The Theological Research Seminar (TRS) meets every other Tuesday from 12:30pm - 1:20pm  throughout the regular academic terms (Fall and Winter), providing a venue for presenting research and engaging in dialogue with the presenter.  Professors, students and visiting scholars are invited to read or summarize papers followed by questions and discussion. These seminars are open to participation and attendance by anyone interested in the research topic being explored. These topics include all areas of theology, including Old and New Testament studies, Greek and Hebrew language and linguistics, Systematic Theology, Church History, Ethics, Practical Theology and related disciplines

The format of each session begins with presentation of a paper, or a synopsis of a paper distributed earlier, followed by a generous amount of time for exploring issues raised by means of question and answer and discussion.

The seminar takes place in Hurlburt Hall (previously known as the Rec. Room) at McMaster Divinity College. For paper proposals, please contact Dr. Paul Evans, Dr. Wendy Porter or Dr. Steve Studebaker.

The schedule for the 2011-2012 academic year will be posted as they become available.

• Tuesday November 8, 2011 - Bruce Worthington
  

  "ITINERANCY AT THE MARGINS: THE PROPHETIC RE-DEFINITION OF SPACE:
  Click here to review the paper.
  
  

• Tuesday October 18, 2011 - Anna Suk Yee Lee
  

  The many place names in Zech 9:1-8 have attracted much attention from scholars with many relating the corpus with David traditions, claiming that these cities were the traditional enemies of the old Davidic kingdom.  However, not all the toponyms mentioned were once foes of Israel, nor were they included within the Davidic kingdom.  Through an intertextual analysis of Zech 9:1-8 this paper will argue that the ultimate restoration envisioned here includes the formation of an ideal remnant settling in an ideal homeland where even nations which were formerly extra-territorial to Israel will be among those with which peace will be proclaimed, under the reign of Yahweh.
  Click here to review the paper.
  
  
  

• Tuesday October 4, 2011
  Bryan Dyer, “LEARNED FROM WHAT HE SUFFERED: AN EXAMINATION OF THE USE OFΜΑΘΕΙΝ-ΠΑΘΕΙΝ IN HEBREWS 5:8” 
  

  The comment in Hebrews 5:8 that “Son though he [Jesus] was, he learned obedience from what he suffered” has become a common crux in NT interpretation. Confusion often surfaces regarding how Jesus learned obedience and how his suffering played a role in this process. Added to the complexity of the verse is the identification of a
  common Greek wordplay (μαθεῖν-παθεῖν) used in reference to Jesus. Through an examination of Greco-Roman literature that incorporates the μαθεῖν-παθεῖν wordplay and an analysis of the argument of Hebrews (with relation to 5:8) this paper will show that μαθεῖν-παθὲιν in Heb 5:8 is used to demonstrate how Jesus meets the requirements of the role of high priest. By applying this common wordplay with reference to the human condition, the author of Hebrews creatively emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and his ability to empathize with those he serves.
  Click here to review the paper.