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).
Disclaimer: Audio quality is low, and most of the dialogue is inaudible. William Randall Lolley was the 3rd president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The event opens with Lolley giving his personal thoughts on the updates of business in the Southern Baptist Convention, and he speaks on the battle for the Bible and its importance (0:00:00-0:30:19). The first question is about the data of those in the SBC who are seminary trained (0:30:20-0:32:28). A second question is raised pertaining to a certain person (0:32:29-0:35:26). The third question is about recording and video cassettes (0:35:27-0:39:27). The fourth question is about churches needing help in finding more mainline Baptist pastors (0:39:28-0:50:27). The fifth question is about associationism and placement of graduates in churches (0:50:28-1:06:58). There is an extended time of dialogue dealing with the DOM and associations (1:06:59-1:52:27). The final question is about the DOM’s role of assisting pastors (1:52:28-1:55:30). The events with a time of announcements and prayer requests (1:55:31-2:05:23).
Thomas Albert Bland was Professor of Christian Ethics and Sociology. Chapel is opened in prayer (0:00-1:45). Revelation 15:1-4 is read aloud (1:45-3:16). Choir leads in singing (3:16-8:34). Dr. Bland discusses the significance of song and the importance of Moses’s song, Exodus 15, and the Lamb’s, Revelation 15 (8:34-12:35). He states that believers must know the words and the tune of the song, meaning that believers must have the same courage as those believers who sing in Revelation (12:35-19:23). He discusses the importance of supporting those oppressed and in need in order to be people who know how to sing that song (19:23-24:52). Dr. Bland closes chapel in prayer (24:52-25:46).
Neal Jones was a pastor at Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, VA. The service begins with organ music (00:00-05:30). The speaker gives a few announcements, and Neal Jones is introduced as the chapel speaker (05:31-07:48). Jones delivers the Scripture reading from Luke 19:1-10 (07:49-09:41). The choir sings the anthem (09:42-13:12). Jones looks at the call and conversion of Zacchaeus, and he speak about the experience of being born again while asking the audience to recommit their lives to Jesus (13:13-38:00).