Symposia Series, Jan. 17-20, to mark Reformation anniversary

Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW) will present its annual symposia on exegetical and confessional theology Jan. 17-20 on its campus in Fort Wayne, Ind., and in a live webcast. Both events will relate to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

The theme of the 32nd Annual Symposium on Exegetical Theology, Jan. 17-18, is “The Spirit of Reformation Exegesis Today.

Presenters and their topics include CTSFW faculty:

Rev. Dr. Peter J. Scaer, “The Story of Salvation, the Genesis of a New Creation and a Bold Proclamation: Luther Lessons for the Present Crisis.”

Rev. Dr. Charles A. Gieschen, “Antichrist in the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions: The Relevance of Reformation Exegesis of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10 for the Church Today.”

Rev. Dr. Arthur A. Just Jr., “Luther’s Lectures on Hebrews: The Headwaters of the Reformation.”

Rev. Ryan M. Tietz, “Waiting is the Hardest Part: Isaiah’s Motif of Waiting in Light of God Hidden and Revealed.”

Rev. Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, “Wittenberg University: Intellectual Servant of the Reformation and Model for a Lutheran University.”

Also presenting will be the Rev. Dr. Mark A. Seifrid, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, on “Christ as Gift: Reflections on a New Testament Theme.”

The 40th Annual Symposium on the Lutheran Confessions, Jan. 18-20, will address “The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation: Continuing the Celebration.”

Presenters and their topics include CTSFW faculty:

Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., “Luther in America.”

Rev. Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie, “The 95 Theses and Why They Are Still Important.”
Rev. Dr. David P. Scaer, “Will the Real Luther Stand Up?”

Also presenting will be:

Dr. Adam S. Francisco, chairman of the Department of History and Political Thought, Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, Calif., “Luther’s Use of Apologetics.”

Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, “Old, Cold, Lame and One-Eyed: Luther’s Last Year.”

Rev. Dr. M. Hopson Boutot, pastor of Poquoson Baptist Church, Poquoson, Va., “How Did Luther Preach: A Plea for Gospel-Dominated Preaching.”

Rev. Dr. Phil Anderas, priest of the Anglican Church in North America and a recent graduate of Marquette University, Oconomowoc, Wis., “Confessing Grace and Holiness: Augustine and the Church of the Reformation.”

Rev. Dr. Derek R. Nelson, chairman and associate professor, Department of Religion, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind., “Luther’s Ecumenical Connections.”

Rev. Dr. (Major) Harold Ristau, Lutheran Church—Canada chaplain with the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, “Demonology in Luther’s Theology and in the Presence.”

A panel discussion will address “Expectations at the Half Millennium of the Reformation.”

Registration is $175 for the entire symposia, $100 for the exegetical symposium only and $130 for the confessions symposium only. Also available is a one-day registration for $60. A ticket to the reception and banquet on Jan. 19 is $40. Registration for the live-stream video option is $50.

For information or to register, visit ctsfw.edu/symposia.

The seminary’s Lenten Preaching Workshop for pastors is planned for Monday, Jan. 16, with the theme “Preaching the Penitential Psalms in Lent: ‘Lord, Have Mercy.’” Leading the workshop will be the Rev. John T. Pless of the CTSFW faculty. Registration is $40 and includes lunch.

To register, visit ctsfw.edu/symposia. For more information, contact Lee Anna Rondot at leeanna.rondot@ctsfw.edu or 260-452-2204.

Posted December 8, 2016