Latest News at WEST
Bob Letham's New Book on Baptism: "The Water That Unites" (Christian Focus)
Published on 10th May 2012
"Rightly does Letham seek to understand the issue of baptism within the canonical framework of Scripture. He is hopeful that this is the way forward beyond the impasse that has stymied the church for centuries regarding this precious ordinance ....if you are searching for a well-argued, and irenic, approach to this subject from the vantage point of infant baptism, this is the book for you."
Michael Haykin, Professor of Church History and Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.
"Here is a robust, articulate and biblical presentation of covenant baptism that avoids populism and individualism. Dr Letham has placed baptism in its covenantal and canonical context - a work of God rather than an act of obedience - no bare sign but an active means of grace - for believers and their children."
Liam Goligher, Senior Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Calls to the Christian Ministry
Published on 9th May 2012
Hugh Davis is completing his degree studies in Theology. He has accepted an invitation to be Pastor of Wetherden Baptist Church, Suffolk. Pray for Hugh and family as they begin to make preparations.
Julie Gower has completed 2 years of the 3 year degree course. She has accepted an administrative post with UCCF in Oxford and will continue her WEST studies part-time by distance learning. Pray for her in this new chapter in her life.
Matt Ingle is about to complete his WEST studies in Theology. On 1 July he takes up his duties as Youth and Children's Minister in the parish of Winklebury and Worting in Basingstoke. May the Lord richly bless Matt, Lizi and the baby.
Joel Kendall, currently completing his undergraduate studies in Theology, has been called to be Assistant Minister at Christ Church, Westbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset from September 2012. We wish Joel and Katie the Lord's richest blessing.
Peter Killingley is a Binary Course student. He has accepted a call from Trinity Baptist Church, Gloucester to be their Trainee Pastor. Pray for Peter, Sophie and family as they move from Pembrokeshire.
Brock Pavier, who is just completing the first part of the Binary Course has accepted a call from Heath Evangelical Church, Cardiff to be Assistant Pastor (Pastoral) from 1 August 2012. He will also continue his studies at WEST, pursuing the MTh part-time over 3 years. Pray for Brock, Jen, Jack, Ella and Bronwen as they fly back to Canada to ship out their possessions, seek somewhere to live in Cardiff and apply for a work visa to the UK Border Agency.
Free Revival Conference Meetings
Published on 8th March 2012
The evening meetings on 26, 28, 29, 30 and 31 May and 1 June at 7.15pm in the brand new SaRang Thomas Conference Centre in the College grounds at Bryntirion are all free of charge. Eric Alldritt of Keswick will be opening the conference on the Saturday evening. The preacher each evening Monday to Friday will be Hector Morrison of the Highland Theological College. If you want a programme and booking form for the remainder of the conference please ring 01656 645411 or email info@west.org.uk.
Book Review of "Romans: the Divine Marriage"
Published on 7th December 2011
“Isn’t it somewhat arrogant to think that anything radically new can be found to say about such a well-known text as the book of Romans?” This was the perfectly understandable comment made to this reviewer. Nevertheless, this commentary is truly path-breaking, largely because care is taken to remove layers of Western cultural baggage that have obscured the meaning of the letter as understood by the original hearers.
Hearers? Don’t you mean readers? No, Paul’s letter to the Romans would have been read to the gathered church community; individuals would not have had their own copy. The letter would have been understood for what it was – a message to the whole church and not to an individual. Application would be essentially corporate and not the way we today tend to read it – a message to me. Dr Holland argues persuasively for the Jewishness of this literature. All Paul’s quotations are from the Jewish Bible, the Old Testament. A people are addressed, not a person. His thinking was not Greek but Hebraic. We today are classic Greek thinkers, stressing the individual rather than the community. Whereas we correctly understand “the body of Christ” to be corporate, “the body of sin” is not generally understood to be the community of the unredeemed. Similarly, chapter 6’s reference to baptism is generally applied to the individual though the comparison is with the “baptism into Moses” of the children of Israel. Even “new man” is a corporate.
So what difference does this approach make? It shows the unity of the Old and New Testament. Paul’s theology was the theology of Christ, which was the theology of the Old Testament. To understand Paul we need to be saturated in the Old Testament as he was. “Obvious” you may say, but much modern scholarship has given the impression that we need to immerse ourselves instead in Greco-Roman literature or the writings of the intertestimental period. Tom Holland gives us back our Reformation heritage of one inspired, inerrant and infallible text that is self authenticating. The challenge for 21st century evangelicals is to get to know their Bibles better. The author notes that Paul interweaves 16 different quotations from Isaiah in explaining God’s way of salvation. The commentator instructs us on how these quotations should be viewed. They are vital to our understanding of the overall theme. Often a short quotation is used by the inspired writer to remind us of a much longer section of the Old Testament story. We must not be lazy readers but familiarise ourselves with the context of the short snippet quoted. Often this will open up for us the clear meaning in view – which would have been obvious to readers who knew the Torah well but may be not to most of us.
