Campus News

Third Interdenominational Theological Symposium

The third annual Interdenominational Theological Symposium hosted by the School of Theology and Religion begun on Thursday September 22, 2011 in the New Building Auditorium promptly at 9:00 am. Many were in attendance including students, faculty, staff, and many specially invited guests from different denominations and countries.

The program began with devotion by Pastor Kern Tobias, President of the Caribbean Union Conference who focused on the topic of inspiration. He pointed out to all present that “the focus of prophetic truth is Jesus Christ. We may interpret very well and look at the symbols and different predictions,” he added, “but the focus is Jesus Christ.”

Following the devotion, Dr. Aleksandar Santrac, Dean, School of Theology and Religion welcomed the audience. Dr. Carlton Drepaul, Vice President of Academic Administration declared the symposium open.

The morning’s first presenter was Dr. and Professor Jiří Moskala, a professor of Old Testament exegesis and theology; and Chair of the Old Testament Department at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.  Discussing on the topic “The Function of the Old Testament Prophet Compared with the Ministry of Ellen G. White,” he spoke about prophecy and the role of the prophet in the Old Testament, while comparing it to the ministry of Ellen. G. White. He noted that a prophet is a spokesperson for God, not necessarily a predictor of things. Also, the authority of a prophet is derived from God, His revelation, and His word. Dr. Moskala ended his presentation by saying how grateful he was for the gift of prophecy, and for the firm words of the prophets.

A second morning presentation was made by Dr. Alexander Santrac entitled “Sola Scriptura Principle in the Current Debate.” He pointed out that many churches are moving away from the “scripture only” teaching method and following tradition.

Questions and answers followed the presentations with interesting and mind boggling discussions. A question posed to Dr. and Professor Denis Fortin, keynote speaker of the event, who is the Dean and Professor of theology at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University was, “What do you expect to see come out of the four-day symposium?” His response was simply, “…for everyone to be better acquainted with the issues that surround E.G. White and our faith, and for us to draw a better understanding of God.

Written By Sean Tugwell