peter enns suspended

I was very saddened and even troubled yesterday to learn of the suspension of Professor Peter Enns from the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary in the aftermath of his book Inspiration and Incarnation (see here and here, as well as here). Enns presents his book as an exploration of some important issues for evangelical theology, an invitation to a larger conversation on an evangelical doctrine of inspiration. It is troubling that such drastic action would be taken over a book presented in this way (so much for engaging in conversation...).

As for myself, I am very much in sympathy with Enns' essential proposal: that the doctrine of the incarnation illuminates - indeed, must necessarily illuminate - the doctrine of inspiration. If Scripture itself is a revelation of God (and not merely a record of divine revelation), then it makes sense to view Scripture as to some degree and in some way analogous to the fully divine-fully human, incarnate Word as the ultimate revelation of God. This basic idea has been part of my thinking for several years now (for example, see here, or even here or here).

Sad news indeed...