What then is the big story line that the Apostle is tracing from the Old and into the New Testament? It is a “New Exodus” theme. The Old Testament records two great acts of God’s salvation: the first Exodus - from Egypt and the second – from Babylon. The New Testament writers, including Paul in Romans, use the language of these two salvation events to describe the New Exodus of God’s deliverance of a people from the dominion of Satan and sin through the death of the Firstborn of all Creation, the Lord Jesus Christ. What then of the “Divine Marriage” of the book’s title? Covenant is a key concept throughout the Bible. Dr Holland argues that it describes Adam’s relationship with his Creator. The Fall was a divorce. Humankind “in Adam” has become married to another, Satan. As a result of the New Exodus the redeemed community (the Christian church) have become married to Christ.
I hope this has whetted your appetite. I believe this is a highly significant book. It interacts with scholars across the board (eg Wright, Dunn, Piper, etc) but is written in such a way that the ordinary serious-minded Christian can understand. This is definitely worth the price.
Reviewer: Kerry Orchard
Ralph Cunnington in Print
Published on 30th November 2011
Former student, Ralph Cunnington, who is the newly appointed Assistant Pastor at Aigburth Community Church, Liverpool, has an article in the Fall 2011 edition of the Westminster Theological Journal. The article is entitled "Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper: A Blot Upon His Labours As A Public Instructor?" It is a critical refutation of William Cunningham and Charles Hodge and their adverse comments on Calvin.
On the US Airwaves
Published on 23rd November 2011
Following the publication of Dr Bob Letham's book "Union With Christ" (see 19th October Latest News item), he has been interviewed on the radio in the United States about the book and his work on the WEST faculty. On 21st November he was the guest for an hour on the Janet Mefferd Show which is a nationally syndicated radio show broadcast on 125 stations. On 22nd November he was similarly interviewed live for "Knowing the Truth", a Christian radio programme broadcast from South Carolina but heard across many eastern seaboard states and available on line worldwide.
Successful Book Launch
Published on 9th November 2011
Some 60 people attended the Cardiff book launch on 5 November for Dr Eryl Davies' biography of Dr Lloyd-Jones and Dr Tom Holland's commentary on Romans. The venue was the splendid new facility adjoining Heath Evangelical Church. Two sessions were required to accommodate everyone. Kerry Orchard, a friend and colleague of both authors chaired the event. He commended both books. Both men are humble pastors at heart - Gospel men from working class backgrounds; but one is a North Walian Presbyterian and Everton supporter and the other a Scouser, a Baptist and a Liverpool supporter!
Eryl Davies wants to introduce Dr Lloyd-Jones to a new generation of Christians for whom the authorised two -volume biography might be a little daunting. Gwynn Williams, Pastor of the Welsh Evangelical Church, Cardiff shared some fascinating anecdotes from his time as Pastor of Sandfields Evangelical Church - the first church pastored by the Doctor. He urged us to appreciate faithful servants of the past but not to idolise them.
Dr Davies then introduced Tom Holland. He in the late 1980s had published in BEC's "Foundations" Dr Holland's paradigm - shifting article on "The Firstborn of all Creation" in Colossians 1. He then invited this then Hertfordshire-based pastor to be the New Testament lecturer at WEST. The Romans volume is dedicated to Dr Davies. The author recounted his struggles with the commentaries on Romans he had available when preaching through Romans to his church in the 1980s. He came to see that they assumed that Paul was a Greek thinker when in fact his mind was thoroughly Jewish and immersed in the Old Testament Scriptures.
Each presentation was followed by a book signing downstairs in the attractive link area and then volumes were bought in the adjoining book shop - 65 of Dr Davies' slim volume and 23 of Dr Holland's 600-page tome. "A week's sales in a day" said the delighted Manager, Robin Hate.
John Snyder PhD
Published on 2nd November 2011
We congratulate Rev John Snyder, Pastor of Grace Community Church, New Albany, Mississippi on his PhD award from the University of Wales, Lampeter. During the time of his lengthy research at WEST he has planted the vibrant church of which he is pastor. His thesis title is "The Influence of Puritan Literature on the Eighteenth Century Calvinistic Methodists in England and Wales: a Comparative Study in Experiential Soteriology". His WEST supervisor was Dr Noel Gibbard and at Lampeter Dr William Campbell. We do hope this important research becomes a book to edify the church.
Book on Union With Christ by Bob Letham
Published on 19th October 2011
"Union With Christ in Scripture, History and Theology" is published by P and R Publishing Company and is available for $12.23 (£7) from Amazon. Jim Packer writes: "This outstanding book goes to the heart of the truth of salvation with deep learning, acumen, and pastoral wisdom".
