From the Inspirational Teacher's series:
Dr. Jeffrey Bingham had been the Department Chair and Professor of Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and now Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Wheaton College as of 2013. He has unmatched classroom presence, posture, presentation, passion, precision, and practical application. I never wanted his church history classes to end. He takes you back in time as if no time passed while relating to the present. He draws out cultural and church norms to de-mythify, debunk, and provide incredible clarity of what to believe and how to think. He's a wide reader with a narrow focus. One would find it difficult to walk away from any class bored or ill motivated. His height, dry humor, story telling abilities, gentle spirit, and strong conviction create a hook for the heart to hear.
He reveals how there is nothing new under the sun. He guides students through interpretive filters and floods the mind with depth and width of perspective. He brings the weight of God's word and glory to bear on the heart. He reveals the church in context of world history. He powerfully captivates through his overview style of history, clarity to answers, outlines of doctrine points, book assignments, history projects, bibliography, connections of past and present theology, and deep conviction of biblical, Christian orthodoxy. He challenges students to hold fast to the gospel, and he inspires one to love God and God's great wisdom.
More importantly, his teaching continues. It affects my life and even pastoral decisions. He has left an imprint far beyond the classroom. My kids and those around us taste of God's work through him. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and wish I was in his classroom right now. But, he has inspired me to see that the classroom of life is truly where God has called us to learn, love, and make the gospel known. Thank you Dr. Bingham!
Here's the Q and A:
- What inspired you to teach?
The evangelical community's desperate need to know, understand and live in light of historic Christian orthodoxy.
- Why do you teach the way you teach?
To foster clarity and mastery of a few select, essential concepts.
- What teacher has had the greatest influence on you (parent, elementary teacher, pastor, professor, friend, colleague, etc)?
Dr. Craig Blaising (Seminary Professor) had the most profound positive influence upon me. Those who disrespect doctrine and who do not have mastery over their topics and fail to make the necessary investment in selection and presentation of topics, have had the most profound influence upon me by exemplifying what not to do. Both influences have been important.
