Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism facts for kids
The Professorship of Divinity and Biblical Criticism is a special teaching position at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. It focuses on the study of religion and understanding the Bible in a scholarly way. This important role was created in 1861.
What is a Divinity Professorship?
A professorship is like a top teaching and research job at a university. The person holding this position is called a professor. This particular professorship teaches about divinity, which means the study of God and religious beliefs. It also covers biblical criticism, which is about carefully studying the Bible to understand its history and meaning.
How the Professor is Chosen
When this professorship first started, the King or Queen of Scotland (the Crown) used to choose the professor. This was known as a Regius Professorship. It meant the monarch had the power to appoint someone to the role.
However, things changed in 1935. Now, a group called the University Court at the University of Glasgow chooses the professor. They don't make the decision alone. They get advice from a special group called a Board of Nomination. This board includes people from the University Court and from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This way, many different viewpoints are considered when picking the best person for the job.
Notable Professors of Divinity
Many important scholars have held this respected position over the years. These professors have taught students and contributed to the understanding of religion and the Bible. Here are some of the people who have served as the Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism:
- William Purdie Dickson (started in 1863)
- William Stuart (started in 1873)
- George Milligan (started in 1910)
- George Hogarth Carnaby MacGregor (started in 1933)
- William Barclay (started in 1963)
- Ernest Best (from 1974 to 1982)
- John Riches (started in 1991)