Two New Books Based on PhD Research
Published on 19th October 2011
Two more books have been published in the WEST Theological Monograph series. They are both available fom Amazon / Wipf Stock priced at $28 (£15).
Dr Sungho Choi is the author of The Messianic Kingship of Jesus
Dr Tom Holland has commended the book by saying;
“Dr. Choi identifies a helpful and hitherto unrecognized stream of Messianic fulfilment which flows from the ancient Psalter. The work brings to the fore the importance of the Davidic Messianic figure who has been marked out in the Psalms as the one who ruled on Yahweh’s behalf and how it is used by Matthew to identify the significance and status of Christ’s Lordship. The study enriches our understanding of the early church’s appreciation of her Lord. All who are interested in early Christology will find this work of interest and value.”
Dr Matthew D Aernie has written Forensic Language and the Day of the Lord Motif in Second Thessalonians 1 and the Effects on the Meaning of the Text
In this book, Matthew Aernie argues that Paul intentionally used forensic language, allusions, and idioms throughout 2 Thessalonians 1 in order to encourage the persecuted church to remain steadfast as they waited for their vindication at the final assize. To support this thesis, Aernie suggests that such judicial language and allusions are intertextual parallels originating primarily from the Day of the Lord motif found throughout the Old Testament, and maintains that the Day of the Lord concept was understood by the author of the Thessalonian correspondence as a reference to the day when the Lord would render righteous verdicts upon those who had both obeyed and disobeyed him. Furthermore, Aernie argues that the author of 2 Thessalonians likely understood the Day of the Lord to be consummated at the Parousia of Christ, when the final court would convene. Therefore, borrowing from the judicial concept apparent in the Day of the Lord motif, Aernie concludes that the author utilized forensic language throughout 2 Thessalonians 1 to exhort the church to remain faithful amidst great opposition as they awaited their ultimate justification at God's eschatological tribunal.
Be very careful to love the Lord your God
Published on 28th September 2011
This was Brian Edwards’ text (Joshua 23: 11) at WEST’s Dedication Service on Saturday, 24 September. His first application was to the students. What could be more important to remember in an institution dedicated to the instruction of Christian leaders of the future? It was a warning to guard against coldness and emptiness and to keep close to everything that promotes love for God. The first and great commandment requires passionate obedience to God - who else can command love? We must watch out for distractions – is my heart fixed on him? Love for God will guarantee a right use of knowledge. Our obedience demonstrates how much we love; as does our prayer life and attitude to worship. It influences how we work – our heavenly father is watching. How do we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ? What about our relationship with the world? Are we distinct in our thinking, speaking and deeds? Is Christ our role model in compassion? Is our focus on here or hereafter, things or him? What about our attitude to circumstances? Do we grumble like the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land or submit to God’s will? If we love the Lord, evangelism is overflow from a full heart. Jesus took our guilt, paid our punishment and made atonement for us. Be careful to love him in return.
Earlier, the Principal, Jonathan Stephen, listed a number of recent encouragements:
Many students called to ministry
Excellent exam results
New staff appointments
Tom Holland’s critically acclaimed book on Romans
Work underway on a new building on campus
SaRang Church – funded future staff appointments and scholarships
There were challenges too:
- Difficulties facing visa students
- University validation issues
- Providing for Welsh-speaking churches
- Raising £250,000 to meet running costs
He introduced some of the new undergraduates: 12 were interviewed from England Wales and Scotland and one from Canada - Brock Pavier had sold his house in Calgary and moved with his wife and three young children to South Wales.
2010-11 Exam Results
Published on 14th September 2011
BA (Hons): Toby Cowton (1st), Montaz Ali, Laszlo Balint, Apple Li Li, Matthew Maxwell-Carr and Timothy Steele (all 2:1), Nathan Davies and Huw Willis (2:2)
BD: Marcus Hobson (2;1)
DipHE: Joanna McMillen
GDip: Benjamin Fiddian, Peter Killingley and Andrew Toovey
MA Theology (Pastoral Studies): Clive Brown, Colin Jones, Peyton Jones and John-Mark Teeuwen (with merit)
PGDip: Shwekey Hoipang and Neil Stewart (with merit)
MA Theology (Contemporary Church Leadership): Andrew Court and Andrew McKenna (with merit)
MTh in Scripture and Theology for Practice: Tony Ashton, Sin Su Kim, Il Gu Lee, Joseph Pendley, Robert Rothwell (with merit), Peter Yong Hyeog Shin and Alister Torrens (with merit)
WEST on the road
Published on 14th September 2011
The Principal, Jonathan Stephen, other members of staff and students are always keen to share about the work at WEST at church meetings. So far in 2011 there have been presentations on WEST in Barry (January), Newport (February), Swansea (March), Bristol, Bangor and Flint (April) and, to come, Cardiff (two) and Pontpool (October). If you would like someone to come to your church, contact the Principal on principal@west.org.uk or 01656 641983.
