Description
John Sailhamer (1946-2017) is known for his careful scholarship on the Hebrew Bible and his focus on the compositional strategies found in the text of Scripture. Perhaps less well-known is his comprehensive vision for theological education.
In part one of this volume, editors Ched Spellman and Jason K. Lee present a previously unpublished address from Sailhamer on “The Nature, Purpose, and Tasks of a Theological Seminary” and offer a reflection on the setting, substance, and significance of this new work. Part two includes a collection of Sailhamer’s articles, essays, and reviews that are less-well known yet relate to some of the major topics he develops in his proposal for theological education. These writings focus on the use of history and hermeneutics with an eye toward the nature of biblical narratives. This section also includes some of Sailhamer’s interaction with works from several different disciplines (from biblical exegesis to systematic theology) as well as his reflections on the state of Old Testament studies. The volume ends with a comprehensive bibliography of Sailhamer’s writings and research.
Table of Contents
Preface
Foreword: Stephen G. Dempster
Part 1: Hermeneutics and Theological Education
Chapter 1: The Nature, Purpose, and Tasks of a Theological Seminary, by John Sailhamer
Chapter 2: The Seminary as a Textual Community: Reflections on John Sailhamer’s Vision for Theological Education, by Ched Spellman and Jason K. Lee
Part 2: Hermeneutics, History, and Disciplinary Dialogue
Chapter 3: Hermeneutics, History, and Disciplinary Dialogue in Sailhamer’s Scholarship, by Ched Spellman
Chapter 4: What Have They Done to My Genesis? by John H. Sailhamer
Chapter 5: Reading the Bible as a Text, by John H. Sailhamer
Chapter 6: Archaeology and the Reliability of the Old Testament, by John H. Sailhamer
Chapter 7: Cosmic Maps, Prophecy Charts, and the Hollywood Movie: A Biblical Realist Looks at the Eclipse of Old Testament Narrative, by John H. Sailhamer
Chapter 8: Johann August Ernesti: The Role of History in Biblical Interpretation, by John H. Sailhamer
Chapter 9: Engaging the Disciplines: Selected Book Reviews, by John H. Sailhamer
Chapter 10: Finding Meaning in the Pentateuch: An Interview with Collin Hansen
Chapter 11: The Writings of John H. Sailhamer: A Comprehensive Bibliography
Afterword: Steven A. McKinion
Acknowledgments
Scripture Index
Person Index
About the Editors
Ched Spellman (PhD) is Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH. He is also the author of Toward a Canon-Conscious Reading of the Bible: Exploring the History and Hermeneutics of the Canon (Sheffield-Phoenix).
Jason K. Lee (PhD) is Professor of Theological Studies at Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH. He is also the author of The Theology of John Smyth: Puritan, Separatist, Baptist, Mennonite (Mercer)
Endorsements
“This book is a wonderful reminder of the importance of the biblical text not only for a seminary curriculum, but also for all its environment. Well chosen articles from a theological giant who will satisfy scholars as well as those church leaders looking for a solid basis for theological education. A must read!”
— Gerardo A. Alfaro, Professor of Theological Studies, Director of Spanish Program, Dallas Theological Seminary
“Rowan Williams once said that we do not know where our debts end, theologically speaking. I agree. But I at least know I am indebted beyond measure to the two men who have edited this volume, Jason Lee and Ched Spellman, and the man whose teaching ministry they have faithfully stewarded, John Sailhamer. Coming to grips with understanding the words of Scripture as the locus of God’s revelation, and all the implications that come with it, along with reckoning with the canonical order of the Scriptures as an interpretive guide changed my life. And all of this occurred within a textual community that left an indelible mark on my understanding of hermeneutics and theological education. To Dr. Lee, Dr. Spellman, and Dr. Sailhamer, I say thank you for teaching me the fullness of what it means to “take up and read” the Scriptures as God’s very word to us and for us, and our salvation.”
— Zachary M. Bowden, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, Cedarville University
“As one of those who had the privilege of learning from Dr. Sailhamer not only through his better-known publications but also in the classroom and in informal settings, I know firsthand the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that his brilliant mind had to offer. Spellman and Lee have done us a service by making available for a broader audience Sailhamer’s vision for theological education (along with their own reflections on it), which powerfully emphasizes the centrality of Scripture, breaks down the distinction between the “theoretical” and the “practical,” and insists on the seminary as a community in its own right, even as it exists for the church. The additional carefully-selected pieces concerning the relationship between hermeneutics and history provide theological underpinnings for this vision and are a convenient collection of Sailhamer’s thinking on this important topic.”
