6 D ON AL D R OBI NS ON L I BR AR Y M OOR E M AT T ER S S UM MER 2 02 1 | 2 02 2
The gospel heart of the Donald Robinson Library Erin Mollenhauer, Elise Watts, Rod Benson / Donald Robinson Library
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hat makes Moore College Library different from a secular university library, or a large online bookstore? Why have a library dedicated to theological research? We aim to empower Moore’s distinctive theology (and theology of education), to fuel reformed-evangelical ministry and mission, to resource a wide and deep community of learning. The Donald Robinson Library’s core mission is supporting the gospel work of the College. Its resources have grown exponentially in recent years to become an indispensable resource for the College community, providing learning materials for all students from certificate to PhD level, as well as our faculty’s research. The library supports those currently studying God’s Word, those employed in full-time vocational ministry and lay ministry, and the public. Therefore, the library holds a broad range of material pertaining to Christian belief throughout history. It is an invaluable repository of knowledge which allows our students and members to draw on the rich amount of thought done by believers who have gone before them. Undergirding all of this is the Bible, and the message of the gospel it contains. It is at the heart of everything we do, and the only
book that is absolutely essential. In of others, encouraging them to think critically about God’s the 16th century, William Tyndale translated the Bible into the English Word. After College, our growing network of graduates can benefit language, at the cost of his life, from continued membership, so that people could read it for strengthening their work in gospel themselves. Our 1550 translation ministry. The library also plays a of the New Testament represents crucial role in supporting the wider the fact that the Word of God can community, including researchers never be destroyed. Subsequent and students of other institutions. translations, including the Bishops’ Key sub-sections of the Library, Bible, the Geneva Bible, and the including the children’s collection Authorized Version, demonstrate and resources in other languages, a dedication to the Scriptures and reflect the work of the gospel their correct interpretation. all over the world and for all age Similarly, Martin Luther’s groups, and we aim to grow these passion for opening the Scriptures collections further. to the people can be seen in As a memory institution, the his translation of the Bible into Library shines a light on our shared German. The Reformation would heritage and enables us to tell our not have had such an immense impact without the invention of the stories. As a constantly growing repository of intellectual capital, printing press, and the substantial the Library in turn collection of early enables growth in editions of Reformed skills, understanding works in our Library and wisdom. The not only provide a rich Library is not resource for study, only a world-class but also demonstrate centre of learning, how the technology of but a tangible movable type has been representation of used for God’s glory. the enduring legacy Our collection of gospel work in allows students and through the to be challenged Anglican Diocese of and stretched by Sydney. Tyndale’s 1550 New Testament the understanding
