Peter Enns: Guilty or Not Guilty

Some of you may know that Peter Enns, a member of the faculty of Westminster Seminary, was just recently suspended, and ultimately, fired for his recently published book, Inspiration and Incarnation.

Ben Myers has an interesting post reflecting on a recent release by the Westminster Seminary faculty, elaborating on the reasons for their decision to dismiss Dr. Enns. Myers himself offers several rather dismal reflections on the nature of this document; Myers is particularly disturbed about the fact that, in his opinion, which is argued rather well, the criticisms leveled against Enns do not offer substantive critique of Enns' proposal, but are based on pompous and arrogant disdain, substantiated by nothing more that guilt by association.

Ben characterizes it this way,
"The explicit purpose of Enns’ book was to generate discussion about the doctrine of scripture in light of current historical research on the biblical texts and their contexts. He was specifically trying to generate new discussion and new reflection among conservative evangelicals. But his colleagues at Westminster – somehow still entrenched in the old modernist controversies of a century ago – react with a defensiveness that is painful to witness."

I'm a man who always appreciates good argumentation, so here is the challenge:

1. Take a look at Myers' post on this issue,(Click Here).

2. Read the document published by Westminster,(Click Here).

3. Then, come back and let people know whether you think the Westminster faculty either did or did not offer substance in their criticisms. And remember, it is important to set aside your biases, or at least make it known what they are; we would like to generate discussion based on the quality of one's argument, not emotional reactions.

Let's hear what you have to say!