DR. MOFFATT’S VISIT

Taranaki Daily News, 24 November 1934, Page 14 (Supplement)

DR. MOFFATT’S VISIT

AN EMINENT THEOLOGIAN.

FAMOUS BIBLICAL AUTHORITY.

An exceedingly tall, thin Scot, genial and homely, Dr. James Moffatt, the distinguished theologian, arrived at Auckland last Saturday. Although his knowledge is encyclopaedic, and his erudition profound, one might converse with him and not suspect that he was a great scholar, so little of pedantry is there in his manner.

The professor is well known both in England and America as a Biblical authority. In 1901, when his “Historical New Testament” was published, it was felt that in the young Ayrshire minister , a scholar of distinction had been found. The second and enlarged edition appeared the same year. The work was superseded by “An Introduction to the Literature of the New Testament,’’ but in 1918 a third revised editicn camo out. In 1921 Dr. Moffatt delivered the Hibbert Lectures in London and Cambridge, and subsequently embodied these talks in “Approach to the New Testament.” “The Theology of the Gospels,” “Paul and Paulinism,” “The Bible in Scots Literature,” “Everyman’s Life of Jesus,” and “Literary Illustrations of the Bible” are characteristic studies in theology. More recetnly Dr. Moffatt brought out “Love in the New Testament”in 1929, and “Gract in the New Testament” in 1931. Beside these he has produced a wealth of contributions to New Testament scholarship. But Dr. Moffatt is not limited to writing on New Testament subjects. Translations from the Hebrew and the Greek, church history and hymnary handbooks, and even novels, are among the products of his pen. His own personal accomplishments cover a wide field. He is an authority on hymns; it is said to be a treat to hear his discourse at the piano on old and little-known church songs, or his amusing illustrations of revivalist horrors such as he has been afflicted with in different places. ’ Not least among Dr. Moffatt’s traits is his keen humour. He is a regular reader of “Punch,” ■ and prefers comedy to drama. His own sparkling wit was illustrated when he disembarked at Auckland, and refused to be interviewed at so early an hour on any heavy topics. Dr. Moffatt is at present engaged on the production of an early church history, which should be completed by the end of next year. It will cover the first five or six centuries, will show a new treatment of church history, and will

follow original lines. This is in accord with Dr. Moffatt’s early theories, illus ■ trated by his translation of the Bible into modem everyday idiom