Southern Seminary recently welcomed noted theologian Scott Swain to campus for the esteemed Julius B. Gay Lecture Series. Swain, President and Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, delivered a compelling series of lectures on the central theme that God himself is the proper subject matter of theology.
“Dogmatics begins with God and all things in relation to him,” Swain said. “Though theology lacks an immediate grasp of God’s being and attributes in this life, God has not left us in the dark on these matters. God can be the principal subject matter of dogmatics because God, the principal teacher of dogmatics, has given us two books—the book of nature and the book of Scripture. By these books, he wisely and wonderfully instructs us regarding his being and attributes.”
Swain’s visit exemplified Southern Seminary’s commitment to fostering rigorous theological conversation. His lectures explored the foundational truth that Christian theology is first and foremost the study of God as he has revealed himself, by name, in Scripture. With clarity and depth, Swain emphasized the doctrine of God as the organizing principle of theological study, encouraging listeners to approach theology with a posture of reverence and worship.
“Faith, which is foundational for theological understanding, gives fullness to reason,” Swain said. “By faith, we understand. Reason’s abuse does not rule out its proper use. Reason is the path where God graciously restores and perfects creaturely intelligence under the illumination of God’s Word and Spirit in service of faith. God’s revelation in his Word further illuminates God’s revelation in his works by praising them as God’s mighty acts.”
In addition to his public lectures, Swain spent valuable time engaging with Southern Seminary’s PhD students at the 1892 club gathering. He fielded questions on theological method, classical theism, and doctrinal development, all while giving the students a glimpse into his future research projects. These personal interactions provided an enriching opportunity for students to dialogue with one of today’s leading theological minds, deepening their understanding of theology’s Godward focus.
Southern Seminary remains dedicated to equipping pastors, scholars, and church leaders with a robust and biblical-theological foundation. By hosting scholars like Swain, Southern continues its legacy as a premier institution for theological education and conversation.
“God’s revelation in his Word also reveals who God is and how he is,” Swain said. “Thus, the self-revelation of God’s name in his Word perfects the revelation of God in his works. By revealing his name in his Word, God provides a fundamental starting point for dogmatic reasoning. Scripture identifies God by name to describe more fully, more wonderfully, the glory that the heavens proclaim: ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness’ (Exodus 34:6).” View the entire lecture series at equip.sbts.edu.