JACKSON, Tenn. — March 23, 2023 — Mark Gignilliat, professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala., addressed the biblical book of Ecclesiastes during three plenary addresses March 17-18 at 51社区鈥檚 annual Ryan Center Bible Conference.
He said Ecclesiastes displays the providence of God.
鈥淲e鈥檙e hungry to love, and to worship and to find something beautiful,鈥� Gignilliat said. 鈥淲e are hardwired in those ways.鈥�
Gignilliat referenced several theological interpretations of Ecclesiastes such as the Augustinian theological lens.
鈥淚 do find that this Augustinian lens of desire, and the order of our desires, and the proper shaping of our loves and our affections does help me a lot come to terms with holding this whole book together in a non-repugnant way,鈥� Gignilliat said.
He also discussed how the book of Ecclesiastes relates to the human condition.
鈥淢y humanity is waiting for me already in its fullness in the person and work of Jesus now at that eschatological day,鈥� Gignilliat said.
Additional conference sessions were taught by professors from Union鈥檚 School of Theology and Missions, providing additional insight into Ecclesiastes. The conference was attended by Union faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the local and regional communities.
This year鈥檚 Ryan Center Bible Conference was the first conference held since 2020.
Mike Garrett, director and librarian for Union鈥檚 R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, concluded the conference by reflecting on the hiatus.
鈥淗earing the message of Ecclesiastes is such a very appropriate crowning of these past three years of experience we鈥檝e had,鈥� Garrett said.
The Ryan Center for Biblical Studies anticipates hosting the next Bible conference in March of 2024.