Dispatch from Wheaton

I just returned from the Wheaton Theology Conference, all focused on a dialog with N. T. Wright.  Out of the gate, Richard Hayes surprised everyone by letting a few salvos go in Wright's direction.  Around the book tables and the coffee stations during the break everyone seemed to be thinking out loud that Hayes was getting a sort of scholar's revenge, having been the target of Wright at a Society of Biblical Literature meeting a few years ago.  What comes around goes around. 

I was hoping Rodney Trotter would have showed up with a good question or two during one of the panel sessions.  Apparently, he was on holiday in Paris and when he went to get his flight to Chicago he found the closed gates of de Gaulle Airport.  Providence.

Even without Rodney it was interesting.  A few highlights:

- During a panel discussion Wright made an off-handed comment.  Drawing on the story of Bede, which is a good one, he said you never know who you have in your class so teach your heart out.  You never know who you have in your congregation so preach your heart out.

- Got to spend some time with the good folks at Crossway, even given a tour of the warehouse.  I honestly think some readers of Ref21 would literally die if they were in Crossway;s warehouse.  Pallets and pallets of books and, oh yes, the ESV.

- Went on the trip with my artist friend, Ned Bustard.  Our ABC church history book will be out with Crossway soon.  It was a good time to dream up some future projects.

- And I saw a most hilarious t-shirt with the line "I'm Likin' Ryken."  Though I still feel bad for the people of Tenth, I can't wait for our good friend to take the helm.