"Raise Your Glass": McKnight Awarded at CU

John and Julie Frye and Scot and Kris McKnight

Julie and I had a delightful evening at the Van Andel Museum in Grand Rapids, MI where Cornerstone University held their Alumni Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Dr. Scot McKnight was honored as the 2007 Alumnus of the Year. Scot still holds the most points in a game for the University's basketball team. Scot's philosophy professor, Ron Mayer, had a copy of the 1976 year book for Cornerstone University (formerly aka Grand Rapids Baptist College). In the year book Julie and I saw a much younger Scot (with hair) jumping in the air for what would have been a 3 point shot if they had existed then. We also saw a picture of a young Gary Raymond who coached Scot in basketball.

From his much hit-upon blog "Jesus Creed" we learn that "Scot McKnight is a widely-recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. He is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University (Chicago, Illinois). A popular and witty speaker, Dr. McKnight has given interviews on radios across the nation, has appeared on television, and is regularly asked to speak in local churches and educational events. Dr. McKnight obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham (1986)."

To me Scot embodies "a new kind of scholar." I think that it is fantastic that Scot stays engaged with the local church; he's smart, yet down to earth, with a joyful sense of humor. He's not afraid to question, explore and formulate new ideas in theological and biblical studies. He's a friend and, at times, corrective voice to "the emerging conversation." He is a machine when it comes to writing, with over 20 books already published and he's working on several more. He's a devoted husband, dad, and Cubs fan. His wife, Kris, is a warm, personable lady with a career as a psychologist. Scot and Kris are high school sweethearts and at one time were an enthusiastic couple for the Freeport (MI) Pretzels!

Scot does, however, have one sad Eikonic flaw: he doesn't like to read fiction. I keep telling him that he can't be a full, well-rounded scholar without reading good fiction (and annually reading Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea and Dickens' Christmas Carol doesn't count). He continues to resist, saying that fiction is a waste of time. C'mon, Scot.

So, Scot received a beautiful hand-carved, wooden trophy of a globe with eagles at the four corners representing Cornerstone's mission to cover the planet with the good news of Jesus Christ. Scot is certainly helping Cornerstone achieve that mission.