Takeshi Kodama
Published on 17 August 2011
On 1 August 2011 Takeshi Kodama from Japan passed his PhD viva. He has to make a limited number of minor corrections, none of which are substantive. His dissertation was on "The Catholicity of the Church: A Comparison of Calvin and the Westminster Assembly". The external examiner was Professor Paul Helm, while the internal examiner was Professor Densil Morgan of University of Wales Trinity St David and Dr Bob Letham was his supervisor. Congratulations Takeshi!
New Lecturers in Church History
Published on 11th August 2011
We are delighted to be welcoming to WEST two new and distinguished lecturers in Church History for this coming academic year:
Matthew Crawford received his BA in Christian Studies and Advanced MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the United States, where he also subsequently taught and undertook research. He is currently completing his PhD, The Spirit, the Son, and the Written Word: Cyril of Alexandria on Scripture, Theology and Exegesis, at Durham University. Matt has considerable preaching and pastoral experience on both sides of the Atlantic. He is married to Brandy and they have two young children.Read more
Lee Gatiss read Modern History at New College, Oxford and Theological & Pastoral Studies at Oak Hill Theological College in London. He gained a ThM in Historical and Systematic Theology with Westminster Theological Seminary in the States and is currently a Lightfoot Scholar at Cambridge, undertaking research on 17th century biblical interpretation. His pastoral experience includes spells at St. Ebbe’s Church in Oxford, All Soul’s, Langham Place and five years as Associate Minister of St. Helen’s, Bishopsgate. He is the Editor of the internet journal The Theologian www.theologian.org.uk . Lee is married to Kerry and they have three children. Read more
Ground - breaking service
Published on 20th July 2011
This was held to mark the commencement of a new building at WEST, the first tangible fruit of the new Gospel partnership. Jonathan Stephen led the service and read Psalm 127on Wednesday 20th July. WEST's new Chairman, Sam Ko, preached and a choir of young people from SaRang Community Church sang. It was attended by the builder, Nigel Clifford, and his wife, Anona, staff, students and supporters of WEST. The backdrop was the huge digger parked on the greenfield site at Bryntirion.
Two pieces of Good News from WEST
Published on 22nd June 2011
BA in Theology at half the cost of state-funded universities!
How times have changed. Not so long ago (and laying aside for the moment the nature of what was being taught) it was generally cheaper to study for a degree in theology at a university in the state-subsidised, public sector than at a private higher education institution like WEST. Not any more!
In the scramble to increase their prices as closely to the government-imposed limit of £9,000 as they dare, university fees have largely overtaken those of the majority of private Christian colleges and seminaries. Though free to set whatever charges they wish, such colleges will now typically be charging their students less than the universities which validate their programmes.
However, through the generosity of its new South Korean Partner, SaRang Community Church, WEST is able to make life even easier for prospective students. From the start of the new academic year in September, the School has announced that it will be offering £2,000 scholarships, renewable annually, to full-time, campus-based students who will commit to serving designated church congregations in Wales during semester time. This would reduce tuition fees to £4,500 – a price other colleges will find difficult to match.
In response, other (UK-based) sponsors are offering the same scholarship awards to full-time, campus-based students who need to return for weekends to home churches elsewhere in Britain or Ireland. The precise terms of each placement will be agreed between the School and the congregation concerned, and will be strictly limited and monitored in order to ensure that students give the necessary priority to academic study.
These
scholarships, which are the first fruit of the new ‘EAST/WEST’ partnership, will bring a top-flight theological education and ministry training within the reach of many for whom the cost was previously prohibitive. Those who would like more information on applying to WEST or further details of
scholarships should
contact info@west.org.uk.
A new affordable way to take Masters modules at WEST
22 June 2011
In today’s complex world, with its ever-increasing demands and challenges, many Christian leaders recognise their need of ‘continual professional development’. They long to hone their theological skills and keep abreast of the issues and trends that are currently influencing the Church
WEST’s intensive
four-day MTh Theology in Scriptural Context and MA in Contemporary Church Leadership modules have been designed to meet this need. Taught by acknowledged experts in their field, like David Smith (Ministry in an Urban World) and Ted Turnau (Popular Culture and the Christian Worldview), these short courses are greatly enhanced by the company of fellow students from around the world, who each bring their unique experience and perspective to the mix.
Unfortunately, however, the inevitably high cost of theological education at university level has probably excluded many – up till now. In order to make these modules more widely accessible, WEST is now offering them on a ‘non-accredited but assessed’ or ‘non-accredited and non-assessed’ basis.
