2027 New Testament Symposium

One way that the Evangelical Foundation for Biblical Research (EFBR) fulfills its mission of “scholarship in the service of the Church” is through sponsoring small, focused conferences where scholars and practitioners address biblical topics relevant to today’s Church. For 2027, EFBR plans for a small group of New Testament professors and pastor-scholars to gather for a symposium focused on the role of holy anger or “righteous indignation” both in the New Testament and in modern church ministry.

Like previous years, the 2027 conference comprises two concurrent symposia (OT and NT) and will be hosted at a lovely location that provides good conference spaces but also surroundings and local activities that make for a great location. EFBR will pay all conference costs, including lodging and meals, as well as travel expenses for participants. While participation in the full program is required—from Thursday evening to Saturday evening—Sunday night lodging is also provided (upon request) at no cost for those who wish a “free day” to explore the area. Spouses are cordially invited to share the participant’s accommodation. Communal meals (with planned excursions for spouses) will also be provided at EFBR expense (but the spouse’s travel to the conference is at personal expense).

As in previous years, the goal is for the conference to produce rich discussion and a volume of essays for the life of the Church, to be published by Hendrickson Publishers in our series. To this end, upon submission of a revised version of the paper for publication, the participant will receive a stipend of $500.

The Theme: Holy Anger: Its Role in the New Testament and in Modern Church Ministry

Many, if not most, Christians are familiar with the expression “righteous indignation.” Yet, they are often dismayed by stories of God’s wrath, surprised by stories where Jesus appears angry, and inclined to dismiss as failings when a biblical character becomes angry. Are NT stories of an angry disciple merely indications of our human frailty?

We all recognize that the greater challenge with “righteous indignation” today is the “righteous” part. Nonetheless, many believers today would be quite uncomfortable with a church leader becoming angry, except for a generic indignation over a concept or practice. Most Western Christians would reject the idea that a Christian could be publicly angry with another Christian.

This small group of select NT scholars will research and compose papers that will be presented to their colleagues at the symposium.  Formal dialog will take place in the sessions, and informal discussion around breaks and meals.  Designated communal times will also include our OT colleagues as we seek to broaden the discussion.

Once the symposium is completed, scholars will return home to refine their essays within six months for submission to Hendrickson Publishers.