The Magazine of Covenant Theological Seminary
COVENANT Winter 2004 -2005
Vol. 19, No. 4
A Man Just Like Us
It’s All in the Name
Closing the Great Divide
Truth, Fiction, and the Rise to Popularity of The Da Vinci Code
Volume 19, No. 4 Winter 2004 -2005
From the President
2 Topping our Christmas tree each year is a plaster figurine of a
A Message for Nobodies
beautiful blond angel playing a flute. This little angel is precious REV. GEORGE W. ROBERTSON
to my family for a couple of reasons: it reminds us of the angels who heralded Jesus’ birth and it reminds us of the precious, young woman who gave us the ornament years ago. Soon after she gave us this gift, she was killed by a drunk driver. We were young in the ministry when the tragedy occurred and it struck us very hard. But through the tragedy some of the young woman’s friends re-examined their lives and committed their hearts to the Lord. I rejoiced in receiving a Christmas
6 A Man Just Like Us Jonathan Edwards and Spiritual Formation for Ministerial Candidates
card from one of these individuals recently. DR. SEAN LUCAS
These new saints and their growing testimony helped change our church. We became more sensitive, forgiving, and willing to let people grow in the Lord before judging them harshly. We simply had paid too high a price as a church to claim these young people to now be impatient with their new faith and frequent failures. Surely this is the Lord’s attitude toward us as well. He who gave His Son for us purchased us at too high of a price to now turn away from us for our immature faith and still frequent failures. Even in our shame we are able to rest in the knowledge of
16 It’s All in the Name Access Distance Education Opens a Unique Way for Students to Tap into Seminary Studies
His love because the angels announced how precious was the One with whom the Father bought us. The message of Christmas is one of God loving us in spite of ourselves and of being
18
transformed by that grace. This is the message that we seek to keep central in all we do at Covenant Seminary. In these pages of Covenant magazine, you will see pictures and hear messages of grace that came through such a great sacrifice. Please pray for this
2004 Connect Conference
seminary and for the students as we seek to carry this message of great love, a great As you celebrate Christmas and welcome a new year, may the God who gave
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His Son give you rest in His love, knowing that He never fails and that our eternity
Closing the Great Divide
price, and the great gift of faith to the next generation.
is secure in Him.
Alumna Helps Christians See Error in Sacred/Secular Split – COVENANT TO THE WORLD –
24 Truth, Fiction, and the Rise to Popularity of The Da Vinci Code – FRANCIS A. SCHAEFFER INSTITUTE – CHRIS BRYAN
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
Looking Back on the 2004 Connect Conference
Over 200 pastors and ministry leaders gathered in St. Louis this past October for Covenant Seminary’s 2004 Connect Conference. The conference, themed Salt of the Earth, featured time for leaders to sharpen their skills, be renewed in their lives and callings, and just simply connect with each other. Read and see more on pages 18 and 19.
Intercessor
10
Alumni News
12
Events
14
Campus News
28
Student Profile
30
REV. GEORGE W. ROBERTSON Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Mo., and Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology
A
MESSAGE for Nobodies
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
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A Message for Nobodies
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, – LUKE 2 : 8 -20 which were just as they had been told.
I
n his book No Little People, Francis Schaeffer
“insignificant” people. There are no little people.
insisted that if Jesus Christ has made you His own,
In Luke 2, an angel announces this truth to shepherds
then it is impossible for you to think of yourself
watching over their flocks. The angel says, “Do not be afraid.
as insignificant.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the
If the demographics of our country are any
people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born
indication, we can safely say that many readers of
to you.” Then a great number of angels appeared, praising
this publication have had deep disappointments.
God and declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on
We have suffered setbacks in business or not
earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
attained the career goals we set for ourselves; we have been
You may have heard this story many times. The shepherds,
through divorce or are children of divorce. Often, we are
praising God joyfully, go and find Jesus and then spread the
tempted to think that we are rejected, to believe that we
word, telling others what they have heard and seen.
are insignificant. Luke 2:8-20 offers an answer to this temp-
A Message that Is the Same for Everybody
tation, an answer that is the core of the Christmas message.
I recently received a letter in which a woman told me of
In God’s family there are no “rejected,” “worthless,” or
www.covenantseminary.edu
unimaginable abuse in her past. She described herself as the
3
Training Servants of the Triune God
queen of self-condemnation and the duchess of others’
prestigious. The shepherds, however, were on God’s short
contempt. She wrote, “I have become a person of rage,
list. Other than Joseph, Mary and their immediate family,
bitterness and self-hatred. People told me I was worthless,
shepherds were the first to know the good news. They
they rejected me, and I believed them.” However, she went
were the first to see the Savior after His birth. We cannot
on to write, “I am beginning to understand that this is not
simply assume that the shepherds were not devout men.
true, that God loves me, that Christ died for me, and that
Like the religious experts, they might have been eager for
as I surrender my life more and more to Him I get it back
the consolation of Israel. We do now see clearly in the
more and more. I’m set free, I’m given dignity.” This is such
passage, however, that the shepherds were aware of their
a clear statement of God’s grace. God loves to take a nobody
need. They recognized the good news so readily because
and make them a somebody, giving them the message of
they were desperate for deliverance. There is a true story of Francis Schaeffer walking in the
grace that is the same for everybody.
streets of France with a group of friends.
This is the story told in Luke 2:8-20. Next to lepers, shepherds were the biggest
They passed a prostitute and Schaeffer
nobodies in Israel. Shepherds were
stopped and asked her, “How much?”
denied basic civil rights. They were
His friends were horrified but the woman
not permitted to testify in court, because
gave him her price. He replied, “No,
it was assumed that all shepherds were
how much?” She gave her price again.
dishonest. They were not allowed access
“I do not mean that,” he said. “I mean,
to the temple. They might have even
how much are you worth?” She did not
thought that God Himself rejected them.
know how to answer such a question.
It is to these men that the angel makes
He explained that she was made in the
his announcement, “Unto you a Savior has been born.” Christ the Savior comes to the nobodies. For nobodies He has been born, and for nobodies He will die. God Himself, no one less, announces the same words to you. Christ was born for you, and He has died for you. You are not allowed to think of yourself as insignificant, as worthless.
Often, we are tempted to think that we are rejected, to believe that we are insignificant.
What is the response to such grace?
for sinners so they might have fellowship with God. She was worth much more than the price she had quoted. She was worth the price of the blood of the Savior. A Free Message
Was she looking for this message? Did she somehow deserve it, because of something in herself? No more than
The response of the shepherds was to
you or I. God found this woman, and
worship God. Think of what you know
He found the shepherds, and He finds you and me. You
about worship. Worship inevitably transforms a person.
could have been born in another part of the world. You
If you worship your house, you will find that you become as
could have died in your sleep last night. Those things could
worthless as your house. If you worship your career, you will
have happened, but there is something actually happening.
soon act like you are of no more worth than your career.
That is certain. This message is being put before you right
However, the Bible promises that when you worship Christ,
now. God announces to you just as He announced to the
you become like Christ. God takes nobodies and transforms
shepherds, “Christ the Savior has been born.”
them to be like Christ. If you are like Christ, nobody can
Why should He bring that news to you, whether it is
call you a nobody.
the first time you have heard it or the thousandth time?
God could have announced the birth of His son to
He brings this good news to you simply because He chooses
any number of people. The religious experts of the day
to, because He elected to. God predestined that you would
were waiting, studying carefully, expecting the arrival
hear His good news right now. I use the word predestination
of the Messiah. There were others who were more socially
COVENANT MAGAZINE
image of God, and that Christ had died
Winter 2004-2005
because it is used in the Bible. The Bible simply states it as
4
fact: God chooses to bring His good news to those whom
If so, what are we doing in church – do we think we are
He will. In fact, the Bible does not argue the point, it simply
more acceptable than they are? Maybe the opposite is true.
offers a hymn of praise when God announces His good news.
Maybe we know how messed up we are and come hoping that all of the other churchgoers, who have their lives
Do you see what this means? God has chosen to bring this announcement to you. You can be offended by it. You
together, will rub off. Not a chance. We are all messed up,
can think that you somehow deserve it, and offend God with
but the Gospel is a message of kept promises. The shepherds
your attitude. You can even waste your time trying to explain
went to look for Jesus, and they found Him. Everything was
all of the details. Or you can recognize that God has brought
just as the angel had told them. We live in a society that
this message to you for the praise of His glorious grace. He
does not know the keeping of promises. When you hold out
delights in saying to people – to you – “Christ the Savior is
Jesus to people, and they come to embrace Him, they will
born for you.”
find He is just exactly as the Bible says He is.
A Message to Share
A Message of Salvation
Notice that once they embraced this
A few years ago, I met a very dear elderly
message, the shepherds could not resist
woman in a nursing home. She told me
sharing it. What can we see from these
the story of how she, an African
verses about the message that these men
American, was found as a baby on the
shared? We know from the angel, in verse
side of a railroad track by a rich Jewish
10, that it is a message of joy. Do you give
woman. The woman took her home and
the impression to others around you that
raised her as her own daughter. She was
the Gospel is a message of joy? Paul said that the good news of Christ is not a matter of rules; it is about righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Is there joy and laughter in your life? Watching you, would the world suspect that the Gospel is a message of great joy? Secondly, we see that this message is for all people. The angel told the shepherds that the message was for all people, that it would spread beyond the borders of the Jewish nation. It was a message for
God loves to take a nobody and make them a somebody, giving them the message of grace that is the same for everybody.
the Gentiles as well. The angel was
given everything she wanted, including security and love, but the woman’s family resented that this child had been brought into their home. They persecuted this little girl until, when she was a teenager, she ran away from home. For the rest of her life she had lived with the regret that she could not find the woman who had taken her in, who had saved her. As she told her story, I could only think of those who reject the gracious knowledge that Jesus Christ has come to save sinners. However, the
announcing the missionary heart of God.
woman’s story did not stop there. She went on to tell us how
One Sunday, a man pulled me aside to ask if I allow
another Jew had found her, found her while she was trying
former drug addicts to come to our church. I responded,
to reject everyone, and had announced to her: “I am Christ
“Look at all of these people. All of these people are addicted
the savior. I was born for you.” She had embraced Jesus as
to something. They are addicted to their clothes, their cars,
her Savior, and she sang praises with us, announcing to us
their houses. They are addicted to their jobs, their children,
the good news of the Gospel, just as she did with everyone
their egos, and their sin. This church is full of addicts, and
around her. This is the message that God delights in deliver-
their pastor is no exception.” He began to smile, and I asked
ing over and over again. He takes nobodies and makes them
him, “Do you feel at home now? Do not let the Sunday
somebodies by His grace, and then gives them a message
clothes fool you. We are all messed up.”
that is for everybody, even for people like you and me. This is the message of Christmas. n
The Gospel is the message of great joy for all people. Do our churches welcome all people? Are we nervous about inviting friends to church, that they will not be accepted?
www.covenantseminary.edu
5
Training Servants of the Triune God
DR. SEAN LUCAS Candidate Relations Coordinator and Adjunct Professor in Church History
Jonathan Edwards and the Spiritual Formation of Ministerial Candidates
A
MAN Just Like Us
“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” – JAMES 5 : 17 - 18 NIV Jonathan Edwards portrait courtesy of the Billy Graham Center Museum, Wheaton, Ill.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
6
A Man Just Like Us
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is often called America’s theologian. Born into a pastor’s family as one of eleven children, he grew up to serve as a solo pastor in Northampton, Mass., for 21 years, and worked for seven years as a missionary to native Americans in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Evangelical Christians typically revere Edwards as a Great Awakener, as a brilliant theologian, and as a “Protestant patron saint.”
