Interview
Tom Schreiner
by Art Azurdia
(Continued from Page 2)
AA: Are there theological trends that encourage you these days - positive things that you’re seeing for which you give praise to God?
TS: The resurgence of reformed theology encourages me. The recent article by Collin Hansen in Christianity Today was excellent. Many of the young generation are encouraging to me. Many of the students who come to Southern are unabashedly theological. They are Christians in a culture that’s becoming increasingly post-Christian so they’re committed to the Bible. Whatever the Bible says, they believe. I see a real theological movement among these young, committed evangelicals. I think about the next generation, and I’m thrilled to see so many good students coming up.
AA: If you were given an hour to speak to a group of pastors and the subject matter was left entirely to your discretion, what would you want to say to them?
TS: That’s a difficult question. I’d probably want to talk about the gospel. I have been so influenced lately by reading Luther’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535). The profundity and depth of his understanding of the gospel has thrilled me and has made me want to preach more on the gospel.
AA: Please name three books of theology that, in your view, every serious pastor ought to read.
TS: Every pastor ought to read Calvin’s Institutes. What Calvin writes is very pastoral. There’s a depth in Calvin - a historical depth. He not only interacts with scripture; he knows the church fathers. Too many evangelicals have historical amnesia in terms of the early church fathers. It’s important to read the early church fathers, as well. Next would be Piper’s book, Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Piper reminds us that we glorify God by enjoying Him. So many people who grew up in the church only think of their relationship with God in terms of duty. Another book I recommend to pastors is one I mentioned earlier: Luther’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians (1535).
AA: Thank you very much for your time, Tom.
TS: Thank you, Art.