From talking to serving pastors, missionaries and other Christian workers, the School believes there are many who simply wish to benefit from the stimulation of taking Masters level modules of their choice once or twice a year. They have no particular concern to gain a degree qualification and may well not in any case be able to afford the time to complete associated assignments.
For all such, the good news is that WEST are now offering their modules – regular fee £722 (fully accredited and assessed) – at the substantially reduced prices of £595 (non-accredited but assessed) and £475 (non-accredited and non-assessed).
Further details may be found on the
WEST website or by contacting
pgadmissions@west.org.uk.
Our new university partner, the University of Chester, recently warmly approved WEST's two masters' courses without condition. This is most unusual and speaks volumes for the quality of the MA in Contemporary Church Leadership and the MTh Theology in Scriptural Context programmes and the calibre of the students.
New Librarian
Published on 13th June 2011
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new librarian to start at WEST in time for the new academic year. He is Donald J D Mitchell, a member at Free School Court Evangelical Church, Bridgend. He has qualifications in librarianship, education, business and theology. He comes to us from Coleg Morgannwg.
DO REVIVALS ONLY HAPPEN IN THE PAST?
Published on 13th June 2011
This was the title of WEST’s 12th annual conference on revival held in the week 4-11 June 2011.That revivals happened in the past was clear from Kenneth Stewart’s immensely searching and encouraging ministry on revival in the time of Samuel and prayers for revival in the Psalms. He may have spoken about the past but the challenge was to us in the present. We may live in a “day of small things” but we are to live faithfully for our unchanging God in the present. He never by-passes his remnant and he stirs them to pray when he is going to bless with revival. We are to sow with our prayers, our lives and our witnessing. Reaping will follow and there is no excuse for Christian pessimism or passivity. The conference swelled to overflowing in the evenings as spiritually hungry Christians joined the residential attendees from churches from throughout South Wales.
Jonathan Stephen also preached from the Old Testament in two helpful messages from the early and concluding chapters of Job. Wednesday’s study visit to Trefeca with the inimitable Gwyn Davies reminded us of the glorious events of the 18th and 19th centuries which led to the establishment of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist denomination exactly 200 years ago. Eryl Davies dealt with the recent past in describing a “visitation” in Wales in the late 1940s and 50s.
But four speakers spoke of revival today in different parts of the world. Mervyn Neal gave a PowerPoint presentation on the astonishing work going on right now in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. It was once dubbed the “graveyard of mission” because of death from malaria and fierce opposition in the state where both Hinduism and Buddhism originated. Now God is saving hundreds and thousands through the brave witness of his people in the teeth of persecution and many churches have been planted in the last 10 years. Maureen Wise, a UFM missionary, spoke of her experiences in Romania in the 1990s and Moldova today. Communism, persecution, poverty and corruption are no barrier to the Holy Spirit and a baptism of love among his people. M**** D**** focused on two amazing works of God in North Africa. A**** L* L* spoke in particular about the Chinese “dispora”. Chinese international students are wide open to the Gospel whether in Bordeaux, France, Cardiff, Wales or wherever. Others have sowed in tears but today there is joyful reaping among them.
One attendee described the week as a taste of heaven. The fellowship of kindred minds regardless of age, denomination or nationality was sweet. The prayer times were rich too. The delicious food was a stimulus to animated table talk. Why not think of coming next year – the dates are 26 May – 2 June 2012 – when God willing there will be a new conference centre to use? CDs of this year’s conference can be obtained by contacting Kevin Green at kevingreen@west.org.uk or 01656 645411.
Historic signing
Published on 2nd March 2011
On Sunday 27 February representatives of WEST and SaRang Community Church, Seoul, Korea signed a binding agreement of great significance for both parties. This is a genuine Gospel partnership very much in the spirit of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. There Paul could see that the willingness of "Gentile" churches to contribute to the needs of the "Jewish" church in Jerusalem would be a massive statement about the reality of the transforming grace of God in the Gospel. In our modern example, the church in Korea recognise a debt of gratitude to the church in the West in the person of the first Protestant missionary martyr in 1866, a Welshman named Robert Jermain Thomas. He gave his life that Korea might have the Scriptures and the Gospel. Today, following powerful movements of the Spirit of God, the church there has prospered while the church in Western Europe has grown weak and feeble. The vision of this remarkable 80,000-member church is to invest in WEST as a stepping stone to the re-evangelisation of Europe! They want WEST to retain its existing ethos but expand its faculty, improve its facilities and boost its student numbers. This was a truly historic signing in Seoul! Pray for the success of this bold venture.
Implications for WEST of increases to UK university fees
Published on 22nd December 2010
WEST has had several enquiries from current and potential students, particularly from overseas, about press reports focusing on the controversy about the likely increases students will pay to study at UK universities. WEST is not directly affected by this because it is a private higher education institution receiving no financial subsidy from the UK government. Indirectly, increases to the fees charged at publicly-funded universities will reduce the differential between their fees and ours. So why not take a closer look at studying with us? Not only are we theologically trustworthy, academically rigorous and geared to the needs of the contemporary church, but we can compete well on price too.