Y
God wholeheartedly. A good summary of Edwards’ spirit-
et as difficult as it may be to
remember, there was a time when
uality can be found in his diary entry from January 14, 1723,
Jonathan Edwards was not “Jonathan
where he daydreamed about what the ideal Christian would
Edwards.” There was a time when Edwards
look like and resolved to strive to be such a believer in his
was a Yale College student, preparing for
own age. In Edwards’ famous resolutions, he expressed his
ministry. There was a time before the
Puritan determination to live every moment wholly for God. For example, Edwards “Resolved, never to lose one moment
Great Awakening, Religious Affections,
of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly
and Freedom of the Will made Edwards
a household name in colonial New England and a man with
can”; “Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live”;
an impact that carries on to this day.
“Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself (as much happiness in the other world), as I possibly can, with all
As one reads the personal records that Edwards left behind from this period, it seems clear that during those
the power, might, vigor, vehemence, yea violence, I am
days of anonymity Edwards struggled to know God and to
capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that
commune with Him, to mortify his sins and to live for God’s
can be thought of.” Whatever else could be said about
glory. “He was not a saint by nature,” historian George M.
Edwards’ spirituality, it was certainly intense.2 Perhaps Edwards believed that the Christian life demand-
Marsden observed. “His spiritual life was often an immense struggle. Despite his massive intellect and heroic disciplines,
ed such a wholehearted application because he was so aware
he was, like everyone else, a person with frailties and contra-
of the deceitfulness of his own heart and the prevalence of
dictions.” Yes, Edwards was “a man just like one of us.”
his sins. Edwards saw his chief besetting sin to be pride. A
1
The early period of Edwards’ life still serves as a witness
mature Edwards later admitted that “I am greatly afflicted
to the Church as we consider the process of spiritual forma-
with a proud and self-righteous spirit; much more sensibly,
tion for ministerial candidates. Both in its positive and nega-
than I used to be formerly. I see that serpent rising and
tive aspects, Edwards’ spirituality during these early years
putting forth its head, continually, everywhere, all around
teaches important lessons about how we as Christians and
me.” Even in his diary, recorded while he was supplying a
particularly as Christian leaders should live for God’s glory.
Presbyterian church pulpit in New York, Edwards recognized his great battle with pride. “How hateful is a proud man!”
Seek God with Your Whole Being
he exclaimed, “How hateful is a worm that lifts up itself with
If anything could be said about Edwards’ approach to spiritu-
pride! What a foolish, silly, miserable, blind, deceived, poor
ality during his preparatory years, it would be that he sought
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7
Training Servants of the Triune God
for him in his baptism. This dedication to God involved
worm am I, when pride works!” 3
every facet of Edwards’ being: “I can challenge no right in
Edwards’ proud spirit manifested itself primarily in argument with others. He recognized that he had “a certain
this understanding, this will, these affections that are in me;
inclination” to “too much dogmaticalness, too much of the
neither have I any right to this body, or any of its members:
egotism.” This dogmatic spirit apparently led to sins of anger
no right to this tongue, these hands, nor feet; no right to
and rash speech. In one diary entry on July 1, 1723, Edwards
these senses, these eyes, these ears, this smell or taste. I have
“resolved for the future to observe rather more of meekness,
given myself clear away...I have been to God this morning
moderation, and temper in disputes.” Two and a half weeks
and told him that I gave myself wholly to him.” 7 This time of self-dedication to God made a deep
after this, on July 18, 1723, Edwards recorded, “Resolved to endeavor to make sure of that sign the apostle James gives
impression on Edwards. Around this same period, Edwards
of a perfect man, Jas. 3:2, ‘If any man offend not in word,
preached a sermon on “dedication to God.” He held that the
the same is a perfect man, and able also
“offering up ourselves to God” was the
to bridle the whole body.’”
“greatest of all the duties of a Christian.”
4
Edwards’ most compelling reason for
As Edwards warred against these sins, he sought God with his entire being.
dedication to God was that “if you give
He craved the “inward, sweet delight in
yourself to God, he will also give himself
God and divine things” that he had
to you. You give yourself to him to be his
experienced around 1721, a year after he
servant; he will give himself to you to be
graduated from Yale. Edwards continued
your portion and everlasting happiness,
to immerse himself in Scripture, in which
and thereby you are sure of eternal glory,
he had “the greatest delight.” Edwards later observed that during these years as a ministerial candidate, “oftentimes in reading [Scripture], every word seemed to touch my heart.” His view of God expanded as he began to delight in the nature of God. He gained “a sweet sense of the glorious majesty and grace of God that I know not how to express. I seemed to see them both in a sweet conjunction:
In Edwards’ famous resolutions, he expressed his Puritan determination to live every moment wholly for God.
because the infinite source and fountain of eternal glory is yours already.” 8 This understanding that he belonged wholly to God provided Edwards with a firm grounding for certainty and assurance. At one point in his sermon, he proclaimed that those who were wholly given to God “may [be] certain of his love and favor, certain of his guidance in all your ways, certain that no evil shall
majesty and meekness joined together: it
befall you, certain that whatever befalls
was a sweet and gentle, and holy majesty;
you is for your good.” Edwards realized that confidence that God in Christ is
and also a majestic meekness; and awful sweetness; a high, and great, and holy gentleness.”
working all things together for our salvation enables us to
5
“lie and rest quietly and securely in the midst of storms and
This longing for God’s presence connected with a passionate desire for holiness. “I felt in me a burning desire
tempests, fearing nothing, knowing that you are in God’s
to be in everything a complete Christian.” For Edwards,
hands where nothing can hurt you.” 9
who struggled with pride, angry words, and a dogmatic spirit,
Remember That Holiness Is by Grace
the holiness that he sought with his whole being appeared to
With all of his “violent” striving for holiness, Edwards some-
be quite contrary and almost unattainable. Yet he sought it
times seemed to exemplify the temptation to gain holiness
with his whole being. He believed that without holiness, one
by works, rather than by grace. His diary was filled with
could not and would not see God and know His presence.6
reproachful reminders that his spiritual condition depended
Understand That You Belong Completely to God
upon self-denial in eating, drinking, and sleeping; that he
While Edwards was serving the Presbyterian church in New
was not properly using his time for God’s glory; and that he
York, he underwent a solemn renewal of the promises made
needed to devote even more time to private prayer. By focus-
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
8
ing on these exercises of self-denial, by turning his gaze
chief motivation to do so was “the loveliness of Christ”
inward, Edwards’ religious feelings ebbed and flowed.
Himself. Unlike human loves that can be alloyed with
Over a two week period at the end of 1722, his spirituality
impure motives or faulty objects, “the love of Christ is the
ran the gamut. Such reporting went on throughout his
love of that which is truly above all things excellent and
diary, marking his spiritual temperature. By engaging in
lovely, and therefore the pleasures that result from it must
this introspective spirituality at this point in his life,
be solid, real, substantial, and never fading.” Only by giving
Edwards appeared to conflate his wholehearted pursuit
oneself in love to Jesus Christ did one experience a union
of God’s glory with right standing with God.10
that was “more intimate than between any other lovers.” 13
To be fair, at his best moments (or moments of frustration
Importantly in light of the sins with which Edwards
with his rigorous spiritual practice) Edwards recognized that
struggled, love for God would manifest itself in character
his sanctification would only progress through the work of
qualities toward others such as humility and gentleness.
the Holy Spirit. Around the same time
Edwards certainly longed for humility
Edwards renewed his baptismal covenant
to replace his pride, and he talked about
and gave himself anew to God, he also
that virtue in terms that paralleled his
confessed in his diary that “I find by
discussion of love. “How immensely
experience, that let me make resolutions,
more pleasant is an humble delight,
and do what I will, with never so many
than a high thought of myself!” Edwards
inventions, it is all nothing, and to no
exclaimed in his diary. “O, how much
purpose at all, without the motions of the
more pleasanter is humility than pride!
Spirit of God.” 11
O, that God would fill me with exceeding
In addition, Edwards later recognized that his constant self-examination and scheming for holiness occurred “with too great a dependence on my own strength; which afterwards proved a great damage to me.” As Edwards continued on in the Christian life he learned two things: “my extreme feebleness and impotence, every manner of way; and the innumerable and bottomless depths of secret corruption and deceit, that there was in my heart.”
If Edwards was to make any progress in the Christian life, it was due solely to the sovereign work of God’s Spirit motivated by God’s amazing grace...
