JourneyOnline
Emeritus Professor Sir Lloyd Geering, a renowned statesman of progressive theology, conducted a seminar at Trinity Theological College in Brisbane in September.
The controversial New Zealand theologian who challenges the fundamentals of orthodox Christianity was in Brisbane for a series of talks.
Now in his 90s Sir Lloyd told how, from a non-religious home, he was sent to Sunday School but his interest in religion grew at university in the Student Christian Movement.
The Presbyterian minister eventually became head of theology at Knox College in New Zealand where he wrote The Resurrection of Jesus describing a resurrection of faith for the disciples rather than a physical resurrection.
He then wrote The Immortality of the Soul that denied immortality.
These two papers provoked charges of “doctrinal error” and “disturbing the peace of the church” that led to a heresy trial in 1967 from which he was acquitted.
Uniting Church Lay Forum member Reg Collard said Sir Lloyd is a superb communicator who believes in his interpretations and values Christian heritage.
“How should the church respond to arguments made by people of the calibre of Lloyd Geering who holds an Honours degree in mathematics, a Doctorate degree in Divinity, has studied the Bible intensively and, as a Hebrew scholar, has undertaken his own translation of Ecclesiastes?” asked Mr Collard.
“Clearly we should listen.”
The seminar was sponsored by the Lay Forum, which aims to provide safe spaces for open discussion of matters of faith.
Photo : Sir Lloyd and Lady Shirley Geering (centre) with members of Lay Forum (from left) Reg Collard, Merv Bengston and Paul Wildman, Rodney Eivers. Photo courtesy of Reg Collard