2 more PhD viva successes
Published on 22nd December 2010
We congratulate Chris Kim and Stewart Lauer who both successfully defended their theses in vivas held in the last few days. This means that both will be awarded PhDs once minor corrections are submitted and subject to formal senate approval.
Chris Kim
The title of his research was: "Some contemporary theologies of regeneration in the USA, UK and Korea, 1966 - 2003 with special reference to Billy Graham and Martyn Lloyd-Jones". His main supervisor in WEST was Dr Eryl Davies. His supervisor in the University of Wales, Lampeter was Professor D P Davies.
This was an original contribution to knowledge in which an historical, systematic and pastoral theological approach was adopted in order to engage with differences and areas of agreement between the two sides. Dr Kim then identified key areas and themes for further discussion. The non-polemical approach adopted to this subject with the motive of developing dialogue in Korea enhanced the value and relevance of this research.
Dr Kim's research confirms that the doctrine of regeneration has not been pursued as vigorously and creatively as other doctrines in this period but some key differences between the two sides were identified, particularly over their understanding of prevenient grace, common grace and saving grace but with less serious differences appearing on the Reformed side. It was also established that Korean Reformed writings are almost entirely dependent on Western theologians for their understanding and articulation of regeneration. This research represents a first attempt to encourage Korean theologians to be more creative in articulating and developing an indigenous doctrine of regeneration which is contemporary and biblical yet also Korean and Asian in its understanding and expression .
We extend our prayerful good wishes to Dr Kim in his Seminary and pastoral ministry in Korea.
Stewart Lauer
The title of his research was: "Traces of a Gospel Writing in 1 Corinthians: Rediscovery and Development of Origen's Understanding of 1 Corinthians 4:6B"
The identity of the document referenced by the saying quoted in 1 Corinthians 4:6, ‘Nothing beyond what stands written’, has been a source of intense scholarly debate over many years. An excerpt from Origen’s commentary on 1 Corinthians, preserved in a Catena, shows he likely understood the writing to be a Gospel, and the saying to be a canon-like rule binding the churches to rely upon it alone as a source of teaching about Christ.
The flow of Paul’s rhetoric in 1 Corinthians 1:10 through 4:6, and especially the parenæsis of the metaphors in 3:5-17 (climaxing in the warning in vv 16-17), to which Paul refers in 4:6a, ‘I have applied these things figuratively to myself and Apollos in order that you may learn to keep the rule’, show Paul to be concerned to protect the gospel foundation of the church from human wisdom being promulgated by the factions (1:10ff). For the warning to protect that foundation to serve effectively to promote keeping of a rule holding the church’s teachers to a document, that document must itself match the foundational preaching of the Apostle. Of all of the writings that have been proposed down through the years and are still seriously considered possibilities, only Origen’s apparent exegesis, that ‘what stands written’ was a Gospel, fits the context surrounding 4:6b.
Evidence in 1 Corinthians 5 that Paul presumes the Corinthians already know the Lord’s instructions on church discipline in Matthew 18 and in 1 Corinthians 7 that Paul is correcting the Corinthians’ misconstruction of the Lord’s teaching on divorce and celibacy in Matthew 19:1-12 indicate that the most likely identity of the Gospel, ‘what stands written’ is what is now known as the Gospel According to Matthew.
Natalie Brand PhD
Published on 10th December 2010
We congratulate Natalie Brand on the successful defence of her PhD thesis earlier this week. She completed her research in just over two years, having previously completed both the MTh and BA Hons programmes at WEST. She is married to Tom who is a pastor in Binfield, Oxfordshire; he too is an ex-WEST student.
Natalie's main supervisor was Dr Eryl Davies, who was assisted at WEST by Dr Letham, and Dr Johannes Hoff was the supervisor at the University of Wales Trinity St David. The title of her research was EXPLORING A THEOLOGICAL AND FEMININE APPROACH TO CONTEMPORARY REFORMED SPIRITUALITY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UNION WITH CHRIST, 1950 – 2008 IN THE UK AND NORTH AMERICA.
This work breaks some new ground since it looks to serve as an introduction of an academic work on doctrine and spirituality, written by a female scholar in a largely male theological arena.
Using a systematic-theological approach, this study explores the subject of Reformed spirituality, characterising it in its contemporary mode by surveying material and offering an expression based upon the central doctrine of Union with Christ. The work attempts to stimulate spiritual renewal in accordance with the Reformed tradition (instead of popular Evangelical expressions) in the contexts of corporate church life and personal spiritual expression, looking specifically at the lives of Reformed women.