The only true solution to remaining sin
great humility, and that he would evermore keep me from all pride! The pleasures of humility are really the most refined, inward and exquisite delights in the world.” Likewise, Edwards esteemed gentleness as a character trait that others would see. He lamented in his diary that “a virtue, which I need in a higher degree, to give a beauty and luster to my behavior is gentleness. If I had more of an air of gentleness, I should be much mended.” 14 Edwards never deviated from this
was not self-willed striving, but “a more full and constant sense of the absolute sovereignty of God,
basic approach to spiritual formation that he developed in
and a delight in that sovereignty…[and] more of a sense of
his years of ministerial preparation. Those seeking to serve
the glory of Christ, as a mediator, as revealed in the gospel.”
as pastors in Christ’s Church can learn important lessons
If Edwards was to make any progress in the Christian life,
from Jonathan Edwards, because he was just like one of us.
it was due solely to the work of God’s Spirit motivated by
May God grant that our heartbeat would become more like
God’s amazing grace and rooted in God’s glorious Gospel.
his: that we might become those who seek the presence of
12
God by offering ourselves wholeheartedly to God out of a
The Fruit of the Spirit Is Love for God and Others
passionate love for God and others, the evidence of which
Edwards’ spirituality focused on love for God and others
will be humble reliance upon God’s sovereign grace and a
as the chief mark of the Christian life. As a supply preacher
gentle spirit with God’s people. n
in New York, Edwards tried to put his love for God into language. In one sermon, Edwards tried to persuade his
Please see page 29 for footnotes.
congregation to give themselves in love to Christ. The
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9
Training Servants of the Triune God
INTERCESSOR the
As Covenant Seminary exists to train servants of the triune God to walk with God, to interpret and communicate God’s Word, and to lead God’s people, we recognize the importance of prayer to guide and continue the mission. While much of our training takes place in one geographic area as students relocate for study, the mission continues in the lifetime of ministry that the Lord grants as people continue on from Covenant Seminary. Therefore prayer for the seminary and its mission comes with a local, national, and global scope. We are grateful for your prayers for Covenant Seminary. We hope that this prayer calendar that can be prayed through during the autumn months will help focus your thoughts and prayers for the seminary, its students and alumni. As the color key indicates, the dark squares share campus O Lord, support us all the day concerns, the medium squares long of this troubled life, until national concerns, and the white squares international concerns. the shadows lengthen and the
evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us safe lodging and a holy rest and peace at last; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 1
1
Lutheran Worship, (St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 1982), 267.
2004 WINTER 2005 Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Week 1
Praise God for using His people in His grand purposes. “As you come to him, the Living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:4-5).
Pray for students as they break at Christmastime. Pray that this time would be restful, and provide meaningful moments with family and friends. Ask the Lord to refresh students for the Spring semester.
Pray for Kirk Adkission (M.Div.’04) who was recently called to plant a church in Boulder, Colo. Pray that God would use Kirk to bring the riches of His Gospel to the poor, downcast, and self-assured of this city.
Pray for the individuals and families across the U.S. who are considering attending Covenant Seminary next year. Pray for the Lord’s guidance in this decisionmaking process and that He would use this time to prepare the Fall 2005 incoming class.
Pray for alumni in Florida and other places in the Southeast who are leading churches in disaster relief due to this past summer’s hurricanes. Pray that they would receive grace to minister to people both physically and spiritually.
Pray for peace in Iraq and for salvation among the people. Give thanks for the service of Chaplains Seth George (current Th.M.), Anthony Reed (M.Div.’03), Steve Prost (M.Div.’03), as they are serving in or have recently returned from Iraq. Pray for Chaplain Matt Temple (M.Div.’03) who will be deployed to Iraq in January.
Week 2
Praise
International
Praise the Lord for His pursuing love despite His people’s unfaithfulness: “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds” (Hosea 6:1).
Pray for ministers of the Gospel that you know throughout the world. Pray that the Lord would feed them as they seek to feed their flock. Ask that He would provide a support system of encouragement among leaders that would guard against burnout and loneliness.
Pray for the Sacrifice of Praise Worship Renewal conference to be held on campus from Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, 2005. Pray that the pastors, worship leaders, and musicians gathering for this event will leave better equipped to spur others on toward Gospel-centered worship.
Pray for the Student Mission Fellowship Conference that will be held from Feb. 7 to 11, 2005. Pray that the conference would help students see how they can encourage the congregations they will serve to be mobilized for God’s world mission.
Pray for the pastors from across the U.S. who are participating in the Pastors Summit program led by Covenant, Westminster, and Reformed Seminaries. Pray for this new program whose purpose is to equip, renew, and encourage pastors and to serve the next generation.
Pray for the Access distance education students who will gather on campus in January for a one-week residency. Pray that the personal interaction with faculty members and other students would further their studies, deepen their grasp of God’s grace, and sharpen their ability to communicate with others.
Week 3
Sat/Sun
National
Praise God that Christ will come in glory saying, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Mt. 25:34).
Pray for Dr. Greg Perry, Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies, as he serves on the Board of Third Millennium Ministries. Pray that Dr. Perry and all involved in this ministry would see much fruit in seeking to provide theological training in countries where such resources are sparse.
Praise God for the faithful service of the Covenant Seminary Board of Trustees. Pray that God would give them discernment as they make important decisions regarding future plans for Covenant Seminary. Pray for God to bless them as they have blessed many through their efforts as Board members.
Ask God to use the Spring Francis A. Schaeffer Lecture Series on hospitality to transform His people into a welcoming haven for all kinds of people. Pray that God would challenge those attending to make room in their lives for the practice of hospitality.
Pray for the recently elected leadership of the U.S. Pray that God would use the men and women in government to bring about justice and righteousness in the U.S., as well as internationally. Pray for renewal for the Church in her attitudes, submission, and prayer regarding our national government.
Give thanks for the opportunity Drs. Bryan Chapell and Nelson Jennings recently had to meet with an Anglican Bishop from Sudan. Pray for peace and justice in the country of Sudan and healing for the many people there who have suffered greatly.
Week 4
Campus
Praise God for the fulfillment of His promises in Christ: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).
Pray for Steve Jamieson (M.Div.’04) as he takes on his new role as Reference and Systems Librarian for Covenant Seminary. Pray that Steve would have wisdom from the Lord to enable His service in the library and that the entire library team would see the advancement of God’s Kingdom in their work.
Pray for Dr. Jay Sklar’s work on a Leviticus commentary. Pray that the Lord would enable him to write in a way that is greatly beneficial for pastors and teachers.
Praise the Lord for Dr. Hans Bayer’s continuing commitment to serve the church of Europe even across the miles. Give thanks for Dr. Bayer’s recent opportunity to teach for Riga Theological Seminary in Latvia. Pray that this teaching time would bear fruit even now.
Pray for Covenant Seminary professors who are caring for aging parents over great geographical distances and for Mrs. Mary Pat Peterson, wife of Dr. Robert Peterson, as she faithfully cares for Dr. Peterson’s ailing father on a daily basis.
Pray for the Covenant Seminary graduates serving in the Northwestern United States that they would have patience in the long, slow growth of Gospel ministry in that area. Praise the Lord for all the growing number of alumni serving in Washington State.
✁ M.Div. Master of Divinity; M.A. Master of Arts; M.A.C. Master of Arts in Counseling; G.C. Graduate Certificate; Th.M. Master of Theology; D.Min. Doctor of Ministry
www.covenantseminary.edu
11
Training Servants of the Triune God
news
ALUMNI If you have information for Alumni News, please mail it to Covenant Magazine or e-mail Alumni News: alumni @covenantseminary.edu Jim Drexler (M.Div.’84) began serving as Education Department Chair at Covenant College this past August. The Drexlers live in Chattanooga, Tenn., where Jim’s wife Sara assists in the guidance counselor’s office for Chattanooga Christian School. Two of the Drexler children, Julie and John, attend Chattanooga Christian School. Their oldest child, Mary Catherine, is in her senior year of studies at Covenant College and son Nate is spending a semester aboard Mercy Ships. Two plays written by Eddy Lee (M.A.G.T.S.’93) were performed by Stage Presence Playhouse this past fall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Eddy is a Director/ Producer for Stage Presence Playhouse. The Craig Barnard (M.Div.’96) family would like to praise God for the Covenant family’s faithfulness in prayer and for the Lord’s gracious answers to those prayers. Craig survived an acute case of pancreatitis in early 2004 and is recovering. He remains on staff as youth director of Main Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Miss. Christopher Pierce (M.A.G.T.S.’96) has been called and installed as the rector of Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal Church, Somerville, N.J. Christopher and his wife have six children who are all doing well. Paul Rawlins (M.A.C.’97) was married to Courtney Robertson on May 8, 1994, at Central Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Pastor Brett Eubank (M.Div.’03) officiated and Doug Merkey (M.Div.’01), James Kim (M.Div.’00), Chad Brewer
COVENANT MAGAZINE
(M.Div.’00), and Phil Rowland (M.Div.’01) participated.
in Meridian, Miss., on August 29, 2004. Allen and his wife, Lynette extend their thanks to the Covenant Seminary community for continued prayers during these past three years following the complicated birth of their daughter Grace Ann. (Grace Ann was born three months premature.) Praise the Lord with the Vargos for Grace Ann’s growth and development. Grace Ann is a healthy, active, inquisitive three-year-old.
Caleb Ludwick (M.A.G.T.S.’99) has begun serving as Marketing Intelligence Manager with Tricycle, a startup company that works with the carpet industry in the U.S. and Europe. Tricycle is located in Chattanooga, Tenn., where Caleb and his family live. Jamie Johns (M.A.G.T.S.’99) recently received a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. Jamie serves as assistant professor of Christianity for Houston Baptist University.
Jon Dunning (M.Div.’01) was ordained as Associate Pastor of Oak Hills Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kan., on June 5, 2004. Dr. Mark Dalbey preached for the service and Russ Ramsey (M.Div.’00, Th.M.’02) and Rev. Tony Felich (M.Div.’98) also participated. Russ is the senior pastor of Oak Hills. Jon and his wife Tricia celebrated the birth of Lucy Ellen, their first child, on July 22, 2004.
Mandy Brown (M.A.C.’00) was married to Mike McBride on September 11, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga., at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Cora Dodd Taylor (M.A.C.’00) and Naomi Raines Oosting (M.A.C.’99) served as attendants. John Gullet (M.Div.’02) officiated. Mandy serves as a therapist for Transitional Family Services in Atlanta. Cora Dodd (M.A.C.’00) was married to Mark Taylor on October 9, 2004. Christine Burkley Gordon (M.A.’03), Karsee Taylor Parr (M.A.C.’02), and Mandy Brown McBride (M.A.C.’00) served as attendants. The Taylors were married at Grace and Peace Fellowship in St. Louis and Pastor Kurt Lutjens (M.Div.’82) officiated. Cora serves as a case worker and counselor for BJC Health Systems in St. Louis and is beginning part-time work with Crossroads Christian Counseling.
Phil (M.Div.’01) and Mary (M.Div.’02) Moren are now living in Memphis, Tenn., where Phil serves as Pastor of Singles for Hope Presbyterian Church. The Morens recently welcomed sons Jordan (6) and Jarvis (3) into their family through adoption. The Morens are grieving, yet rejoicing, in the homegoing of Mary’s grandmother, Mary Edwards (d. Oct. 10, 2004), who was the wife of long-time seminary board member Presley Edwards, and Mary’s great aunt Conn (d. Sept. 26, 2004) who was also a faithful supporter of Covenant Seminary.
