2008 Woodie Awards
Princeton awaits Edwards
Professor to conduct research, finish book
Tim Takechi, Staff Writer
Issue date: 12/5/06
Last Updated: 12/29/07
Theology professor Jim Edwards will spend the 2007 fall semester studying at Princeton Theological Seminary in an effort to further his research and complete a book he is writing.
Edwards will occupy the newly formed position of Bruner-Welch Chair of Theology, which is an academic position fully-funded by an independent family at Whitworth.
Working separately from the Whitworth theology department, Edwards will be allowed to teach and research part-time while maintaining his current salary.
This position will send Edwards to the Center of Theological Inquiry at Princeton University, a prestigious theological think tank comprised of 12 scholars from around the world.
"It's a fabulous opportunity. The Center for Theological Inquiry has a beautiful facility, they make every effort to provide scholars for the very best setting to research and write," Edwards said. "I don't think it gets much better than this."
All scholars accepted into this program will be provided with housing, an office, a computer and full access to the Speer Library, one of the greatest theological libraries in the world, Edwards said.
Edwards said he will spend this time completing his book in which he explores the role of the Hebrew Gospel in the early Christian church and how it influenced the formation of the four synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Gospel of Luke contains hints of Hebrew linguistic influence, Edwards said.
Christian scholars debate the origins of the original gospel manuscripts and many do not consider the possibility of a Hebrew source.
Edwards said he hopes his book could clear up some of the mysteries concerning the origins of Christianity.
"I'm hoping to provide a foundation for a better understanding of the first three gospels," Edwards said.
Edwards will spend September to December 2007 at Princeton and will resume teaching at Whitworth in the spring of 2008. He is currently the department head of Whitworth's Theology and Philosophy Department. A temporary replacement has not been determined as of yet.
While he is gone, assistant professor Adam Neder and lecturer Scott Starbuck will teach some of the courses Edwards primarily teaches.
Neder, who will teach World Religions, said he is happy that Edwards was accepted into the Center of Theological Inquiry.
"I think [this opportunity] will help him to do scholarship that's helpful to him and the college," Neder said.
In addition, the Gospel of Mark class will be canceled for the fall 2007 semester.
Edwards said he is excited about this opportunity to be able to study with the brightest minds in the world without having to worry about grading papers or giving lectures on a daily basis.
"I'm looking forward to being free from teaching. I love to teach, but it's hard to write and teach," Edwards said.
Edwards will occupy the newly formed position of Bruner-Welch Chair of Theology, which is an academic position fully-funded by an independent family at Whitworth.
Working separately from the Whitworth theology department, Edwards will be allowed to teach and research part-time while maintaining his current salary.
This position will send Edwards to the Center of Theological Inquiry at Princeton University, a prestigious theological think tank comprised of 12 scholars from around the world.
"It's a fabulous opportunity. The Center for Theological Inquiry has a beautiful facility, they make every effort to provide scholars for the very best setting to research and write," Edwards said. "I don't think it gets much better than this."
All scholars accepted into this program will be provided with housing, an office, a computer and full access to the Speer Library, one of the greatest theological libraries in the world, Edwards said.
Edwards said he will spend this time completing his book in which he explores the role of the Hebrew Gospel in the early Christian church and how it influenced the formation of the four synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The Gospel of Luke contains hints of Hebrew linguistic influence, Edwards said.
Christian scholars debate the origins of the original gospel manuscripts and many do not consider the possibility of a Hebrew source.
Edwards said he hopes his book could clear up some of the mysteries concerning the origins of Christianity.
"I'm hoping to provide a foundation for a better understanding of the first three gospels," Edwards said.
Edwards will spend September to December 2007 at Princeton and will resume teaching at Whitworth in the spring of 2008. He is currently the department head of Whitworth's Theology and Philosophy Department. A temporary replacement has not been determined as of yet.
While he is gone, assistant professor Adam Neder and lecturer Scott Starbuck will teach some of the courses Edwards primarily teaches.
Neder, who will teach World Religions, said he is happy that Edwards was accepted into the Center of Theological Inquiry.
"I think [this opportunity] will help him to do scholarship that's helpful to him and the college," Neder said.
In addition, the Gospel of Mark class will be canceled for the fall 2007 semester.
Edwards said he is excited about this opportunity to be able to study with the brightest minds in the world without having to worry about grading papers or giving lectures on a daily basis.
"I'm looking forward to being free from teaching. I love to teach, but it's hard to write and teach," Edwards said.
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