Paul Barnett honoured

Posted on November 3, 2008 
Filed under News

Bishop Paul BarnettPress release from the Australian College of Theology –

Australian New Testament Scholar Honoured.

At its October meeting, and on the strong recommendation of the College’s Honorary Degree Committee, the Board of Directors of the Australian College of Theology awarded an honorary Doctor of Theology degree to well-known Sydney historian and New Testament scholar, Paul Barnett. The award is in recognition of Dr Barnett’s contribution to the life and work of the Anglican Church of Australia and particularly his substantial academic and scholarly contributions. 

Paul Barnett has made contributions through three significant pastorates (St Barnabas, Sydney, Holy Trinity, Adelaide, and Trinity Chapel, Robert Menzies College); his Episcopal work in North Sydney and beyond; his academic work as a lecturer at Moore Theological College, Sydney and Regent College, Vancouver and as founder of School of Christian Studies at Robert Menzies College; and his numerous published articles and books especially his works on historical evidences, his commentary on 2 Corinthians and the new 3-volume work ‘After Jesus’ on the first Christian century.

In announcing the award, the Dean of the Australian College of Theology, the Rev Dr Mark Harding said, “The nominee’s theological learning is attested by his body of published work, especially the many substantial monographs appearing on his CV, and that his scholarly contribution, as evidenced by the reports of his Australian and international referees, can properly be considered of international repute and standing”.

Two members of the College nominated Paul Barnett for the award.

The Master of Robert Menzies College and Principal of the School of Christian Studies, Professor Chris Bellenger commented on the way throughout his ministry that Paul Barnett had balanced a fundamental commitment to the training of lay men and women for mission in their work, family and community with the pursuit of scholarly endeavour.

The Principal of Ridley Melbourne, the Rev Dr Peter Adam, commended the nominee to the Board of Directors by underscoring his scholarly contribution, especially his works examining the historical background of the New Testament, and on Jesus and the Gospels and the Apostle Paul.

Paul Barnett continues to lecture at the School of Christian Studies, Moore College, the Presbyterian Theological Centre in Sydney and Regent College, Vancouver.

The degree will be conferred at the School of Christian Studies graduation ceremony on Monday March 2, 2009 at Trinity Chapel, Robert Menzies College.

Mark Harding, Dean Australian College of Theology
Grant Maple, Director, School of Christian Studies