Theology Lecture with Dr. Vinson Baker

Introduction

• Dr. Vinson Baker introduces the session and speakers.
• The first speaker is Dr. Hamish Young, Dean of the School of Divinity, Regent University.
• The second speaker is Dr. Matthew Levering, Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary.

Dr. Hamish Young's Presentation

Topic: Cry Out to a Spiritist and the Spirit of Christ Toward Eternity: Theology of Creation

• Conference Title: The Spirit of God: Christian Renewal in the Community of Faith
• Main Idea: Charismatic renewal can invigorate Christian faith and life.
• Historical Context:
  • Pentecostal revival at Azusa Street aimed to energize Christian commitment.
  • Charismatic renewal in the 1960s and 70s aimed to rejuvenate churches.

Key Points:

Part 1: Creation and Triune God

• Trinitarian Theology:
  • Initiated with Christology, limited pneumatology in early church history.
  • Pentecostal movement rediscovered pneumatology.
• Pneumatology and Creation:
  • Expands Christian thinking about the doctrine of creation.
  • Focus on a pneumatological approach to the theology of creation.
• Biblical Basis:
  • References to the Spirit in creation and redemption.
  • Trinitarian hermeneutics for understanding creation.

God as Creator, Redeemer, Consummator

• Creation through Word and Spirit:
  • God creates through Word and Spirit.
  • Theological implications for science and creation.
• Redemption by Word and Spirit:
  • Christ and the Spirit redeem the world.
  • The Spirit's salvific work includes cosmic redemption.
• Consummation through Word and Spirit:
  • Eschatological salvation is Christological and through the Spirit.
  • Redemption involves the reclamation of all creation.

Part 2: The Spirit of Christ and the Renewal of Creation

Methodological and Disciplinary Implications

• Pentecost Metaphor:
  • Human languages and cultures can declare God's glory.
  • Scientific and other fields provide methodologies for understanding creation.
• Redemptive Epistemologies:
  • Theologies should consider scientific disciplines as vehicles for glorifying God.

Existential Integrative Supplications

• Faith Integration:
  • Addresses the divide between faith and reason.
  • Faithful knowing involves a personal and cultural dimension.

Performative Applications

• Practical Knowing:
  • Christian scholarship anticipates the reign of God.
  • Christian actions should reflect the renewal of creation.
• Theological Truth Claims:
  • Assessed by their practical outcomes and alignment with Christ.

Conclusion

• Trinitarian Theology of Creation:
  • Emphasizes interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches.
  • Encourages faithful living and stewardship of creation.
• Call to Action:
  • "Come Holy Spirit, renew us and the creation."