A historical outline beginning with the pre-Reformation concept of deification through to the Reformation, with the doctrine of Union with Christ being especially prominent in Calvinistic thought, and the later Puritan and Reformed Orthodoxy eras, provides the study with the necessary background to then explore the nature of union between Christ and believers in contemporary Reformed belief. Reformed spirituality is then grounded in the marital union between Christ and the church, as a corporate spirituality of the body as Christ’s Bride is explored. Herein the Lord's Supper is re-centralised in the life of the church body, in accordance with Calvin. Significantly, this work integrates a unique feminine approach that considers trends in feminine Reformed and Evangelical spiritual writings as well as pastoral issues pertinent to women. Underlining the neglect of women in conservative Reformed church life and practice, the work proposes an intentional complementarian use of women that can profit the tradition as a whole. The work also presents a unique tracing of a Reformed feminine spirituality, interacting with themes in new secular spiritualities and feminist thought, whilst calling for renewed experiential enjoyment of personal union with Christ.
The thesis will be offered in the New Year to publishers for publication and Natalie hopes to construct a couple of articles for journal publication that will develop on certain points. Once published the thesis will serve as a core text for the 'Female Spirituality' module that Natalie will teach at WEST from September 2011. Natalie plans to contribute further academic and popular works that will benefit Reformed women and extend the study of spirituality within the Reformed complementarian tradition.
Paul Coxon PhD
Published on 24th November 2010
Paul Coxon successfully defended his thesis earlier this year. His supervisors were Dr Tom Holland and Prof. D. P. Davies. His internal and external examiners were Dr. Bill Campbell and Dr. Stephen Smalley respectively.
A Summary of the research
In seeking to demonstrate that the paschal New Exodus (NE) is a major interpretative key to John's Gospel this work falls into two parts. Part 1 begins with a discussion of intertextual methodology using Johannine echoes and allusions as pointers to the Old Testament context as John's "cave of resonant signification." The legitimacy of favouring Old Testament echoes is established by delineating a feasible historical model where the apostle John authored his Gospel subsequent to AD 70 to strengthen his churches in the wake of the destruction of the Temple. Feasibility is further established from an ideological, christological and literary perspective.
Part 2 examines the Festival Cycle, John 5-10, against the Old Testament background, using intertextual echoes and the paschal NE motif as an interpretative key. In John 5, the healing of the lame man points to Jesus' inauguration of the NE Sabbath rest by his paschal sacrifice. In conjunction with the John 9 NE sign it provides a theodicy for the events of AD 70 in relation to the Jewish people. In John 6, Jesus' paschal NE departure is a paradigm for his death by which he effects a worldwide gathering together of God's exiled people into a new Israel. In John 7-8, Jesus commences to fulfill Tabernacles - understood as the culmination of the NE journey from "exile" to the new Temple. In John 10, Jesus the Door and the Good Shepherd leads his people out from bondage and from the doomed Temple towards a heavenly new Temple.
What Next?
I am looking to put my work to good use either in the pastoral ministry or as a lecturer in New Testament studies. I am married to Sue and we have 5 children. Tom Holland and Stephen Smalley have expressed a supporting interest in the publication of my work.
Philip S Ross’s new book
Published on 17th November 2010
The title is “From the Finger of God: the Biblical and Theological Basis for the Threefold Division of the Law” (Mentor, 2010). Excellent endorsements have been given by Sinclair Ferguson, R Scott Clark, Douglas Kelly, Paul Wells, Alec Motyer, Lord Mackay of Clashfern, Iain D Campbell and Eryl Davies.
Eryl Davies writes: “This is one of the most important theological books to be published for several years. It is desperately needed and should be read by pastors and church leaders worldwide as a matter of urgency”. The book is the substance of Philip’s PhD research in WEST.
“WEST Days” in churches
Published on 22nd October 2010
In October 2010 churches in Mid Wales (Newtown), the English Midlands (Nottingham), and South Wales (Cwmbran and Cardiff) invited WEST staff and students to take part in or take over mid-week and Sunday services. The result has been mutual spiritual benefit. The 8 students who preached, testified and taught children and young people in a Cwmbran church are still buzzing. Most exciting and humbling was the conversion of two teenagers in an after church youth meeting. So, rather than just telling you about WEST, the church is able to hear first-hand real life stories of God’s gracious provision at work in the lives of current students, and see how God is answering our prayers in providing for the next generation of church leaders, pastors and missionaries. If you would like us to come to your church please contact the Student Chairman, Dan Dwelly at dwellynator@hotmail.com.
PhD awarded
Published on 14th October 2010
Recently, Kevin Bidwell was able to successfully defend his dissertation and he was awarded a PhD. The examiners were Dr Tony Lane (external) and Dr Eryl Davies (internal); the supervisors were Dr Bob Letham (WEST) and Dr Johannes Hoff (external for the University of Wales).