Allen Vargo (M.Div.’00) was installed as Assistant Pastor at Northpointe Presbyterian Church
This past October, Jose Figueroa (M.Div.’02) accepted a call to serve as the Reformed University
Winter 2004-2005
12
Campus Minister for the Florida International University in Miami. Jose and his wife Laura have two children, Adelita (2) and Lucas (born in February 2003). Dr. David Calhoun, Professor of Church History, and Dr. Hans Bayer, Associate Professor of New Testament, participated in the ordination of Nicolas Farelly (Th.M.’02) and Joel Rinn (M.Div.’03) in Paris on June 26, 2004. Dr. Bayer gave a charge to the candidates and Dr. Calhoun delivered a sermon on 2 Corinthians 4. Nicolas and his wife Alison are ministering in Paris and Joel and his wife Jessica serve in Ferarra, Italy. Both men are missionaries with Presbyterian Missions International. Nicolas and Joel were ordained in the International Presbyterian Church. Among those in attendance were, Mark (M.Div.’92) and Marti Mylin, Wade Bradshaw (formerly of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute), and Sasha Bukovietski (M.Div.’03). Brad Wright (M.Div.’02) has been called to serve as Assistant Pastor for Grace Presbyterian Church in Woodlands, Texas. He began serving there this past October. Jennifer Maurizio (M.A.C.’03) was married to Joel Lohr in Decatur, Ill., on November 8, 2003. Her husband is the pastor of Old Stonington Baptist Church in Stonington, Ill., where they now reside. Jennifer works as a guidance counselor at Argenta-Oreana High School and Junior High. JoEllen Borgos (M.A.T.S.’02) and Megan Philip (M.A.C.’02) participated in the wedding.
Greece 2005 Tour
The Covenant
PATHWAYS
FAMILY
of Paul
Conference
DATE: June 22 to July 2, 2005
DATE: July 25 to 29, 2005
HOSTED BY: Dr. Bryan and Mrs. Kathy Chapell
CO-SPONSORED BY: Covenant Theological Seminary
Trace the path of God’s
and Ridge Haven Conference and Retreat Center
mighty work in the early
Plan your family vacation in the North Carolina
Church as Covenant
mountains, surrounded by the beauty of God’s
Seminary President
creation and immersed in delightful Bible teaching
Dr. Bryan Chapell leads
by Covenant Seminary professors. This conference
a teaching tour along the
provides an opportunity
Pathways of Paul. Stops
for Covenant families,
along the way will include Athens and Corinth.
both parents and chil-
Additionally a beautiful Aegean Sea cruise will make
dren, to explore God’s
stops at six ports including Ephesus, Patmos, and
gracious covenant and
Santorini. Make plans now to spend part of your sum-
what it means for daily
mer being renewed in the fellowship of other believers,
living as a family today.
the study of God’s Word, and the beauty of Greece.
CALL 1.800.903.4044 FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dan Adamson (M.Div.’04) was ordained August 8, 2004, as Assistant Pastor for All Souls Fellowship in Decatur, Ga., where Shayne Wheeler (M.Div.’97) is Senior Pastor. Dan and His wife Lynda have three children: Emily, Ben, and Joey.
Thelma Dulcea “Dulce” into the world on September 14, 2004. David serves as the Assistant to the Director of the Physical Plant for Covenant Seminary. Prior to the birth of Dulce, Jennifer was working with an architecture firm in St. Louis.
David (M.Div.’99) and Kelly Rogers celebrated the birth of Liliana Grace on August 15, 2004. This is the Rogers fifth child. David serves as organizing pastor at Faith Community Church (PCA) in LaPorte, Indiana.
Allen Cooney (M.Div.’04) and Matt Uldrich (M.Div., M.A.C.’03) were ordained and installed to serve on the pastoral staff of Catalina Foothills Church in Tucson, Ariz., on Sunday October 24, 2004. Allen serves as Assistant Pastor and Matt serves as Director of Pastoral Care. Dr. Donald Guthrie, Vice President for Academics, gave the sermon.
Clark Madison joined the family of Howard (M.Div.’98) and Kellie Brown on November 20, 2003. Clark was also greeted by big brother Harrison (2). Howard serves as Church Planting Pastor of Christ Central Church in Charlotte, N.C., with Georgio Hiatt (M.Div.’00).
Livia Raine Melissa Tredway was born on May 7, 2004, and adopted into the Jeremy (M.A.G.T.S.’00) and Rebecca Tredway family on June 26, 2004.
Filling the Quiver
David (M.A.G.T.S.’98) and Jennifer Owens Brown (M.A.G.T.S.’99) welcomed
www.covenantseminary.edu
Baby Samuel James joined the John (M.Div.’02) and Beverly Gullett family this past summer through adoption. John serves as Pastor of Princeton Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, Tenn.
Wilson Edward was born to Chris (M.Div.’99) and Carol (Bilbo) (M.A.G.T.S.’99) Clark on July 4, 2004. Wilson joins his brother, Bennett. Chris is Resident Director of Founders Center at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
Chris (M.Div.’01,Th.M.’03) and Robyn (M.A.T.S.’01) Richardson celebrated the birth of Avery Ann on August 5, 2004. Avery joins big brother Wyatt.
13
The Richardsons live in Aberdeen, Scotland, where Chris is pursuing a Ph.D. in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen. Recently Chris was asked to teach and tutor in New Testament within the Department of Divinity and Religious Studies. This fall semester, he is responsible for the Greek tutorials in the Gospel of John course for undergraduate divinity students. Heath (M.Div.’02) and Shawna (M.A.T.S.’02) Kahlbau celebrated the birth of Noah John on Saturday, July 24, 2004. Heath serves as Pastor of Faith Fellowship in Dothan, Ala. Correction from Fall 2004
Kor Van As’s baby girl Mischa was born on April 20, 2004 rather than 2003.
Training Servants of the Triune God
EVENTS Gatherings, Conferences Spring 2005
Spring 2005 Francis A. Schaeffer Lectures
Student Mission Fellowship Conference
Making Room: The Mystery, Riches, and Challenge of Christian Hospitality
SPEAKER: Daniel Oh, Director of Intercultural Ministries
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Andi Ashworth, Author of Real Love for Real Life;
for OC International
Charlie Peacock, Author, Singer/Songwriter, Producer; Christine Pohl, Author
DATE: February 7 to 11, 2005
of Making Room: Recovering the Practice of Christian Hospitality; Michael
Every year Covenant Seminary’s Student Mission Fellowship
Gordon, Pastoral Assistant, Grace and Peace Fellowship, St. Louis, Mo.
organizes a conference to help promote concern for, commit-
DATE: February 25 to 26, 2005 CONFERENCE FEE: $15.00 (Free for alumni, current students, and staff)
ment to, and involvement in God’s world mission. This year’s
In a society that struggles with fragmentation and loneliness,
conference speaker is Daniel Oh who will address leadership
the practice of Christian hospitality becomes all the more
development and local church mobilization as it relates to world
refreshing and needed for the friends and strangers among us.
mission. The lectures associated with this conference are open
But while hospitality sounds like a great idea to some, it may
to the public.
sound overwhelming to others. How do busy people “make room” for the practice of Christian hospitality? How does hospitality differ from entertaining? What
Please join us.
does God’s Word teach about the role of hospitality in the life of believers? How do the home and the church work in concert
These events are open to the public and are offered free or for a minimal charge. To learn more about any of these events, please log on to www.covenantseminary.edu or call 1.800.903.4044.
offering spiritual nurture through hospitality? Come hear a group of speakers with a wealth of wisdom on this topic discuss these issues and gain a vision for hospitality in your home today.
Save the Date!
campus of Covenant Seminary and will include
ONE Yimi Summer Conference
intense thinking, serious questions, fun, small group interaction, and ministry trips to learn through experience. A special Youth Leader
DATE: June 20 to 25, 2005
track (staff or volunteer) will also be offered. This summer, Covenant Seminary’s Youth in Ministry Institute (Yimi) will bring together high
More information will be available in early 2005. E-mail yimi@covenantseminary.edu to be added to the conference mailing list.
school students from across the nation to help them grow in their view of God, themselves, others, and the entire world. The week will explore a Biblical understanding of one truth, one Lord, and one Church while seeing the implications for this teaching in everyday life. The conference will take place on the
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
14
Lifetime of Ministry Lecture Series
SACRIFICE PRAISE
the of
Register online for any of these two- to five-day ministry enrichment courses. As part of the Lifetime of Ministry program, these classes can be audited* for a minimal fee.
Covenant Seminary Worship Renewal Conference
Islam
February 28 to March 2, 2005
INSTRUCTOR: Carl Ellis, President of Project Joseph, and co-author of The Changing Face of Islam in America DATE: January 3 to 7, 2005 Registration open until December 22, 2004, or while spaces remain available.
Women’s Ministry INSTRUCTORS: Judy Dabler, Executive Director of the Center for Biblical Counseling and Education, St. Louis, Mo., and Tasha Chapman, experienced leader of women’s ministries DATE: January 6 and 7, 2005 Registration open until January 4, 2005, or while spaces remain available.
Covenantal Nurture of the Family SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
INSTRUCTOR: Scotty Smith, Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, Nashville, Tenn.
Bryan Chapell
DATE: January 10 to 14, 2005
President of Covenant Theological Seminary
Registration open until January 6, 2005, or while spaces remain available.
Reggie Kidd Associate Prof. of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary
Isaiah
Jonathan Seda Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Dover, Del.
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ray Ortlund, Jr., Senior Pastor
Scotty Smith
of Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tenn., and
Pastor of Christ Community Church, Franklin, Tenn.
author of a forthcoming commentary on Isaiah to be published by Crossway Books DATE: January 18 to 21, 2005
Hughes Oliphant Old Dean of the Institute of Reformed Worship at Erskine Seminary
Registration open until January 14, 2005, or while spaces remain available.
Church-Based Immigrant/ Refugee Ministry INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Nelson Jennings and others DATE: January 14 and 15, 2005 Registration open until January 12, 2005, or while spaces remain available.
