Gerhard Hasel

Gerhard Franz Hasel (1935–1994) was a Seventh-day Adventist theologian, and Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology as well as Dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He wrote several books on the biblical theology of the Remnant and a commentary on the book of Amos. [ G. F. Hasel, The Book of Amos: Basic Issues in the Current Interpretation (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker)]

Biography

Hasel's childhood experiences in Nazi Germany are recounted in the book "A Thousand Shall Fall", written by his younger sister, Susi Hasel Mundy. ["A Thousand Shall Fall" by Susi Hasel Mundy. ISBN 0828015619] He is also the father of archaeologist, Michael G. Hasel.

Liberal Adventist theologian Raymond Cottrell described Hasel, Robert Pierson and Gordon M. Hyde as the "three architects" behind "the decade of obscurantism (1969-1979)". According to Cottrell this "triumvirate" attempted to gain control of Adventist biblical studies in this decade. During his time as dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, Hasel made Drs. Sakai Kubo, Ivan Blazen, Fritz Guy, and Larry Geraty feel very unwelcome, and scholars at other institutions were also moved on or pressured.

Hasel could also generate controversy in the wider scholarly community. In 1978, Patrick D. Miller, Jr. made a thinly veiled accusation of academic dishonesty and plagiarism against Hasel when he wrote that a significant section of an article by D. J. A. Clines "is taken over almost as is" in article published under Hasel's name. [P. D. Miller, Jr. "Genesis 1-11: Studies in Structure and Theme" (Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1978), 44. The relevant articles are D. J. A. Clines, "The Image of God in Man," "Tyndale Bulletin" 19 (1968), 53-103; and, G.F. Hasel, "The Meaning of 'Let us' in Gn 1:26," "Andrews University Seminary Studies" 13 (1975), 58-66.]

Theology

Remnant

Amongst Christian scholarship, he was a recognised authority on the theme of the remnant. He wrote the "Remnant" article for the "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". His major book on the subject is one of just four references listed in the "Anchor Bible Dictionary" article on the remnant."Remnant". "Anchor Bible Dictionary" V:669]

He also helped to broadened the concept within the Adventist church.

Conservatism

Hasel was also known for his strongly conservative views. Raymond Cottrell described him as "ultra-conservative", "fundamentalist", and "obscurantist" in his interpretations; even "the ruthless personification of Adventist obscurantism".Raymond Cottrell, " [http://www.jesusinstituteforum.org/AssetOrLiability.html The "Sanctuary Doctrine" - Asset or Liability?] ". See also Cottrell's 40 page paper, "Architects of Crisis: A Decade of Obscurantism (1969-1979)"]

One of the founders of the Adventist Theological Society, Hasel espoused a "high view" of inspiration and was opposed to the use of the historical-critical method of Biblical study. [G. Hasel, "Understanding the Living Word of God" (Mountain View, Cal.: Pacific Press, 1980), 24-28.] However, as Jerry Gladson points out, even his doctoral dissertation in the form published by Andrews University Press reflects the legitimacy of this methodology. [ J. Gladson, "Taming Historical Criticm: Adventist Biblical Scholarship in the Land of the Giants", "Spectrum" 18.4 (1988), 24]

See also

* Remnant theology
* Remnant (Adventist)
* Andrews University

External links

cite journal
last =
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authorlink =
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title = Five Most Influential SDAs—1969–1994
journal = Spectrum
volume = 24
issue = 3
pages = 3–14
publisher = Adventist Forums
location = Roseville, California
issn = 0890-0264
date = December 1994
url = http://spectrummagazine.org/files/archive/archive21-25/24-3influential.pdf#page=3
format = PDF
accessdate = 2008-09-22 (see p5–6)
* [http://jewel.andrews.edu:82/search/a?Hasel+Gerhard Articles by Hasel] cataloged in the Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index (SDAPI)

References