Coming series on Saint Augustine by Dr. James D. Gifford Jr.

I’m pleased to announce a series of articles on Saint Augustine and his influence on Southern Baptist theology written by Dr. James D. “Jim” Gifford Jr. Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Gifford now lives in Charlotte, NC where he teaches theology and church history at New Life Theological Seminary, a small but growing TRACS-accredited multi-denominational, multi-ethnic Bible college and seminary.

Jim received his PhD in systematic theology in 2010 from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.¹ He also is author of Perichoretic Salvation: The Believer's Union with Christ as a Third Type of Perichoresis² and only recently presented an academic paper at the 2012 Evangelical Theological Society entitled “Christological Difficulties for a Deterministic Model of Providence.” Dr. Gifford is married to Karen both of whom are the proud parents of three children.

The first piece in the series is entitled “Augustine and Southern Baptists: an Introduction” and will appear shortly. Following are pieces to anticipate in order:

• Augustine and Divine Omnipotence
• Augustine and Human Nature
• The Upshot of Augustine's Assumptions: Divine Determinism
• Augustine's Exegetical and Hermeneutical Method
• Augustine's Critics and Legacy

It remains clear to me that certain theological beliefs which are not conducive toward and sometimes contrary to our free church tradition as Southern Baptists are engendering more and more influence today and consequently may be part of the source of theological tension we encounter as a convention. Dr. Gifford’s series may clearly expose one of those powerful influences driving, at least in some significant ways, the theological embroilment we sadly experience—(semi-) Augustinianism.³

 

¹Dr. Gifford's previous education includes a B.A. from West Virginia University and M.A. and M.Div. degrees from Liberty University

²Dr. Ken Keathley, Director of the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture and Professor of Theology at Southeastern seminary, says of Gifford's Perichoretic Salvation, "The New Testament presents union with Christ as a central feature of soteriology. Yet generally evangelicals have not fully appreciated the implications of the concept. Gifford's clear and helpful work makes real strides in addressing this shortcoming" while Dr. Bruce Demarest, Professor of Christian Formation at Denver Seminary avers "Jim's thesis-developed using careful biblical, theological and historical analysis-is not widely understood and acknowledged, particularly in evangelical circles, although it ties in nicely to revived interest in the Trinity and Christology. His thesis-refreshingly relevant to nurture of Christ life-is formulated clearly, comprehensively and, I believe, quite convincingly."

³while Dr. Gifford has been a frequent contributor on comment threads here at SBC Tomorrow and has habitually produced valuable contributions to each discussion in which he participated, scheduling may not allow for him to offer extended exchanges. Nonetheless, both he and I welcome feedback on his series and will do our best to accommodate all serious inquiries concerning any portion of his six-part series on Augustine's influence particularly amongst Southern Baptists

 

Below are links to the entire series by Dr. Gifford:

• Coming Series on Saint Augustine and Southern Baptists by Dr. James D. Gifford Jr 
• Augustine and Southern Baptists: an Introduction
• Augustine and Southern Baptists: Augustine and Divine Omnipotence
• Augustine and Southern Baptists: Augustine and Human Nature: Part 3A; Part 3B
• Augustine and Southern Baptists: The Upshot of Augustine's Assumptions: Divine Determinism
• Augustine and Southern Baptists: Augustine's Exegetical and Hermeneutical Method
• Augustine and Southern Baptists: Augustine's Critics and Legacy: Part A; Part B 

Comments

[Lydia]

This is awesome. Looking forward to it.

[Mary]

Ditto!

[Adam Harwood]

I have appreciated the insights from "Jim G" in the blogosphere and am excited to now consider his academic work on this pivotal theologian, Augustine.

[lydia]

“Christological Difficulties for a Deterministic Model of Providence."

Is this paper available anywhere online?

[peter lumpkins]

Lydia,

I'm unsure about the ownership of a paper delivered at the ETS. Perhaps upon delivery, it's copyright and/or distribution is limited by ETS policy. I don't know. Drop me an email, and I'll put you in email touch with Jim and you can inquire directly to him...

[Jim G.]

ETS does not archive papers anymore. They used to do it, but they have no claim on them anymore. The paper is my property. If you want it, I can send it to Peter for you or to you directly via email. The only thing I ask is that anyone who reads it and uses it treats it as copyright. I hope it can be a chapter in an upcoming book - if I ever get time to finish it.

Jim G.

[lydia]

"The only thing I ask is that anyone who reads it and uses it treats it as copyright."

You have my word, Jim. It is strictly for me to read. If you don't mind to send it to Peter, I would appreciate it. I don't like to publish my email on blog comments. Had some bad experiences in the past with that.

And I am all for you finishing your book!