Craig S. Keener, born July 4, 1960, is an American Methodist theologian and biblical scholar who currently serves as Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. His academic career began at Baker College and has now reached impressive heights at Asbury Theological Seminary. In his many years of research and teaching, Keener not only explored the background of the New Testament in depth, but also left a profound impact on many areas of Christianity.
Keener's educational background can be traced back to Central Bible College (now Christian Missionary University). He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982, and then furthered his studies at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in the United States, where he received a Master's degree and a Master of Theology degree. During this period of study, he came to consider various aspects of theology, including the stories of the New Testament and their historical context.
In 1991, Keener received a PhD in philosophy on New Testament and Christian Origins from Duke University, which laid a solid foundation for his future academic research.
Keener was recognized as a minister by the National Baptist Convention in 1991 and subsequently served as associate pastor at Entebner Church in Philadelphia, where he remained until 2011. Later, he served as a professor of New Testament at Hood Theological Seminary and Bama Theological Seminary, teaching in this field for nearly fifteen years. In 2011, he became the F.M. and Ada Thompson Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and began to further promote the research and discussion of the New Testament.
Keener's academic expertise includes New Testament context, Acts, Jesus, miracles, and ethnic/racial reconciliation. Among his writings, many scholars have spoken highly of his 2009 book, The Historical Jesus in the Gospels, as an important moment in the critical study of Jesus.
Keener noted that the credibility of the gospels is demonstrated by Jesus' Jewish background, and his research contends that the texts are historically accurate.
Keener holds an Arminian view of salvation and supports the conditional preservation of believers. His work demonstrates that central to Christian faith is an emphasis on God's grace and human responsiveness.
Keener's scholarly contributions are impressive, especially his IVP Biblical Background Commentary: The New Testament (1993), which has sold more than half a million copies. In addition, he was also responsible for most of the New Testament notes in the 2017 NIV Cultural Background Study Bible, which won the award for Best Bible and Religious Book of the Year.
"Keener's works have an important influence in the academic world, and many scholars agree with his theory. In particular, his contributions to oral tradition and memory theory have made his research more in-depth."
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Keener is married to his wife Médine Moussounga Keener, who holds a PhD from the University of Paris VII. The couple has two sons, David and Keren, and their family life thrives around their shared beliefs and educational philosophies.
Keener's academic journey is extremely inspiring. From his early studies to his current teaching and writings, his life course not only demonstrates the integration of traditional religion and modern scholarship, but also promotes a deeper understanding of the New Testament. Every scholar is in the process of pursuing the truth, seeking a bright future through academic discussion and reflection. Under Keener's influence, today's Christian academic circles will undoubtedly usher in richer discussions and explorations.
After all, can we find a deeper meaning in the intersection of faith and scholarship?