It was billed as a "Quodlibet," meaning "any question whatever."

The two-part event at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia was based on a medieval practice involving teachers and students, and it involved the whole Seminary community -- students, faculty, staff, administrators, and in an age when occasions for reflection are increasingly in jeopardy, it was invigorating.

Picture this -- an amphitheater with virtually every seat filled. Students jamming the aisles and standing in the back. A beloved faculty member on the hot seat -- in this case the Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop, Charles A. Schieren Professor of Liturgy, a specialist in worship practices past and present throughout the church, highly regarded internationally.

The first week the questions are fired from every direction as an absorbed Lathrop writes them down. The interrogators are guaranteed "safety" in being able to ask anything they like. No question is judged silly or inappropriate in the assembly. Questions aren't restricted to the faculty member's specialization. The event is intended to be lively, festive, a celebration of the educational process. Oooohs, nodding heads, laughter and stunning silence occasion the event.

A few samples? Is God 100 percent good? If so, who created evil? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in daily living? What does it mean to say we are saved? Do we have free will? Has the kingdom of God come, or will it come? What should the church do about Saddam Hussein? Hitler types? Is it necessary that the church be integrated? Forty-six questions in all.

Also on the hot seat the first week are four respected members of the senior class, soon to be pastors or professional leaders. The students -- Jennifer S. Hitt of Media, PA; Margaret J. Spring of Philadelphia; Stephen A. Keiser of Wayne, PA, and Thomas E. Maehl of Emmaus, PA, -- likewise field the questions. At the conclusion of the interrogation, the four seniors have 15 minutes to caucus and then 30 minutes to reflect openly with the assembly on what they've heard and (gulp) what they think about it all. They do not cast aspersions or any judgments on the questions. The Seminary's Dean, the Rev. Dr. Philip D. W. Krey, serves as moderator.

The faculty member then has a week to (gulp number two) prepare responses for a second assembly. He or she may deal with any questions preferred and is free not to respond to some or even many of them.

"A school without questions (in the air) might as well close up shop," Dr. Lathrop began in framing his responses. "Questions drive our work all year long." He acknowledged the risk of his responses, recalling the Moravian Daily Text for the very day of the occasion where Job answers God by saying: "See, I am of small account, I lay my hand over my mouth….." At the same time, Dr. Lathrop noted the inspiration of the 25^th Psalm's fifth verse: "Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation."

Dr. Lathrop, in fact, chose to respond to "What is salvation?" and "How does the Holy Spirit come to us in worship … and life?"

His responses were exhaustive, contemplative and complex.

A couple of salvation highlights?

"I speak against a focus on salvation after death -- the sorting out of whether we belong to God or not….Jesus says, 'I don't know…' (Mark 13). About this issue many theologians have been profoundly agnostic, and I mistrust anyone who claims to know about salvation after death. We die into God and that is enough to know. God is salvation."

He emphasized salvation in terms of life lived out today. "My eyes have seen the salvation prepared in the face of all people." He spoke against counseling poor and disenfranchised people therefore to wait and not be preoccupied with earthly concerns. "I would gladly be a Christian even if there were to be proof there is no heaven. It is enough for me to know that God is bigger than death. God is present for all of humanity in bread and forgiveness. Bread and forgiveness in Word and sacrament are the bridge, the door, the stretcher that enable us to pass into this life in Christ, freed from the tyranny of self, in the midst of life, filled with the presence of life."

Dr. Lathrop, a Mt. Airy resident, received his B.A. from Occidental College in 1961 and his B.D. from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, in 1966. He holds a Doctorate from the University of The Netherlands, and is recognized internationally as an authority on liturgy and worship.

His reaction to being "grilled." "I am thrilled to be a part of this school, which encourages such an open process. I am honored to be a part of such an exchange."

Dr. Lathrop received a lengthy standing ovation after his 90-minutes response.