*non-transcript audit
www.covenantseminary.edu
Come be renewed as you gather with pastors, worship leaders, and musicians to learn from each other about worship that its Gospel-centered, Biblical, and Reformed. This conference will help you address current issues in worship, think about worship in your church context, and see how your congregation can grow in bringing the sacrifice of praise. Watch your mail or logon to www.covenantseminary.edu for more information. This program is made possible through a Worship Renewal Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment, Inc.
15
Training Servants of the Triune God
It’s All in
THE NAME Access Distance Education Opens a Unique Way for Students to Tap into Seminary Studies Twice a year a group of students arrive at Covenant Seminary who may have never before set foot on campus. But if they run into Dr. Hans Bayer, Dr. David Calhoun, Prof. Jerram Barrs, or a number of seminary professors, they could strike up a deep conversation about a recent class lecture. These are Access students and they have enrolled in seminary without relocating using the technology of video and audio recording as well as the telephone and Internet. Most take time out of their otherwise busy lives to invest in a wide range of seminary courses. Some even take their vacation days to study intensively for one week on campus during Access Residency.
Mimi Larson
Covenant Seminary’s Access distance education was developed to share seminary resources on a wider level. In 2001 the seminary was accredited to offer not only individual courses, but an entire degree (Master of Arts in Theological Studies) through Access. At a recent Access Residency, Mimi Larson (left), Jorge Reynardus (middle), and Mike Parish (right) shared a bit about their lives and their learning as nontraditional students with Access. These are their stories.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
Occupation: DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES Hometown: WHEATON, ILL. Home Church: NAPERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN
Mimi Larson oversees about 200 volunteers in her role as Director of Children’s Ministries for Naperville Presbyterian Church and those volunteers touch the lives of over 650 children through the year. That’s why Mimi takes her position so seriously. A few years ago Mimi began to sense her need for deeper theological training. “The curriculum I develop almost daily
16
It’s All in The Name
is a translation of wonderful Biblical and theological truths
courses at home with him. “We are basically having a Bible
into language and concepts that are on a child’s level,”
study on steroids,” Mike says. “My pastor joins us to answer
Mimi says. “If I was going to grow in serving the church,
our questions and I get the benefit of interacting with others
I needed to become more equipped theologically to do that
after each lecture.” In four years Mike plans to retire from his work with the
job of translating.”
Navy. Hopefully at that point, the course he and his pastor
At that point Mimi enrolled in the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program at Covenant Seminary
are charting for a Hawaiian seminary will continue to devel-
through Access. “I was not able to leave Naperville to get
op and Mike will be able to share even more of the training
the training I needed, so I had to have a program that
he is receiving through Covenant Seminary.
would come to me.”
Jorge Reynardus
During a recent Access Residency week at Covenant
Occupation: CIVIL LITIGATOR FOR HOLLAND AND KNIGHT LLP
Seminary, Mimi said that through her Access courses she
Hometown: MIAMI, FLA.
has been learning to address the heart of the matter when
Home Church: PINELANDS PRESBYTERIAN
it comes to teaching children. “So much of the curriculum
Jorge Reynardus lives the life of a fast-paced civil litigator
that is available for teaching children and adults in the
in Miami, Florida. Yet he still finds time to invest not only
church really only addresses behavior, not the motivations
in his work, but also in the people with whom he works.
behind our behavior,” Mimi says. “But my Covenant
Jorge meets with a group of fellow lawyers weekly for a time
Seminary courses are helping me teach Biblical truths to
of discipleship and Bible study. “These men are from all
children with the goal that these truths will be woven
walks of life, but there is one place they must come everyday:
into their souls as they grow and face life in this world.”
work,” Jorge says. “We spend a lot of time together and I have seen that I have co-workers who want to grow in a
Mike Parish
newly born relationship with God or who want to deepen
Occupation: LONG-RANGE SCHEDULER FOR
their faith and walk together in doing so.” Jorge and his
COMMANDER SUBMARINE FORCE U.S. PACIFIC FLEET Hometown: MILILANI, HAWAII
small group get away on Monday evenings to talk about
Home Church: TRINITY CHURCH, CENTRAL OAHU
God, His Word, and how it applies to their lives.
When Mike Parish is not charting courses for Navy sub-
Jorge is also continuing on a path of theological learning.
marines, he uses some of his time to work with his pastor
That path brought him to enroll in Covenant Seminary
to chart out a course for starting a theological seminary
Access courses to study at a level previously not available
in Hawaii. “Hawaii is a long way from the U.S. mainland,”
to him. “I was being mentored by a man in theology and
says Mike. “And it is difficult to attend a good seminary in
he eventually told me, ‘I have taught you what I have to
the States when you are coming from such a distance.”
teach you. You need to sign up for seminary.’”
For now, Mike’s seminary training comes to him. He
Although Jorge was already familiar with many of the
enrolled in Covenant Seminary to gain seminary training
books on his seminary reading list, he is grateful to be able
personally and gain a better understanding of what it would
to study this same material in a more formal manner.
take to offer similar training to Christian leaders in Hawaii.
“There is a difference between reading something and
“There will probably always be some distance learning
studying something,” Jorge says. “Access enables me to
component to a seminary in Hawaii, but we would like
do a more in-depth study of the Bible and theology and
to figure out a creative way to facilitate training in Hawaii
deepen my theological knowledge and understanding.” n
like that available through seminaries on the mainland,” If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the opportunities for study though Covenant Seminary Access, log on to www.covenantseminary.edu or call 1.800.264.8064.
Mike says. Mike is not waiting for a Hawaiian seminary to be born to pass on his training. Right now he invites anyone from his church who would like to join him to watch Access video
www.covenantseminary.edu
17
Training Servants of the Triune God
2004 CONNECT in pictures In recent years, Covenant Seminary has begun to hold a Fall gathering to encourage and support God’s servants for a lifetime of ministry. The conference, called Connect, became the meeting place for over 200 pastors and ministry leaders this past October. As Connect conference emphasizes both content and context, it gives attendees opportunities to think and talk around issues they face daily and a time where significant relationships can be developed or renewed. Above: James Ward of New City Fellowship Chattanooga led worship during the conference along with his son Kirk (current M.A.T.S. student), Jon Dunning (M.Div.’02), and Suzanne Bates (M.A.C.'99). (Suzanne and Kirk are pictured). Left: The staff of Center for Ministry Leadership at Covenant Seminary, directed by Dr. Bob Burns (left), took time to learn from pastors and ministry leaders in order to see how the center can develop in supporting church leadership.
Mark your calendars: Next
COVENANT MAGAZINE
year’s Connect Conference will be held from October 11 to 12, 2005.
Winter 2004-2005
18
While some attendees were new to Covenant Seminary, some experienced a kind of homecoming and were able to visit with old friends and the professors, who have been an important part of their lives.
The following is a partial list of Connect conference audio recordings available free of charge through Covenant Seminary’s Online Resources (www.covenantseminary.edu): Salt in our Fellowship: Reconciliation and Renewal in Relationships
Covenant Seminary faculty and guest speakers led conference teaching times focusing on topics such as “Salt in Our Preaching”
BRYAN CHAPELL
Salt in Our Preaching SCOTTY SMITH
Salty Lives: Personal Growth and Renewal for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
(SCOTTY SMITH),
“Revisiting Counseling 101” (DAN ZINK AND RICHARD WINTER),
BOB BURNS
and “Contextualization: Wisdom or Compromise?”
Contextualization: Wisdom or Compromise?
(TIM KELLER).
TIM KELLER
Gospel Ministry in a Society of Alienation JERRAM BARRS
www.covenantseminary.edu
19
Training Servants of the Triune God
CLOSING the Great Divide Alumna Helps Christians See Error in Sacred/Secular Split In 1981 Nancy Pearcey graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary with an M.A. in Biblical Studies. For the past 20-plus years she has served the Church in an ever-growing manner, helping Christians understand their essential need to integrate faith with the entirety of life. Nancy’s most recent book, Total Truth: Liberating
long for can be found only by bringing our
Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity, soared
faith into every aspect of life. The book’s opening story tells about a young
to number nine on the Religion and Spirituality bestseller list within two days of its release on
woman I call “Sarah” who worked for Planned
Amazon.com. Through Total Truth Nancy helps
Parenthood – and yet she was a Christian.
readers see how many modern Christians unwit-
She had grown up in a solidly evangelical
tingly accept a sacred/secular split, which allows them
denomination and had undergone a genuine conversion
to relegate faith to the private sphere of life. Nancy
experience as a teenager. “I still have the white Bible my
then clearly puts forth a Scriptural picture of integrating
grandmother gave me,” she told me, “where I underlined
all of life under the liberating Lordship of Christ and
all the passages on how to be sure of salvation.” So how did
shows what that truth means for the areas of public policy,
Sarah end up working for Planned Parenthood? The answer
family life, science, business, law, education, and more.
is that when she went to college, she studied anthropology and sociology, courses where the assumption of cultural
The following interview with Nancy about Total Truth was jointly conducted by byFaith magazine,
relativism is utterly pervasive – and she had no idea how
the magazine of the Presbyterian Church in America
to respond. Her church had given her assurance of salvation,
and Covenant magazine.
but it had not given her the tools to deal with the challenges she was encountering in the classroom. As a result, she
CM & byFaith: What needs did you see – in the Church
simply absorbed what she was learning as part of the profes-
and in the world – that led you to write Total Truth?
sional ethos of her field. Sarah’s story is a chilling example of how it is possible to
Pearcey: I am convinced that one reason believers fail
to experience the focus and power of the Christian life is
become secular in our professional and work life, even while
that they are fragmented and compartmentalized. They
remaining orthodox in our theology. The theme of Total
put their faith in one pocket, while keeping their work
Truth is that this kind of dichotomy is more common than
and professional lives in another pocket. This is sometimes
we might think. In order to experience the joy and power of
called the sacred/secular split, and in Total Truth my goal is
God in our lives, we need to reject the sacred/secular divi-
to persuade Christians that the joy and fulfillment we all
sion so we can open every part of our lives to Biblical truth.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
20
Closing the Great Divide
CM & byFaith: What positive movements or trends in the
tion: “Be fruitful and multiply
Church do you hope to encourage with this book?
and subdue the earth.” The first
Pearcey: The book is a manifesto for a Christian worldview
phrase, “be fruitful and multiply,”
– a concept that was first developed in the Reformed tradi-
means to develop the social world:
tion. But today as I travel around the country, I sense a real
build families, churches, schools,
hunger for worldview thinking among Christians of all
cities, governments, laws. The
theological traditions. For example, teachers at evangelical
second phrase, “subdue the earth,”
schools and colleges are realizing that it is completely
means to harness the natural
inadequate to treat Christianity as an “add-on” to the
world: plant crops, build bridges, design computers, compose
curriculum, something you do on the side in chapel and
music. This passage is sometimes called the Cultural
prayer meetings. A Christian
Mandate because it tells us
account of reality has to be at
that our original purpose was
the center of the curriculum.
to create cultures, build civiliza-
A generation ago, it
tions – nothing less.
might have been possible
This means our vocation
for believers to survive with
or professional work is not a
a faith that was only an “add-
second-class activity, something
on” to their normal weekly
we do just to put food on the
round of activities. But as
table. It is nothing less than the
modern culture grows
high calling for which we were
increasingly hostile to
originally created.