— Kevin Chen, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Christian Witness Theological Seminary
“John Sailhamer was a brilliant Old Testament scholar who faithfully served both Baptist and evangelical institutions during his lifetime. In this new volume, edited by Jason Lee and Ched Spellman, readers are introduced to Sailhamer’s fully-orbed vision for a scripturally-grounded understanding of theological education. In a day when seminaries and divinity schools are pulled in multiple directions from both churches and culture, from social issues and pragmatic concerns, this thoughtfully developed volume points readers toward a model for renewal for theological education by connecting teaching, learning, and practice to the biblical text in a fresh, winsome, and coherent manner. I am happy to recommend The Seminary as Textual Community as an important resource for administrators, board members, and faculty, as well as pastors and denominational leaders.”
— David S. Dockery, President, International Alliance for Christian Education; Distinguished Professor of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
“John Sailhamer has always appeared gigantic to me. From my student days in proximity to him at Southeastern Seminary, to days accessing him at a distance through his writing, his stature remained fixed and large. His largeness is due not only to his reputation as a scholar, but also, and more so, due to his love of the Bible. Thus, I was delighted to see this new volume that adds to the Sailhamer legendarium, and of import, on the topic of theological education. Like with much of Sailhamer’s work, there is a refreshing simplicity that makes The Seminary as a Textual Community profound. Seminaries should serve churches and they do so best by equipping students to treasure the Bible and seeing the Bible the central text for study. Thanks to Ched Spellman and Jason K. Lee for bringing Sailhamer the Giant back into view for the good of us all.”
— Jason G. Duesing, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Administration, Professor of Historical Theology, Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College
“The Seminary as a Textual Community summons a new generation of theologians and church leaders to wrestle with John Sailhamer’s vision for theological education and provides context for why his approach stands out from so many others. It applies Sailhamer’s commitment to the biblical text and hermeneutics to the task of forming “textual communities” that yield gospel ministry. His approach challenges all theological educators to consider if we truly rely on God’s Word. For those of us who have known Sailhamer’s work, this volume reminds us of how his scholarship answers one of our most pressing problems: teaching God’s eternal truths to the next generation. Of course, for those who have not yet engaged with his ideas, this volume introduces them to a needed conversation and places them within a growing community of those indebted to God’s work in John Sailhamer’s life.”
— Peter Link, Chair and Associate Professor of Christian Studies, Charleston Southern University
“Through the years of my own teaching vocation, I’ve become convinced that creative teaching doesn’t begin with the methods we use, but with fresh, creative approaches to the subjects we teach. We often assume that the questions traditionally asked, and the answers given, are the “right” ones. Looking back, the most effective model for me of creative, respectful questioning of the questions was John Sailhamer, both in the classes I took and the private discussions I had with him. This book explains not just the “how” of biblical and theological education, but the “why.” The fact that his own teaching has now had paradigm-changing impact on several generations of his students verifies that John was a master teacher and discipler, as you see in the reflections in this volume.”
— Ray Lubeck, Professor, Multnomah University
“Dietrich Bonhoeffer believed that proper seminary training for the sake of healthy local church ministry must take place in a setting where students can enjoy and practice ‘life together.’ This community existed only through and in Jesus Christ under the Word. To add, OT scholar John Sailhamer offers a robust and exciting vision for seminary as a distinct textual community, one whose ‘common life’ is entirely shaped and constituted by the written Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. In an age where challenges to ‘visible, communal’ ministry education and training abound, Spellman and Lee have given the rest of us a special gift by making accessible Sailhamer’s paradigm-shifting essay on a ‘theological seminary.’ Alongside other demonstrations of Sailhamer’s text-oriented approach to Scripture exercised across the disciplines, Spellman and Lee offer valued commentary and reflection upon the retrospect and prospect of Sailhamer’s contribution to the world of theological education. May we heed these insights so that ‘seminary life’ will rightly exist in and through the living Word, Jesus Christ, who is known in the written Word, Holy Scripture, and in this way, truly be for the sake of God’s church.”
