Attitudes to Christian identity, gender and social class in the New Testament to be discussed at conference

A major theology conference is to focus on the New Testament book of Galatians this summer.

Renowned biblical scholars and leading theologians from around the world are expected to attend the event in St Andrews in July.

Key topics will include how Saint Paul believed being Christian changed lifestyle and attitudes to, for example, gender, socio-economic class or other ways of faith.

Another key topic will be just how radically different was the religion of Jesus and his followers from that of the people of ancient Israel?

Every third year for the last decade, St Andrews has hosted the series of Scripture and Theology summer conferences.

The events have attracted world-class scholars, academics, postgraduate students, clergy and lay people interested in bible study.

A wide range of participants, including non-specialists are welcome to attend.

It has become so successful that it has outgrown the theology college of the university, St Mary’s and now takes place in the modern facilities in the university’s Gateway Conference Centre.

Keynote speakers include Richard Hays, George Washington Ivey Professor of New Testaments at Duke Divinity School in North Carolina; N T Wright, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, University of St Andrews; and Oliver O’Donovan, Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at the University of Edinburgh.

Mark W Elliott, Senior Lecturer in Church History and Postgraduate Director in the School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews said: “We are looking forward to another exciting and successful conference which will raise some very interesting discussions.

“Such as what model does Galatians offer those who are caught up in disputes over ‘hot’ controversial issues of faith?

“Where is authority to be located? Has the message of Galatians been obscured or has it been illuminated by the likes of major Christian interpreters like Martin Luther?”

He added: “We are happy to be building on three previous very successful conferences, and we are keen to encourage people from a variety of backgrounds. Non-academics are most welcome to attend.”

Note to Editors

The 4th Scripture and Theology Conference (on Galatians) will take place at The Gateway, 10-13 July this year.

The address by Prof Wright will be given on Wednesday 11 July at 8pm in Lower College Hall, St Salvator’s and will be open to the public.

A further twelve papers will be given by international and UK-based speakers, invited on account of their work in the area of Galatians and its themes (e.g., the Gospel, Justification, ‘Male and Female’, Holy Spirit and Ethics, the place of the Old Testament in the Church.)

Find out more and register.

For more information contact Mark Elliot at [email protected].

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Fiona MacLeod on 01334 462108 / 0771 414 0559.
Ref: (conference 03/04/12)
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