Biblical truth, Christians are recognizing that apologetics
CM & byFaith: Toward the
and worldview thinking are
end of the book you discuss
necessary survival equipment.
suffering, dying to self, and
To counter the secular and
embracing a “theology of the
New Age worldviews that
cross.” You write: “The
are dominant in the public
terrible reality is that we may
arena, we need to develop
attend church regularly, read
an equally comprehensive,
the Bible diligently, even work
holistic Christian worldview.
in a Christian ministry, yet still be what Schaeffer calls ‘death-producing-machines’ –
CM & byFaith:
You emphasize that the Christian message does not begin
living contrary to our calling, yielding ourselves to the
with “accept Christ as your Lord and savior,” but rather
devil and therefore producing death in this poor world.”
with “in the beginning God created the heavens and the
What do you think it will take for an affluent church in a
earth.” How does this inform our understanding of the
capitalistic society to become “life-producing machines”?
mission of the Church?
Pearcey: It is crucial to realize that a worldview is not just a
Pearcey: Our understanding of the Church’s mission must
slick new apologetics method, or set of intellectual argu-
begin with Genesis, because that’s where we learn what
ments, or a new fundraising gimmick. A worldview is a
God’s original purpose was in creating the human race. In
roadmap directing us how to live according to God’s calling.
Genesis, God gives what we might call the first job descrip-
The most difficult message for an affluent society to accept is
www.covenantseminary.edu
21
Training Servants of the Triune God
Covenant to the World
that this always involves sacrifice and suffering. In order
forms, in order to restate timeless truths in words they will
to have the mind of Christ, we must be willing to be cruci-
understand. We need to build a bridge between the Bible
fied with Christ. “For to this you were called: Christ suffered
and the various fields of scholarship – to craft a Christian
for us, leaving you a model for you to follow in His steps”
philosophy of science, a Christian philosophy of economics,
(I Pet. 2:21). We have to die to our own goals and ambi-
a Christian philosophy of the arts, a Christian political
tions, our craving for professional recognition and respect,
philosophy, and so on. That’s the step that is missing in
our drive for social and political influence. These are what
most simplistic attempts to apply Biblical verses directly
Ezekiel calls “idols of the heart” and it is almost always
to a particular subject area.
painful when God roots them out. We rarely realize how much we actually derive our sense of worth and identity
CM & byFaith: Your book is subtitled “Liberating
from things like achievement and professional advancement
Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity.” Do you think
until God takes them away. In other words, when we suffer
Western culture corrupts Christianity?
loss, disappointment, injustice. As Francis Schaeffer writes,
Pearcey: Western culture seeks to contain Christianity.
the pattern for an authentic Christian life is the one laid
When Christians try to move out of the sacred/secular split,
out by Jesus: rejected, slain, and raised. This sequence has
they are likely to be told, “Don’t impose your beliefs on me,”
to become a daily spiritual reality for us if we hope to live
or, “That may be true for you but not for me.” What this
for Him in every area of life – including the life of the mind.
means is that both inside and outside the church, there is a kind of compartmentalized thinking that keeps Christianity
In order to experience the joy and power of God in our lives, we need to reject the sacred/ secular division so we can open every part of our lives to Biblical truth.
contained in the private sphere, stripping it of its power to challenge and redeem the whole of culture. In secular circles, this division is called the fact/value split, and it is the idea that religion and morality are not matters of genuine truth (as they were traditionally thought to be), but merely personal “values,” subjective and relativistic. They may be personally meaningful, they may be part of our cultural tradition, but they do not give us knowledge or information about the world. The only source of reliable knowledge is the “fact” realm, known by science and reason.
CM & byFaith: Your underlying thesis is that Christianity
The fact/value split has become the most powerful
functions as a “unified, overarching system of truth that
strategy for delegitimizing Christianity in the public square
applies to social issues, history, politics, science…”
today. Here’s how it works: In America, secularists are too
How should we view the Bible, knowing that it speaks
politically savvy to attack religion directly, or to debunk it
to all of life, yet it is not a science book, an anthropology
as false. So what do they do? They consign it to the “value”
book, a political science book, etc.?
sphere – which takes it out of the realm of true and false
Pearcey: People often make the mistake of thinking that
altogether. That way they can assure us that of course they
expressing a Biblical worldview means simply “trumping”
“respect” religion – while at the same time denying that it
secular thought by quoting Bible verses. But that kind of
has any relevance to the public arena, where we decide
simplistic response is rarely effective. To communicate a
what we are really going to do. Consider the statement by Ron Reagan, son of the
Christian perspective in any area, we first need to construct a general account of the world that “translates” Biblical truth
former president, at the 2004 Democratic National
into the thought forms of our day. Like missionaries, we need
Convention. Speaking of people who oppose embryonic
to love people enough to learn their language and thought
stem cell research, he said they are “entitled to their belief,”
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
22
Closing the Great Divide
but it is nothing more than that – “an article of faith” –
she wrote, “my theology teacher drew a heart on one side
and their “theology” should not be allowed to influence
of the blackboard and a brain on the other side.” He told
public policy.
the class that “the heart is what we use for religion, and the brain is what we use for science.”
What is he really saying? Notice that we are invited
This is a radical dichotomy. Our schools and churches are
to believe whatever we want, so long as we hold it as a privatized value, not as an objective truth that belongs in
in danger of turning out young people who are Christian in
the public arena. This is a prime example of the way the
their religious life but secular in their mental life. If we are
fact/value split functions to keep Christianity in its “cultural
going to teach them to think and live with integrity, guided
captivity” – locking it into the realm of merely privatized
by a comprehensive Biblical worldview, we need to begin by
values and preventing it from filtering down and having a
detecting and overcoming the divided concept of truth that
redemptive effect across all of life and society.
permeates even Christian schools and churches.
This divided concept of truth has become the most powerful strategy for delegitimizing Christianity in the public square today.
CM & byFaith: How did your Covenant Seminary
education help prepare you for your life’s work? Pearcey: The classes where I gained the most were courses
on critical theories of the Bible and how to counter them – for example, courses by Dr. Harold Mare on how to deal with questions of date and authorship. I also took an outstanding course on Old Testament history from Dr. R. Laird Harris that included persuasive data on the historical reliability of
CM & byFaith: How does the concept of “Total Truth”
the Old Testament.
help us raise our children?
In a course with Dr. David Jones, I first worked out the
Pearcey: It gives them the tools to resist being “squeezed
themes that appear in Total Truth in the chapter titled
into the world’s mold,” to use the Phillips paraphrase of
“How Women Started the Culture War,” discussing how
Romans 12:2. In the typical public school classroom,
the fact/value or public/private divide has reshaped even the
children are socialized into the divided concept of truth
relationship between men and women. The division we have
every day. Social studies and the humanities have been
been talking about is not merely a matter of abstract ideas,
moved to the “values” realm and taken over by postmodern
but has revolutionized the way modern society is organized.
relativism. In English classes, teachers have tossed out their red pencils and treat correct spelling and grammar as forms
CM & byFaith: Nancy, thank you for your thorough
of oppression imposed by those in power.
work in this area and your service to the Church. We trust that this book will bear much fruit as it
But, ironically, if you go down the hallway to the science
touches the lives of many. n
classroom, there you find that only one view is tolerated. For example, Darwinian evolution is not open to question,
Currently Nancy serves as the Francis A. Schaeffer scholar at the World Journalism Institute and is a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute. Eileen O’Gorman and Dick Doster served as interviewers from Covenant magazine and byFaith magazine respectively.
and students are not introduced to the evidence against it so they can judge for themselves whether it is true. What this means is that the divided concept of truth is inculcated from an early age – and we have to help even children detect and counter it. Yet, tragically, Christian schools often fall into the same trap. Recently I clipped an article written by a young woman who had just graduated from a Christian high school. On the first day of class,
www.covenantseminary.edu
23
Training Servants of the Triune God
TRUTH,
FICTION,
and the Rise to Popularity of The Da Vinci Code
Feminists cheer. Conservative Christians jeer. And many are asking, “Could the things spoken of in this book be true?” The book, of course, is The Da Vinci Code. It debuted at number one on the New York Times Best-Seller List for Hardcover Fiction and remained there for 14 weeks. The book has continued to be listed in the top-five best sellers for the past 80 weeks as of the writing of this article. Columbia Pictures has secured rights to the story and will produce a movie of the book scheduled for release in 2005. All of this means that The Da Vinci Code has sold over seven million copies and is being translated into more than 40 languages. Reaction has spawned websites, television interviews, and countless discussion groups. At least a dozen books have been written in response to its claims, including a study guide written by the author himself. In a culture where truth has become relative,
and-large patient and observant readers, attentive
author Dan Brown paints an appealing picture of a
to detail, working to solve the puzzle before its
2000-year-old conspiracy to suppress the truth, and
solution is revealed. So how, in this Information
challenges the historical teachings of Christianity
Age of rapid images and brief phrases, when the
that millions of its readers profess to hold dear. Yet
average attention span is rapidly decreasing, does
the book remains wildly popular. Is its popularity limited
an author catch and hold the readers’ interest through a
to hype and controversy? Wherein lies its appeal? Does it
book like The Da Vinci Code?
