I welcome these books, which record and celebrate some written ministry of Donald Robinson, formerly Vice-Principal of Moore College, Bishop in Parramatta, and Archbishop of Sydney.

The first two Volumes comprise 74 articles written by Bishop Robinson, including academic papers, journal articles, and papers and essays. It is useful to have such material gathered together, and good to see the ways in which similar material was used in different ways, not least when we see the practical applicability of sound academic study.

It is also good to see that this Biblical and intellectual work continues, as is evident in the Volume of Appreciation

I found these themes of particular interest.

i. He wrote with clarity and careful scholarship on the subject of Jew and Gentile in the gospel purposes of God. His exposition of New Testament teaching on the subject established its distinctive perspective in the assertion of the continuing role of Israel in the gospel plan of God. This is in contrast to those who believe that Israel has been superseded and discarded, or who believe in the re-establishment of Israel in the Holy Land as a feature of the last days. This issue has profound implications for our attitude to Jewish people, our evangelistic strategy and our political stance on the Middle East.

ii. His writing on the topic of the Canon of the New Testament, including ‘Faith's Framework’ [1985], deserves further development, especially his work on gospel and apostle. The issues are of perennial importance, and his writing was clear, relevant and of foundational significance.

iii. He wrote with sanity, clarity and power on the nature of Scripture and its authority. He provided a helpful paradigm for those who engage in theological controversy in scholarly contexts, and an excellent example of how to express essential truths without over-stating them.

iv. I was struck by the excellent use he makes of historical evidence, from the early church, from the Reformation, and from contemporary debates. This adds clarity and depth to his writings.

The editors suggest that more Volumes might be published. I hope that one of these might include a study of Donald Robinson's thought and writings in context, to answer the following questions:

- How did Donald Robinson influence the distinctive Biblical Theology associated with Moore College, and how did his ideas relate to the theology of other luminaries of that movement?

- How did Donald Robinson's ideas on Biblical Theology relate to other Anglican writers from other traditions, such as Alan Richardson and Gabriel Hebert?

- What did Donald Robinson bring to Sydney from his formal academic training at Cambridge University?

In the early 1970s I studied under Professor Christopher Evans at King's College London, a renowned liberal New Testament scholar, and author of Is Holy Scripture Christian? He regarded Anglican evangelicals as a bizarre and amazing phenomenon.

He visited Australia at that time, and I remember his remark on his return that Moore College was the only serious theological institution in Australia. This was an amazing tribute for him to make. Bishop Robinson contributed to the quality of Moore at that time, as he also contributed to the theological energy and creativity that marks the Diocese of Sydney, and that is of international significance. 

It is good to have Donald Robinson's contribution to this theological enterprise recorded and recognised in these Volumes.