Marianne Meye Thompson
George Eldon Ladd Professor of New Testament

Integrating Research, Reflection, and a Passion for the Gospel

"I enjoy thinking with students and faculty colleagues about a variety of theological issues," says Marianne Meye Thompson, a member of Fuller’s School of Theology faculty since 1985.  Over the years she has worked on such issues as the interpretation and authority of the Bible, the identity of Jesus, the significance of his death, and the relationship of the kingdom and Church. "These are all questions that require solid historical research, careful exegetical work, and theological reflection on Scripture, tradition, and the contemporary world," Thompson states. "Fuller is a place that allows for such reflection—even more, that demands the integration of these various skills and disciplines."

Thompson is currently applying those integrative principles as she works on a new commentary on the Gospel of John, drawing together historical, literary, and theological reflection—and as she develops a book on the identity of Jesus, encouraging Christian scholars not to divorce historical study of Jesus from their theological and confessional convictions.

For Thompson, it all boils down to a passion for the gospel. "There is a crying need for a clear and winsome witness to the gospel in the world today, but also in the contemporary Church," she claims. "The Church needs good scholarship that is attuned to theological and pastoral concerns, as it struggles to be the Church of Jesus Christ. On every side, there are forces that mute the church's witness to the gospel; part of the seminary's calling is to sharpen the church's witness to both the demand and the gift of the gospel."