Archbishop Peter Jensen recently launched the new book written by former Moore College lecturer, Graeme Goldsworthy, Christ-centered Biblical Theology at an event held at Moore College.

In his address, Dr Jensen described Dr Goldsworthy’s book as ‘odd’ but that its strength comes through that ‘oddness’.

“It is a book about Biblical theology, its definition, its presuppositions, its usefulness, its justification, its significance, its power,” he said. “All that and more is dealt with and the book simply commends itself for doing such an important task so well. If you want an introduction to Biblical Theology and a defence of this version of it, this book is an excellent place to start.”

Dr Goldsworthy, who lectured in Old Testament, biblical theology and hermeneutics during his time at Moore, has authored a number of books. His most recent work is not only about biblical theology, but also pays homage to former Archbishop of Sydney, Bishop Donald Robinson.

“It is impossible to say how my thinking and practice in biblical theology would have developed if Donald Robinson had not been my teacher,” Dr Goldsworthy says in the preface of his book. “But this I do believe: a great debt is owed to him for the considerable influence on many Christians that has resulted from his teaching and writing, and from that of some of his former students.”

At the book launch, held on May 23, Dr Goldsworthy recounted some stories that have shaped his relationship with Mr Robinson.

“I was rather intimidated by the task ahead [when appointed to teach Old Testament and Hebrew in 1963 at Moore], particularly as I was to take the place of a brilliant scholar, Alan Cole,” he said. “I remember sharing my doubts and fears with Robby at the outset: how could I possibly fill Alan Cole’s shoes? Robby replied, ‘Goldy, when you get up there and look at the students in front of you, say to yourself, ‘Behold, they know nothing!’.”

Moore College principal, Dr John Woodhouse also addressed the almost 100 people in attendance, speaking about how Mr Goldsworthy has influenced the teaching of the college.

“The evangelical Christian world owes a great debt to Graeme Goldsworthy for his teaching, particularly through his writings, on the subject of biblical theology,” he said. “In this context Moore College is deeply indebted to our brother. I have always been delighted that the ideas related to Graeme Goldsworthy’s approach to biblical theology, are associated with Moore College. Moore is famous for its biblical theology. Whether we deserve that reputation or not, it is the biblical theology that Graeme Goldsworthy has taught us and the evangelical Christian world that is almost always meant.”

For a review of Christ-centered Biblical Theology see the June edition of Southern Cross.