On Friday night, February 26, I will be attending the Greer-Heard Point-Counterpoint Forum on the subject of “The Message of Jesus: What Did He Really Teach?” featuring John Dominic Crossan and Ben Witherington III. You can car pool with me from the church at 6:30 p.m. or just join us at the Baptist seminary at 7:00.

In recent decades some scholars have questioned whether the gospels accurately portray the message that Jesus of Nazareth actually taught. They claim that the church added to Jesus’ teachings and made up much of the information found in the New Testament today. Many people uncritically accept these scholars. “The experts said it so it must be true.” But what is the historical and texual evidence for and against the gospel documents? If the early church did change Jesus’ message, when did they do it and why? Does any of this actually matter to our faith?

Well I must say, it does matter. As Christians, we’ve bet our whole lives and eternal futures on the message of Jesus. Was it just made up in response to a very inspiring teacher, or did Jesus really come claiming to be Messiah and to be ushering in God’s Kingdom?

These are the issues that will be covered at this year’s Greer-Heard Forum. It’s kind of like a debate, but the format prevents participants from interrupting and talking over one another. In years past, I’ve found it to be a very respectful exchange between two opposing sides. And let me assure you, just because a conservative seminary like New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is hosting it, does not mean that the liberal scholar is a dud. John Dominic Crossan is the real thing, and conservative scholar Ben Witherington III is top notch.

Now do be prepared. This will be 2 and half hours of sitting and listening to two very smart people talk. This will not be an inspiring worship service, but it will aid you in your worship as you seek to “love the Lord with all your mind.” Dennis, Tillman, and Savely have all expressed interest in going. Please let me know if you would like to go as I will need to get you registered.

For more information on the event, go to www.greer-heard.com.