reflect Biblical truth? What ways is it in error? It is easy to
Readers are drawn into The Da Vinci Code with short
applaud and easy to attack, but it takes effort and patience
chapters, averaging less than five pages in length, that end
to sift fact from fiction – but not that much effort. In fact,
with unresolved tension or “cliff-hangers.” Brown uses this
I was able to satisfy most of my questions within the first
technique to encourage a sense of urgency and expectancy in
two critiques I
read.*
the reader. One gets the feeling that an impending revelation is always about to emerge. As for clues, the author drops
Uncovering the Appeal
enough crumbs for an army of Hansels and Gretels, which
A good mystery leaves the reader asking, “Whodunit?,” until
build a sense of confidence in the reader, who is given the
its final pages. It builds suspense and tempts the reader to
tools to “figure it out” before the characters themselves are
draw false conclusions. Lovers of the mystery genre are by-
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
24
Truth, Fiction, and the Rise to Popularity of The Da Vinci Code
able to solve the mystery. Brown skillfully maintains
CHRIS BRYAN
multiple plot lines, keeping each plate spinning by revisit-
Current M.Div. Student
ing each character’s situation frequently. All of this lends
to gain their sympathy and inter-
to the appeal of a book that in a very real sense, reads
est. He expresses a positive desire
like television.
to correct a historically unjust view
In addition to his skill with literary form, Dan Brown has
of the role of women and his story-
done his homework. He creatively incorporates the diverse
line promotes a view of the inter-
disciplines of art history, linguistics, mathematics, cryptology,
connectedness of all cultures.
symbology, forensic science, religion, and the occult, in a
Additionally, Brown’s conspiracy theory appeals to the
manner that bespeaks careful research. The average reader
modern appetite for scandal. In an era where 24-hour news
will walk away feeling cleverly armed with new trivia to
channels vie for ratings, he plugs in to the mistrust and disil-
amuse his or her friends. What drives the effectiveness of
lusionment latent in the Baby-Boomer generation. Indeed,
this synthesis is Brown’s compelling use of real-world detail.
authority figures in the book such as the French police, the
Again, due to the nature of the Information Age, the aver-
Vatican, and even a Swiss banker are often portrayed as
Chris Bryan responds to listeners’ questions and comments after the presentation on The Da Vinci Code.
This article was originally given as a presentation for Covenant Seminary’s Francis A. Schaeffer Institute. The talk with Q and A time can be heard on www.covenantseminary.edu through the “Online Resources.”
age reader has ready access to small amounts of knowledge about a great many topics. The author uses this to his advan-
unjust manipulators of power. Throughout the book the plot
tage to make the reader feel sophisticated, knowledgeable,
is underscored with deep questions: “What are the treasures
and cosmopolitan. In doing so, Brown appeals to icons of
we pursue?” “What would happen if we discovered they are
popular culture: the Mona Lisa, Vitruvian Man, the Louvre
not what we think they are?” “What truths are right before
and other popular tourist destinations – objects and places
our eyes, but we fail to see them?” “How have we blinded
with which people will recognize and connect. Despite the
ourselves?” “Have we been told the truth?” “Is someone
variety of subjects he covers, Brown fashions a cohesive
treating us unjustly?”
rationale that ties up many apparent loose ends and leaves
Affirming Worthy Themes
the reader with a sense of, “Oh, so that explains it.”
In addition to his God-given skill as a writer who is sensitive
Dan Brown knows his audience. Through his characters,
to his audience, there is much for the Christian to admire
he communicates a deep respect for learning, especially high-
and affirm in Brown’s work. He appeals to a sense of history.
er education, which resonates with well-educated readers.
The reader is encouraged to consider that humanity has a
Brown appeals to the culturally initiated: those who see
common story, a common connection. And he asks what
themselves as “enlightened” or “cognoscenti” and he uses this
www.covenantseminary.edu
would happen if the hidden truths of our history were
25
Training Servants of the Triune God
Francis A. Schaeffer Institute revealed. Until its end, the story is driven by the pursuit
to be a dupe and is restored to his proper standing.
for truth and a desperate quest to reveal what has long been
The issue with Mary Magdalene, which is a main sticking
hidden, before time runs out. These are the same themes
point of the controversy surrounding the book, can also be
that are reflected in Biblical teaching. As Christians, we
seen from the perspective of justice. The story presents
believe all people have a common story. Additionally,
Mary Magdalene as one who has been treated unjustly.
the Bible teaches that God revealed himself in Christ, and
While Christians can affirm a desire for proper justice,
that in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are
we must respectfully disagree that this woman of the
hidden. Christians stand for truth. And what is evangelism
Scriptures has been treated unfairly.
if not a mission to reveal the truth before time runs out?
Inappropriate Mixing of Fact and Fiction
The juxtaposition of historical wisdom and modern
The issues surrounding Mary Magdalene and her “true”
ignorance is another of Brown’s main themes. He contrasts
identity (i.e., Jesus’ wife, mother of his children, and the
the beautiful historic building of the Louvre with its ugly
“sacred feminine”), brings me to point out the areas where
modern pyramid entrance, made of glass and steel. He
we must take exception to this book as followers of Christ.
contrasts the incredible skill and subtlety of Renaissance
Brown’s treatment of truth claims has a damaging effect on
paintings with the high-tech methods and gadgetry of
readers’ confidence in historical fact. Though the book is
forensic work. And he contrasts the “wisdom” of ancient
admittedly a work of fiction, it gives the impression of
pagan religions with the alleged corruption and compromise
portraying its facts accurately, in the same way that readers
of the modern Catholic Church. With the exception of
might trust a John Grisham novel to accurately describe the
his elevation of pagan religions, the Christian can affirm
role of a lawyer in the legal process. Prior to the introduction
the author’s appeal to historical wisdom. For the past 200
there is a disclaimer page which, if not read carefully, would
years of human history, society’s view of the value of things
seem to indicate that all of the historical facts and religious
historical has depreciated with our inflating infatuation with
ceremonies referred to within the text are true. This is fur-
the “modern,” but the Bible reveals we are a people with a
ther evidence of Brown’s skill as a storyteller. Stories become
past, and our understanding of that past matters, because
much more engaging if the reader thinks they could be true.
we are part of the story.
However, by his suggestion, Brown blurs the distinction between fact and fiction, specifically the question of which
Additionally, Christians can affirm the story’s portrayal of the desire for justice.
ideas are factual and which ideas are fictional, thus planting a seed of doubt in the readers. This doubt is expanded further when the character Teabing says, “The winners in history are usually the ones who write the history we read.” This begs the question, what history can be trusted?
Additionally, Christians can affirm the story’s portrayal
As the story progresses there are many references to
of the desire for justice. The first chapter begins with the
actual historical occurrences: For example the Council of
murder of an unarmed man. The French Police pursue the
Nicea and the service of the Knights Templar. But many of
main characters as suspects in this murder even though
these truths are presented out of context, and are assigned
they are innocent. The parents of the main female character,
new meaning against a fictional background. The Council of
Sophie, were brutally murdered in her childhood. And Mary
Nicea, which in actual history met in 323 A.D. to denounce
Magdalene, who takes on mythic proportions in this book as
a heresy that denied the deity of Christ, in Brown’s history
the “sacred feminine,” is presented as having been maligned
becomes the source of a cover-up whereby the Church
by the Catholic Church as a prostitute. Yet in the end,
deified the human teacher Jesus and declared His teachings
justice is achieved for many of the characters. The true
infallible (the Bible) for the purpose of denying the “true”
murderer becomes a self-sacrificial person who dies knowing
identity and role of Mary Magdalene. The Knights Templar,
forgiveness in his heart. The suspected villain turns out
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
who in actual history guarded Jerusalem and provided
26
Truth, Fiction, and the Rise to Popularity of The Da Vinci Code protective escort for religious pilgrims, in Brown’s history
willing to answer. It undermines the true identity of Christ
become secret guardians of the Holy Grail. The legend of
and the authority and authenticity of the Bible as Scripture,
the Grail itself is changed so that the Holy Grail becomes
then dumps the reader off on the side of the road in the con-
the body and documents of Mary Magdalene, and the
fusing swamp of relativism. This might actually be comfort-
Knights (who in reality suffered a tragic end) in Brown’s
ing if Brown had not taken such effort throughout the book
story bequeath their secret over the centuries through secret
to develop a detailed alternative to Biblical Christianity.
societies (notably, the Priory of Scion, membership of which
And yet, there is an honesty here that addresses our culture
included Leonardo Da Vinci and other famous figures).
where it is, acknowledging our doubts and recognizing our resistance and disagreement regarding claims of authority.
Brown blurs the distinction between fact and fiction…
It certainly explains how a book that seems to make such radical claims can still be popular in a culture where truth is relative. And it explains how this book can even be
This is no doubt familiar territory for readers acquainted
popular among those who claim Biblical faith! Had Dan
with the teachings of the Freemasons, who claim to be able
Brown brought his novel to a definite (moral) conclusion,
to trace the genealogy, or “Rose Line” of the descendants of
he might have alienated part of his readership. As it is, he
the union of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. This idea also plays
leaves readers the freedom to believe in the way that each
a central role in Brown’s story, where ultimately Sophie, the
finds most pragmatic and helpful. As a Christian, I must
main female character, discovers she is of the line of Christ.
respectfully disagree with this position, both because it leads
Though the rumor of a union between Jesus and Mary
people (whether intentionally or unintentionally) to doubt
Magdalene is indeed ancient, it has never been substantiated
the existence of truth, and because it presupposes people
and the weight of actual historic evidence is against it. These
really are better off not knowing the truth. So while The Da Vinci Code teaches us much about our
are only a few of the many examples where actual events and true facts are reinterpreted (through the characters) for the
day and age, its treatment of truth is not a pattern Christians
purpose of the story. The overall effect is engaging because,
can follow. It may be tantalizing to believe a great scandal
by displacing familiar history, Brown invites his reader to rely
has been uncovered, and of course it is worthwhile to pursue
on the cogent reinterpretations of his characters, who appear
truth; but Christians must seek not only to draw people into
genuinely concerned with the truth.
the quest for truth but also to help them find freedom in the truth. God has given us a place to land in our quest for
Indeed, the search for truth is one of the driving themes of the book. Brown’s novel engages the reader by following
truth which is ultimately found in His Son Jesus. As Francis
the main characters on a suspenseful and dangerous quest to
Schaeffer said, we may not know fully, that is know every
find and reveal the “true” identity of the Holy Grail. Until
last aspect of the mind of God, but we can know truly.
the final chapters, it would seem as if the entire book was
At the end of the day, people need to see that the truth
focused toward one aim: revelation of truth. The general
claims of Christianity can both stand up to historical
thrust is that, regardless of the cost, the human race must
questions and address the deepest human needs. In our
be disabused of its mass delusion, but ironically, this is not
day and in every age, people do not need freedom from
where Brown leads us. Following the climax of the book,
the truth but rather to be liberated by the truth. Such
the actual discovery of the “Holy Grail,” there is a profound
liberty comes from knowing the truth and living within it.
anti-climax where the hero Langdon decides not to reveal
For Jesus, in whom can be found no falsehood, encouraged
the truth, reasoning that, “Religious allegory has become a
true followers saying, “Then you will know the truth, and
part of the fabric of reality. And living in that reality helps
the truth will set you free” (Jn. 8:32). n
millions of people cope and be better people” (342).
