In Service of Scripture

Keynote Address

Is Retrieval Leading to Renewal?

The Place of Tradition and the Progress of Theological Retrieval: Some Reflections and Next Steps

The Reformation truly ignited in 1521, when Martin Luther declared he would not recant his Protestant views unless “convinced by Scripture and plain reason”. He had found the superstitions and papal inventions of the late Middle Ages wanting, and the Reformation unstoppably followed. By standing upon both Scripture and reason, Luther and other Reformers saw themselves as doing nothing new. Rather, they were maintaining true church tradition, keeping in step with the ancient church councils and the best medieval theologians. Their many confessions and catechisms were attempts to reestablish and protect this tradition once more.

But has modern evangelicalism strayed from this Reformation mindset? In a desire to defend the sufficiency of Scripture against modernism, theological liberalism, and over-elaborate systematic theology, the roles of both reason and tradition have diminished among evangelicals. As a result, Scripture is pressed to provide clear answers for everything, and doctrines lacking crystal clear proof texts are regarded with suspicion.

Yet in the face of the most vexing questions about the doctrine of God and living ethically in the twenty-first century, evangelicalism finds itself tied in knots, unable to find answers. To remedy this, it is vital for evangelicals to reclaim the Reformation’s approach to reason and tradition, understanding how they fit with the doctrine of sola Scriptura.

We will be gathering at Oak Hill College to reflect on reclaiming the right roles of reason and tradition in our theology, comprehending rightly how it integrates with Scripture. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. David Shaw, with other addresses from Graham Shearer, Robert Strivens, and Peter Sanlon.

Interest in this topic is growing throughout the UK, and many are doubtless in search of other like-minded people. We hope also that the day will provide the opportunity for people to forge connections with others in the same pursuit.