all better… What Baptist Confession(s) would y’all hold to?
Soli Deo Gloria!
Jason, I can only speak for myself, but I affirm the Baptist Faith & Message (2000) and the Abstract of Principles. I greatly respect and frequently utilize the Second London Baptist Confession and the Baptist Catechism, but I wouldn’t be considered a “strict subscriptionist” for reasons related to the Law, the Sabbath, etc.
Hello Luke Wisely, Luke Stamps and Matt Emerson
What is your comment moderation policy on this blog? Do you moderate every comment before publishing it?
kind regards
Barbara Roberts
Hi Barbara, yes we do moderate each comment. Generally comments are approved, although there are exceptions (personal attacks, slander, etc.).
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