Dr. Timothy George, speaking at the 19th Annual John A. Hamrick Lectureship at First Baptist Church of Charleston, stressed his belief that studying the lives and works of Christian martyrs can inform and influence the way we live out our faith. He cited William Tyndale, Carl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer as examples. Dr. George is the Dean and Professor of Divinity, History and Doctrine at the Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.

William Tyndale was martyred because he translated The New Testament and part of the Old Testament into English. He was unable to finish his translation of the Old Testament because he was betrayed and imprisoned. After 16 months in prison, he was choked to death (garroted) and his body burned.  George stated that, “William Tyndale was single minded in his desire to bring the Bible to the people. It was a cause he was willing to die for.”

Carl Barth lost his professorship because he refused to salute Hitler at the beginning of his classes. He was later exiled. Barth exercised a great influence on Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was executed because of his opposition to Hitler. The day after Hitler became chancellor, Bonheoffer’s radio broadcast was silenced while he was still talking. In fact he later participated in a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. Dr. George concluded his lectures with a challenge to those present to be courageous in living out their faith.

The Hamrick Lectureship are given to honor the life and work of Dr. John A. Hamrick, long time pastor of First Baptist Church and the founding president of Charleston Southern University. Dr. Michael Bryant introduced Dr. George on Sunday night and Dr. Malcolm Clark introduced him on Monday morning. David Templeton, Minister of Music and Worship, and Beverly Bradley, Organist, provided special music at both events. All those in attendance were invited to a Soup and Cornbread Lunch prepared by the Joy Club of First Baptist Church.

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