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Special TRS – Arthur Lau
March 31 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
At this week’s Special Theological Research Seminar, Arthur Lau will be presenting, “Wealth and Possession in God’s Kingdom: Unpacking the Tension in Jesus’ Teachings on Money in the Synoptic Gospels”
Read the abstract and his bio below.
All are welcome to attend in Camelford Hall (room 226) at McMaster Divinity College at 1:00pm or via livestream at the link below:
Join the Livestream
Password: z00m (Note that the password has zeros rather than “o”)
Abstract
This paper examines Jesus’ command to “sell all” in the rich man pericope across the Synoptic Gospels (Mk 10:17–31; Mt 19:16–30; Lk 18:18–30), asking whether it constitutes a universal requirement for discipleship or a context-specific demand. Situating the texts within the socioeconomic realities of first-century Palestine and the diverse Jewish traditions of the Second Temple period, the study highlights how wealth was both materially significant and theologically contested. Through close literary and theological analysis of each Gospel, the paper argues that Jesus’ command is not a uniform economic mandate but a concrete expression of a universal kingdom demand: undivided allegiance to God and childlike dependence upon divine grace; yet this demand takes distinct narrative forms.
Bio
Arthur Lau is in the MATM program. After more than thirty years in the investment banking and asset management industries, Arthur chose to take early retirement and return to school. As both a fund manager and a deacon, he has actively taught on biblical perspectives of money and stewardship. In addition to expounding Scripture’s teaching on wealth, he also offers practical wisdom on managing financial resources. He prays that his seminary education will not only provide a solid biblical foundation but also help him discern how he may continue to serve the Lord in his present vocation. In his free time, Arthur enjoys playing the saxophone, hiking and reading
About TRS
The MDC Theological Research Seminar (TRS) is a bimonthly gathering for all MDC students and faculty. TRS meets from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM on alternating Wednesdays, and includes about thirty minutes for the paper presentation and twenty minutes for discussion.
All advanced degree students are invited to present a paper and share your research with your colleagues. TRS is an excellent opportunity to “test drive” a paper you will be presenting at an upcoming conference and receive helpful feedback on your current research projects. Thinking about submitting an article to a journal and want some interaction first? TRS will provide it. Just published an article or an essay and want to share it us? TRS is an excellent opportunity to broadcast it.
This year the organizing committee consists of Dr. James Dvorak, Dr. Phil Zylla, and Dr. Gord Heath. To submit a paper, contact a member of the organizing committee.
