An exploration of  the Letter to the Hebrews

Speaker : Revd Dr Anders Bergquist 

Date : Thursday 21^st November

Time : 11.00am – 3.15pm (Tea / Coffee from 10.30)  Please bring a Packed Lunch

The Letter to the Hebrews describes itself as a “word of exhortation.”  Addressing a Christian community that is enduring persecution, the writer strains every theological and rhetorical sinew to build up their resilience and encourage them to stand firm.  Christ’s death was a unique and unrepeatable sacrifice, and they have just one shot at following Christ.  This basic theme is developed into a profound reflection on the character of Christ’s priesthood, and the nature of faith.  At the same time, the Letter has encouraged Christian supersessionism, and the disparagement of the religion of the Levitical priesthood.  This day will explore the rich theology, and the contested legacy, of a key New Testament text.

The Revd Dr Anders Bergquist has been the Vicar of St John’s Wood since 2002.  He has previously been Vice-Principal of Westcott House (an Anglican theological college in Cambridge) and President of the Cambridge Theological Federation, where he taught Old Testament, and early Christian life and thought.  He was a member of the C. of E.’s Liturgical Commission 2000-15, and continues to serve as a Consultant.  He has been immersed in interfaith encounter for many years, and in grassroots ecumenical projects with Roman Catholics in Italy.

The God who Speaks : A Year of the Bible