Fuller Theological Seminary

An Open Letter
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testimonies
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Fuller Theological Seminary

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Fuller Theological Seminary is one of the largest multidenominational seminaries in the world. Fuller has completed a multi-year dialogue between a panel composed of senior Fuller faculty members and representatives of the local churches and Living Stream Ministry.

“In regard to their teaching and testimony concerning God, the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, the Bible, salvation, and the oneness and unity of the Church, the Body of Christ, we found them to be unequivocally orthodox.”

The Seminary’s panel consisted of:

Richard J. Mouw, Ph.D., Former President and Professor of Faith and Public Life at Fuller Theological Seminary. In 2007 Princeton Theological Seminary awarded Dr. Mouw the Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life. He has participated on many councils and boards and currently serves as President of the Association of Theological Schools. His books include The Smell of Sawdust and Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport. Fuller bio

Howard J. Loewen, Ph.D., Dean of the Fuller School of Theology and a Professor of Theology and Ethics. Dr. Loewen has taught and published in the field of theology for three decades and served as Academic Dean of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and Provost of Fresno Pacific University. He is the author of One Lord, One Church, One Hope, and One God and other published works. Fuller bio

Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Th.D., Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Docent of Ecumenics at the University of Helsinki. A prolific writer and editor, Dr. Kärkkäinen’s books include One With God, The Trinity: Global Perspectives, and Trinity and Religious Pluralism. He is a member of several editorial boards, including the board for the Strategic Initiatives in Systematic Theology series by InterVarsity Press. Fuller bio

Excerpt:

“It is the conclusion of Fuller Theological Seminary that the teachings and practices of the local churches and its members represent the genuine, historical, biblical Christian faith in every essential aspect.

One of the initial tasks facing Fuller was to determine if the portrayal of the ministry typically presented by its critics accurately reflects the teachings of the ministry. On this point we have found a great disparity between the perceptions that have been generated in some circles concerning the teachings of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee and the actual teachings found in their writings. Particularly, the teachings of Witness Lee have been grossly misrepresented and therefore most frequently misunderstood in the general Christian community, especially among those who classify themselves as evangelicals. We consistently discovered that when examined fairly in the light of scripture and church history, the actual teachings in question have significant biblical and historical credence. Therefore, we believe that they deserve the attention and consideration of the entire Body of Christ.

In regard to their teaching and testimony concerning God, the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, the Bible, salvation, and the oneness and unity of the Church, the Body of Christ, we found them to be unequivocally orthodox. Furthermore, we found their profession of faith to be consistent with the major creeds, even though their profession is not creedal in format… Consequently, we are easily and comfortably able to receive them as genuine believers and fellow members of the Body of Christ, and we unreservedly recommend that all Christian believers likewise extend to them the right hand of fellowship.”

Read the full statement (PDF):