*The author would like to recommend two critiques that he found helpful in preparing this article: Darrell L. Bock, Breaking The Da Vinci Code, (Nashville, TN: Nelson Books) 2004. Carl E. Olson and Sandra Miesel, The Da Vinci Hoax, (San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press) 2004.
A Disturbing End to the Quest
In essence, The Da Vinci Code raises questions it is not
www.covenantseminary.edu
27
Training Servants of the Triune God
news
CAMPUS For a campus calendar, log on to www.covenantseminary.edu. Community Space Open The large classroom space in the Founders Wing of Edwards Hall has now been converted to serve as a much-needed community center. The space is in use currently, but future developments are still anticipated. Right now students are taking advantage of the new lounge space, wireless Internet access, and a small coffee shop. A student/administration committee has been formed to plan for the best use of the space in the future.
Eswine Writes on Preaching and Teaches Abroad Dr. Zack Eswine, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, will use his upcoming Spring sabbatical to write on Charles Spurgeon’s theology of preaching and also on Spirit-dependent preaching in a digital age. Additionally, Dr. Eswine and his family will travel to New Zealand where he will serve as a guest professor for two months with Grace Theological College, preach in local churches, and teach for a pastors’ conference.
Jones Participates in Religion and Politics Forum Dr. David Jones, Professor of Theology and Ethics, served as a guest on St. Louis radio station KWMU this past October to discuss religion and politics. The host show, called St. Louis On the Air, covered the subject of “The Proper Role for Religion in the Electoral Process.” The forum included varying perspectives on the role of religion in politics – Roman Catholic, liberal Protestant, and evangelical
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Protestant. The show can be heard online for the next five months at www.kwmu.org/ Programs/Slota/archivedetail.php? showid=1520.
Faculty Itinerary Donald Guthrie, Vice President for Academics and Associate Professor of Christian Education, in French Lick, Ind., Feb. 9 to 12, leading the 2005 Men’s Conference for the Ohio Valley Presbytery.
Men’s Bible Study A small men’s Bible study that started 10 years ago in a local St. Louis cafe is now a 75- to 90member-strong group that meets at Covenant Seminary every other Tuesday morning. The Bible study started when seminary trustee Jack Reed asked Dr. Hans Bayer to meet with a few men on a regular basis to help them grow in understanding God’s Word. A few years later that group began meeting on campus and has been growing ever since. In addition to Dr. Bayer, Drs. David Calhoun, Phil Long, Dan Doriani, and Jay Sklar have taught the group. This year’s study focuses on the book of Psalms and is led by Dr. Jay Sklar. For more information about the men’s Bible study e-mail covenantseminary@covenantseminary.edu or call 314.434.4044.
David Calhoun, Professor of Church History, in Kingstown, St. Vincent, West Indies, Jan. 7 and 8, leading IONA Seminar on Medieval Church History; in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 30, preaching for Christ Presbyterian Church. Robert Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology, in Collinsville, Ill., during the months of December and February, preaching and teaching Sunday school for Hope Presbyterian Church. Jerram Barrs, Professor of Christianity and Contemporary Culture, in India, Jan. 6 to 11, teaching in collaboration with the ministry of Paul Billy Arnold, in Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 14 to 16, teaching for the Christian Life Conference of Second Presbyterian Church; in Austin, Tex., Feb. 4 to 6, teaching for All Saints Church.
Almquist Accepts Pastoral Position in Maine Per Almquist, who has served Covenant Seminary in various library staff roles, will depart St. Louis for Portland, Maine, in January 2005 where he will assist with a church plant. The Buswell Library has benefited greatly from Per’s service which began part-time when he was a Master of Divinity student. His efforts during the library’s recent renovation and construction were essential to the success of that project. In 2001 the Missouri Library Association chose Per to receive the Outstanding New Librarian Award. Most recently,
Winter 2004-2005
Per has served the library as Associate Librarian for Public Service and Research. Please join the Covenant Seminary community in giving thanks for Per’s service and praying for the Lord’s blessing upon a new place of ministry for Per and his family.
28
Bob Burns, Director of the Center for Ministry Leadership and Assistant Professor of Christian Education, in St. Louis, Mo., during the month of December preaching for Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church; in St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 21, teaching for Chesterfield Presbyterian Church Men’s Retreat. Greg Perry, Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies, in Jackson, Miss., Jan. 14 and 15, attending the winter board meeting of Third Millennium Ministries. Zack Eswine, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 9, preaching for Christ Presbyterian Church; in Tampa Bay, Fla., Feb. 4 to 6, preaching for the Missions Conference of Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church; in Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 18 and 19, speaking for Perimeter Breakout Weekend of Perimeter Church. Hans Bayer, Professor of New Testament, in St. Louis, Mo., during the months of February and March, teaching Wednesday evening Bible studies for Bonhomme Presbyterian Church.
Briefly Stated Covenant is published by Covenant Theological Seminary, the National Seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America. The purpose of Covenant Seminary is to train servants of the triune God to walk with God, to interpret and communicate God’s Word, and to lead God’s people. Volume 19, Number 4. ©2004
Leadership
Executive Editor David Wicker Managing Editor and Writer Eileen O’Gorman
AND
FORGIVENESS
Writer Susan Bach Copy Editors Betty Porter Huntley Cooney
Learn very early how to forgive people. You will forfeit your ability to lead if you cannot forgive.
Circulation Paul Rawlins Photography Ed Eubanks Joe Cogliandro
– Dr. Bryan Chapell from the opening session of the 2004 Connect Conference
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Footnotes from page 9: George M. Marsden, Jonathan Edwards: A Life (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003), 1, 45, 50. 2 Diary, 14 January 1723, in Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards: vol. 16, Letters and Personal Writings, ed. George S. Claghorn (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998), 764; Resolutions no. 5, 6, 22, 30, Ibid., 753-55. 3 “Personal Narrative,” Ibid., 803; Diary, 2 March 1723, Ibid., 767. 4 All quotations from Diary, Works, 16: 4 May 1723 (769); 1 July 1723, (773); 18 July 1723 (774); 17 August 1723 (779); 2 September 1723 (781). 5 “Personal Narrative,” Letters and Personal Writings, Works, 16: 793. 6 Ibid., 795. 7 Diary, 12 January 1723, Letters and Personal Writings, Works, 16:762. 8 “Dedication to God,” Sermons and Discourses, 1720-23, Works, 10: 551, 559. 9 Ibid., 558. 1 0 Diary, 21 December 1722; 22 December 1722; 24 December 1722; 29 December 1722; 1 January 1722-23; 2 January 1722-23, all found in Ibid., 759-60. 1 1 Diary, 2 January 1722-23, Ibid., 16:760; Diary, 6 March 1723, Ibid., 767. 1 2 “Personal Narrative,” Ibid., 16:795, 803. 1 3 “Fragment: Application on Love to Christ,” in Sermons and Discourses, 1720-1723, Works, 10:612-13, 615, 617. 1 4 Diary, 2 March 1723, Letters and Personal Writings, Works, 16:767; Diary, 16 February 1725, Ibid., 787. 1 5 Jonathan Edwards, “Charity and Its Fruits,” in The Works of Jonathan Edwards: Vol. 8, Ethical Writings, ed. Paul Ramsey (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989), 233, 243, 245-6. 1
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Student Profile
Equipping
AND
BEING Equipped
Tripp (M.Div.’07) and Jennifer (M.A.’07)
That is the message that Tripp and
Sanders came to Covenant Seminary
Jennifer are glad to find at Covenant
with the resolution to allow their past
Seminary. “If I were to think of a headline
ministry experiences to be the first build-
for our story it would be witnessing the
ing blocks for future ministry training.
Gospel embodied in the faculty at Covenant
Before coming to Covenant Seminary,
Seminary,” Tripp says. “Covenant Seminary
the Sanders spent a total of ten combined
has made an effort to bring together professors
years leading campus ministries. When
whose characters reflect a desire to know God
talking with them, it is clear that they are
and have a posture of repentance. If they were
eager to grow in wisdom and understand-
teaching the message of God’s grace in Christ
ing for future ministry.
but not showing it in their lives, the message
Jennifer came to Christ through
would be irrelevant.”
Reformed University Fellowship at
Jennifer uses the imagery of a sieve to
Clemson University and after college
talk about her time in seminary. “It was hard
moved to Charlottesville, Va., to serve
to leave the college students at UVA to come
with the Center for Christian Study.
to seminary, but this new season in life has
The Sanders met in Charlottesville
really given me a chance to sift through my
where Tripp was serving with Intervarsity
own personal questions about faith. I am
Christian Fellowship as a campus minister for the University of Virginia.
grateful for a time to be strengthened and Tripp, Jennifer and Benjamin Sanders
Both Tripp and Jennifer desired to attend seminary immediately following college but decided to wait and pursue the respective
equipped with truths that I long to take
deeper root in my life.” Although the Sanders are not leading a ministry, they do have
ministries the Lord had put before them. Seven years after both
a growing group to care for in their own family. Son Benjamin is
independently visited seminaries as single people, Tripp and
one year old and their second child is expected in January of 2004.
Jennifer were glad to find the right time to attend seminary
In the midst of their on-going responsibilities they see the Lord
together as a married couple.
caring for them. “We’ve had a lot of needs and questions about
The Sanders chose Covenant Seminary, in part, because of
community, studies, and finances and how all of this would come
its basis in Reformed Theology. “During my time in Charlottesville,
together during these seminary years,” Tripp says. “We have really
I met a number of people who were teaching from a Reformed
seen the Lord provide.”
perspective – many of whom were graduates of Covenant
So the Sanders continue on their journey of serving and being
Seminary,” Tripp says. “Through these relationships, I began
served, equipping others and being equipped. “Our time here is
to see that the Gospel is not something that only needs to be
going to affect us for the rest of our lives,” Jennifer says. Tripp
communicated to unbelievers. Rather, I need to grow in seeing
echoes that thought saying, “My hope for perseverance in future
my need for the Gospel every day.”
ministry is life today with roots growing deep in the Gospel.” n
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Winter 2004-2005
www.covenantseminary.edu
Training Servants of the Triune God