Ridley News
Ridley New Testament lecturers with scholar and prolific author Dr Darrell Bock. (L-R) Mr Andrew Malone, the Revd Anthea McCall, Dr Darrell Bock and Rev Dr Doug McComiskey. (Photo Ridley)
Eminent scholar speaks at Ridley
What a delight it was to have Dr Darrell Bock speak at Ridley on 3 August.
Dr Bock is an eminent New Testament scholar and prolific author from Dallas Theological Seminary whose main expertise is in Gospels and historical Jesus research. In fact, his two volume commentary on Luke is now considered by most to be the standard work on that Gospel.
His two talks were received with great interest and enjoyment by the diverse crowd of around fifty people.
In the first talk, Darrell addressed all the media hype about non-biblical gospels and the alternate forms of first century Christianity that they supposedly represent. He demonstrated decisively that these gospels actually stem from a later period when certain Christian groups were attempting to justify their break from orthodox Christian belief.
In other words, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in our Bibles, and not those other gospels in the media spotlight, represent true orthodox Christian belief.
In his second talk, he presented work that he and some associates are doing in the area of historical Jesus research, to be published in two books later this year and early next year.
These books will challenge the scepticism of those who doubt the authenticity of material in our canonical Gospels, especially regarding important theological passages like the resurrection.
Dr Bock kindly fielded many questions after each session. As he left, he expressed his eagerness to speak again at Ridley when he next returns to Melbourne. We would certainly be excited to see him again.
By Dr Douglas McComiskey
For further information contact Nicole Harvey, Ridley Development Officer, p: 03 9207 4800 ext 904.