News

Ryan Center Hosts New Testament Scholar

November 319, 2005 - The Ryan Center for Biblical Studies recently sponsored a visit to Union University by Dr. Bruce Winter, Warden of Tyndale House and Director of the Institute of Early Christianity in the Græco-Roman World at Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. Dr. Winter has written and lectured extensively on the background, culture and society of the New Testament world. His popular works include The Book Of Acts in Its Ancient Literary Setting, Paul and Philo Among the Sophists and Seek the Welfare of the City: Christians as Benefactors and Citizens.

During his visit to Union University Dr. Winter spoke to the Pauline Epistles class as well as two general lectures which drew from the Corinthian letters. His first address, entitled “Sex and the Church: Only Fools Fornicate,” was directed particularly to students. His second lecture, “The Church in Crisis: Modern Strategies and Ancient Corinth” addressed ways the Corinthian church was compromising with its culture and striking parallels with the Western church and its culture.

The lectures were well attended and reactions were very positive both by students and faculty alike. Center Director Ray Van Neste said, “It is a privilege to host on our campus such a prominent scholar who also clearly has a passion for the church. I am pleased that this seems to have been beneficial to students, faculty and area church leaders.”

In addition to his responsibilities at Cambridge University, Dr. Winter also serves as Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Ancient History at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

The Ryan Center hopes to continue hosting visits from prominent biblical scholars to enhance the learning of students, professors and area pastors.