Move comes a month before seminary was to hold hearing.
In March, the trustees of Westminster Theological Seminary suspended professor Peter Enns over theological concerns regarding his book Inspiration and Incarnation.
The controversy got a lot of people talking about the authority of Scripture and two weeks ago even made the front page of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
No doubt the discussion will continue in theology circles (Enns will be on a panel discussing his ideas on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament at the upcoming Evangelical Theological Society meeting, for example).
But the higher ed part of the story though, seems to have more or less come to a close today. Enns and WTS issued a joint statement announcing the end of his employment at the school. A hearing on whether he whether he should be dismissed was to begin August 25.
The statement:
The administration and Prof. Peter Enns wish to announce that they have arrived at mutually agreeable terms, and that, as of 1 August, 2008, Prof. Enns will discontinue his service to Westminster Theological Seminary after fourteen years.
The administration wishes to acknowledge the valued role Prof. Enns has played in the life of the institution, and that his teaching and writings fall within the purview of Evangelical thought. The Seminary wishes Prof. Enns well in his future endeavors to serve the Lord.
Prof. Enns wishes to acknowledge that the leaders of the Seminary (administration and board) are charged with the responsibility of leading the seminary in ways that are deemed most faithful to the institution’s mission as a confessional Reformed Seminary.
Prof. Enns expresses his deep and sincere gratitude to the Lord for his education and years of service at Westminster Theological Seminary.
That it was a joint statement may solve one of the dilemmas as described by John Frame in that Inquirer article: "Humanly speaking, it's hard to imagine how the school will survive. ... If Enns leaves, he will take with him a huge constituency. If he stays, another group will withdraw support."
Previous articles from Christianity Today and Books & Culture about Enns include:
Westminster Theological Suspension | Peter Enns's book Inspiration and Incarnation created a two-year theological battle that resulted in his suspension. (April 1, 2008)
Westminster Theological Seminary Suspends Peter Enns (Mar. 27, 2008)
Two Testaments, One Story | Top evangelical scholars team up for landmark commentary on New Testament use of Old Testament. (Feb. 8, 2008)
Messy Revelation | Why Paul would have flunked hermeneutics. (Books & Culture’s review of Inspiration and Incarnation)
share thisPosted by Ted Olsen on July 23, 2008 7:46PM
Comments
I think westminster is boxed by tradition and subverting the very idea of biblical education, esp. in realm of hermeneutics..there are many passages used in new from old that if reading bible from genesis on as progressive revelation one would never had seen in scripture the various obvious uses made of them in new..I'm talking to those that really read the bible in normal way..was the NT writers hermeneutics inspired as well? then we have to understand the methods used..so many say this text 'means' this when that very text doesn't 'say' the words they would need to gain the meanings they give..anyway, the holy spirit has been quenched by institutional worldliness and scholarly clubbism..Students now must think before they think creating absurd self-consciouness we don't need....these leaders are short-sighted..be thankful Christ is the head of the church and press on..
Posted by: bob shelton at July 24, 2008
The Board of Trustees has once again demonstrated an incredible lack of compassion, hidden behind the claim that they wish to "stand for the truth." Not only has Westminster responded in similar ways in the past as it relates to an Old Testament professor at their California campus; but in their previous relationship with their President, they acted with a lack of integrity and care. Thank God there are other reformed institutions which still have a heart to go with their heads!
Posted by: brad Smith at July 31, 2008
One of the reasons why I had to note the not-too-subtle irony of the movie "Expelled." No, this sort of thing is not the sole domain of "secular" academia. I've been on the receiving end of it, as have friends. Perhaps the makers of "Expelled" will one day turn the camera elsewhere.
Posted by: Peter at December 31, 2008
Post a comment