Just recently, the issue of the present passive indicatives, and present indicatives that Paul uses in 1 Corinthians 15 to speak of the then on-going resurrection has become the topic of intense discussion on several preterist, and anti-preterist websites.
Interestingly, a debate challenge has been issued, challenging the idea that we must honor those present tense verbs. Dr. Ken Talbot has offered to moderate this debate, and to sponsor it in Chicago.
Just this morning (9-7-09) I posted the following response to the proposed debate on Dr. Talbot’s page: http://preteristdebate.ning.com/profiles/profile/show?id=DrKennethTalbot&) :
<Dr. Talbot, my name is Don K. Preston. I was honored to meet you in Florida a few years back when I debated James Jordan.
Concerning a debate. Instead of a debate so narrowly focused on the verb tenses of 1 Corinthians 15, I will most gladly accept your offer above in regard to a debate, with the following proposal:
Resolved: The Bible teaches that the resurrection prophecy of 1 Corinthians 15 was fulfilled at the time of the destruction of Old Covenant Jerusalem in AD 70.
Affirm: Don K. Preston
Deny:
If you would be willing to help sponsor a debate on the verb tenses of 1 Corinthians 15, I suggest that the greater, more important debate would be on the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the overall prophecy. If I were to be able to demonstrate that the prophecy of 1 Corinthians 15 is / was fulfilled, then this would settle the issue of the verb tenses. Would it not?
I will be more than happy and honored to debate you, or any of the faculty members, or any champion of your choice on the suggested proposition. Chicago is fine with me.
I very much look forward to hearing from you!
For His Truth, and In His Grace,
Don K. Preston
President, Preterist Research Institute
Dialogue When Possible
Debate When Necessary
At All Times Charity>
I should note that I just became aware of the debate challenge last night, and joined the Theology Debate site just this morning. It appears that my response has been posted, but, I am not positive. I will double check to make sure. If not, I will be contacting the admins to make sure my response is in fact posted.