Westminster Controversy - Peter Enns (UPDATED 4/3/08)

I have been in the process of researching and investigating potential seminaries I would be interested in attending after my time here at Arizona State. I have recently learned that one of my prospects, Westminster Theological Seminary, is currently experiencing a bit of turmoil surrounding the suspension and possible termination of one of its long-time faculty members, Peter Enns. This is reportedly in response to a theological divide among the seminary’s professors believed to be caused by debate over Enns’ controversial book, Inspiration and Incarnation: Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament.

I have been most persuaded by those that point to what Scripture says about itself rather than how our view of Scripture should be influenced in light of extra-biblical sources. Would anyone like to discuss or disagree with this admittedly simplified generalization of each viewpoint?

However, let me emphasize that the primary purpose of this post is not to inform you of the issue and request a sharing of opinions, but to ask for prayer for God’s will in the upcoming dialogue and its resulting decisions. May God grant wisdom and discernment to all involved - the Board, faculty, alumni, prospective students like myself, unaffiliated individuals concerned with the issues presented in Dr. Enns’ book, etc.

If you would like to become more knowledgeable of the subject, here are some helpful links:

Christianity Today’s article on the matter.

A Westminster student’s article and audio concerning the April 1st Special Chapel session regarding suspension.

A very thorough and involved discussion occuring at Green Baggins.

A critique by D.A. Carson, “Three Books on the Bible: A Critical Review,” including a portion addressing Inspiration and Incarnation.

A petition against the overall direction of Westminster and the suspension of Dr. Peter Enns.

A satisfyingly complete collection of links regarding information on the current controversy compiled by Brandon Withrow, a graduate of Westminster.

~ by Edward Cross on Wednesday, 2 April 2008.