A summary of the research
A resurgence of Trinitarian interest has gained momentum in the twentieth century and it is showing little sign of abating in the twenty-first century. This research endeavours to critically evaluate Miroslav Volf‘s ecclesial model for the ‘church as an image of the Trinity’, one which he presents with the English title, After Our Likeness. Volf proposes a social doctrine of the Trinity, one which is heavily influenced by the theological writings of Jürgen Moltmann, and he puts forward that this non-hierarchical Trinity should be reflected in the structures and theology of the church. If Volf is correct, then a radical reshaping is needed for the church to conform to an egalitarian pattern, one that is ‘after the likeness (Gen 1:26)’ of an egalitarian God. Two motivating factors that lie behind Kevin’s research, are a desire to witness a recovery of the doctrine of the Trinity and ecclesiology, in the contemporary church, in the West. Both examiners expressed their hope that this thesis would be published and Dr Miroslav Volf (Yale University) is currently reading the work, in order to give a reasoned response prior to publication (and hopefully it will be included in a future book).
What Next?
In January 2010, Kevin was commissioned by the Evangelical and Presbyterian Church in England and Wales (http://www.epcew.org.uk) to commence a church planting Bible study in the city of Sheffield. The church planting nucleus has grown and thankfully public worship services of Sheffield Presbyterian Church began on the 19th September. If anyone is in the area, they would be warmly welcomed for worship on the Lord’s Day (http://www.sheffieldpres.org.uk). Alternatively, you could keep updated with some brief theological and devotional postings on his blog: http://www.kevinbidwell.blogspot.com.
Sung Ho Choi PhD
Published on 22nd June 2010
We congratulate Sung Ho Choi on the award of a PhD degree on 21 June 2010. The title of his thesis is “A Study of Christology and Redemptive History in Matthew’s Gospel with Special Reference to the ‘Royal-Enthronement’ Psalms.” The research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Tom Holland of WEST, and with Professor D. P. Davies of the University of Wales, Lampeter as a second supervisor. The Gospel of Matthew is fertile ground for biblical studies in typology, the New Testament use of the Old, the fulfilment theme and messianic expectation in the redemptive history of Israel. More specifically, the Royal Psalms, which were composed to celebrate Davidic kingship, were used in Matthew’s key Christological passages such as Jesus’ baptism, transfiguration and trial, and the great commission.
Sung Ho conducted extensive research on the major Christological titles such as Son of David, Son of God and Son of Man. During the course of the research he discovered that Matthew was portraying Jesus as more than just the Davidic Messiah through the use of the Royal Psalms. Throughout the Gospel the evangelist was drawing themes from the Enthronement Psalms which were originally written to celebrate the divine kingship of Yahweh. The themes of heavenly exaltation and Yahweh’s authority as judge which are characteristic of these Psalms were applied to the Son of Man sayings. The researcher came to the conclusion that Matthew constructed a “divine-royal” Christology. In other words, Jesus is the Messiah through whom the divine redemptive purpose unfolds in the history of Israel which is revealed in the way Matthew utilizes the “Royal-Enthronement” Psalms.
Sung Ho Choi was awarded the PhD degree by Dr. R. T. France who was the external examiner. Dr France said the work made a useful contribution to New Testament scholarship and recommended that the thesis be modified for publication as a book.
UKBA Sponsor’s Licence
Published on 24th February 2009
We are delighted to announce that WEST has received the coveted A-rating by the UK Border Agency. This means that we have been granted a licence as a sponsor of overseas students for the maximum period of 4 years. This is particularly good news for non-European Union applicants who wish to study with us. An acceptance letter from us should pave the way to a trouble-free application for a student visa.
We are now officially entitled to state the following:
“WEST has been licensed by the UK Border Agency to enrol international students under Tier 4 of the Points Based System”
Giving
Published on 1st February 2008
We thank God for our loyal supporters without whom the work simply could not continue. Student fees meet only 60% of our costs. The financial crisis has inevitably adversely affected giving (the only other element in the absence of government or denominational funding). We recently made it easier to donate to WEST through an on-line facility from the home page of the web site. We have received several donations via this means, some which took up the option of boosting their giving through Gift Aid. Your gifts could help:
- Needy students: they include applicants from abroad but increasingly are from UK - most British students at WEST have a first degree, and if they are typical, a hefty debt too from paying off loans.
- Fund new staff appointments: we plan to develop our complement of full-time academic staff by one a year over the next 3 years. All will be godly conservative evangelicals with a wide range of pastoral or missions experience.
- Develop the campus: we need more classrooms, a library twice the size of the existing and a large meeting room to cater for 200 or so. A scheme already has planning permission. We need the funds to proceed.
- On-going running costs: this includes staff salaries, maintenance of the site, heat and light, etc. This may sound mundane but it is nonetheless vital.