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  • SEBTS Convocation - John William Eddins, Jr. January 15, 1980

    SEBTS Convocation - John William Eddins, Jr. January 15, 1980
    Description:
    John William Eddins, Jr. was Professor of Theology. The service begins with prayer (0:00-2:38). Students are welcomed back to campus followed by the presentation of the 1980 Culler Middler Theology Award (3:12-5:40). A welcome is given to visiting professors (5:41-8:10). Thomas H. Graves is inducted as professor and signs the Abstract of Principles (8:11-10:30). Dr. John William Eddins, Jr., who joined the faculty in 1957-1958, is introduced (10:31-13:17). Dr. Eddins begins by expressing gratitude for ability to take a recent sabbatical and that his topic will be Theological Presuppositions: A Proposal, based on his sabbatical studies (13:18-14:32). Dr. Eddins reflects on recent discussions in theology, the need to better develop what it means to be Christian in that day, and different norms seen in theology across history. He suggests that a new norm is developing which will influence the systematic theology of the day and discusses the critical role that presuppositions among the norm, criteria, and principles of selection in theology play in the groundwork of such a systematic theology (14:33-21:26) He discusses significant norms that are important for Christian systematic theology and their insight into the picture of a servant Lord, which he presents as the relevant foundation for a current theology (21:27-26:10). He then suggests two criteria and a critical principle that are important for Christian theology and how these also support the picture of servant lordship (26:11-28:50). Dr. Eddins addresses the reality of authority and the necessity of servanthood in the world, explores changes in authority and relationships in recent times, and demonstrates how Christian theology answers these realities (28:51-38:17). He then provides illustrations of servanthood and lordship throughout the Bible (38:18-43:31). Dr. Eddins concludes by stating that a theologian’s norm, criteria, and principle of selection carry important presuppositions so understanding these are critical to creating a systematic theology that addresses the needs of their day (43:32-44:04). The convocation is concluded with two readings from Scripture coming from Isaiah 53 and Philippians 3 (44:24-46:37).
    Subject:
    Theology, Doctrinal
    Creator:
    Eddins, John William, Jr. and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
    Owner:
    archives@sebts.edu
    Location:
    Wake Forest (N.C.)
    Language:
    English
    Date Uploaded:
    02/12/2026
    Date Modified:
    02/13/2026
    Date Created:
    1980-01-15
    Resource Type:
    Text and Audio
    Identifier:
    SEBTS_Convocation_John_William_Eddins_Jr_1980-01-15