Thoughts on the Conference

I got back last night from the Woodland Theology Conference on unity and diversity in orthodoxy. It was a great time. I am already looking forward to the next such conference. I have a few thoughts on what took place that I think will be helpful for our own church’s unity.

The debates that took place had two distinct flavors. The Baptism debate was generous and thought provoking. Schreiner and VanDurnen were a great example of how two men should disagree. It seems that the greater the knowledge of the whole of scripture along with Christian maturity tends toward a more unified and healthy body, even if there disagreements. On a side note I have yet to hear a Credobaptist loose a debate on Baptism.

The second series of debates, on eschatology, was disappointing. There was a lot less exegesis of the Bible and more defending against name calling and misunderstanding. DeMar and Horner are godly men I am sure but their presentations lacked a level of maturity that was exhibited on the previous night. In my opinion they should have simply stuck to the text and allowed their argument to stand or fall on the Biblical nature of their presentation. Both men at times made good points. DeMar’s discussion on Matthew 24 being fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was quite compelling. Dr. Horner’s love for the Jewish people is encouraging and to be not only commended but modeled.

All in all it was a great time. The discussion at Wenershnitsal (I do not have any idea how to spell that) in the middle of the night with Jerrod, Ginger, Jim, Lesley, Gumpy, MoJo, Faith, and the Wife was a highlight. How can you go wrong with chili dogs and theology? It is good to hear your thoughts on these issues too. Anyways, my prayer for our Church is that when we do disagree we would not allow our emotions to rule the discussion but instead clarity, maturity, and most of all the authority of the Bible.