— William M. Marsh, Assistant Professor of Theology, Director, MDiv Program, Cedarville, University
“This book’s driving force is the conviction that the Christian seminary, as a part of the Christian Church, is fundamentally a hermeneutical entity; its identity is found in the Bible as written text, and its purpose and task are directed towards discipleship in God’s word. In The Seminary as a Textual Community, Ched Spellman and Jason K. Lee compile and reflect upon a previously-unpublished address of Sailhamer’s, along with a handful of his other related publications, to present a book that will be of great benefit to many. Biblical scholars and theologians, pastors, and any student of the Bible will glean from its theological and hermeneutical reflections. And the practical suggestions for curricular design and pedagogy will guide seminary administrative leadership and faculty as well. This is a trove of valuable insight.”
— Josh Mathews, Dean of Faculty, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Western Seminary
“True to his normal practice, John Sailhamer probes a wide array of German and early modern scholars in order to propose a comprehensive foundation for seminary education. Editors Lee and Spellman situate Sailhamer’s proposal in the midst of Sailhamer’s academic work as well as his evangelical context. In their own summary, they highlight some of Sailhamer’s contributions for the everchanging effort in structuring a seminary education and offer additional works by Sailhamer that non-specialists can engage. Always wanting the Bible to have its say, Sailhamer gives evangelicals a great deal to think about in the way we organize and carry out our seminary task. If changing times has minimized our current effectiveness, perhaps we should listen to his proposal.”
— Tracy McKenzie, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“My first exposure to Sailhamer’s essay came at a time when I was teaching at a seminary that was housed within a church building and had a close relationship with that ministry. Sailhamer’s words were instrumental in casting a vision for the textual nature of my work there. Having sat under Sailhamer’s text-centered teaching, this essay helped make the connection between the hermeneutical approach I had heard in the classroom and the seminary’s existence “because of and in behalf of the Scriptures.” This essay helped shape my thoughts about my own personal ministry, as such an expert in the field articulated clearly the implications of Christianity as “a religion of the Book.” For years, discussions with colleagues about the nature of a “textual community” have been spurred on by thoughts in Sailhamer’s essay. I cannot recommend this essay enough, and I am thankful for the work of Spellman and Lee to make it available to a larger audience.”
— Randall L. McKinion, Professor of Old Testament, Cedarville University
“There are a few things this side of eternity I consider to be life’s greatest treasures. One of my greatest treasures is being one of Dr. Sailhamer’s last two PhD students. Dr. Sailhamer’s scholarship and mentorship in and out of the classroom created an irresistible gravitational pull towards living (in the words of Thomas Mann) the “quoted life,” which the Sailhamer defines as “a life that conceptualizes its own existence in terms of authoritative texts” (p. 10). A constant regret I’ve lived with the past 9 years serving as the academic dean of Israel College of the Bible is not having the ear and the guidance of my beloved mentor. “If only I could have asked Dr. Sailhamer about…” Spellman and Lee’s new publication brought Dr. Sailhamer into my life once again (I write this with tears). Reading this book, it felt as though Dr. Sailhamer and I were sitting together in my living room in Israel for two exhilarating days as he provoked me to jealousy yet again. I was reminded and challenged by the vision of a text-centered theological education, an education which invites both faculty members and students alike to aspire to live the quoted life. I am deeply indebted and grateful to the editors for the publication of this amazing book, which is a must read for everyone who is called to serve in or be served in theological education.”
— Seth Postell, Academic Dean, Israel College of the Bible
“John Sailhamer was a master teacher and model scholar. His classes and his example profoundly shaped my understanding of Scripture and my career as a student of Scripture. This volume accurately reflects Sailhamer’s comprehensive and incisive understanding of theological education, hermeneutics, and the relationship of the biblical text to the events it narrates. This is a book that will provide fruitful insights for seminary administrators, theological faculty members and ministers across the whole ecclesiological spectrum. Spellman and Lee have selected, framed and introduced Sailhamer’s distinctive contributions to the church and the seminary very well.”
— Mark Reasoner, Professor of Biblical Theology, Marian University
“Spellman and Lee are to be commended for bringing to light John Sailhamer’s previously unpublished piece, “The Nature, Purpose, and Tasks of a Theological Seminary,” and for undergirding it with a careful selection of some of Sailhamer’s lesser known articles and essays. As a former student of Dr. Sailhamer, I have personally benefited from his commitment to “teaching the written Word of God.” His vision for theological education provides a much needed sense of priority and focus. My hope is that this book will help to unify seminary administrators, faculty, and students as “text communities” in the service of the local church.”
— Michael B. Shepherd, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Cedarville University
“While it may not be as valuable as a hitherto unknown Beethoven work, the discovery of John Sailhamer’s 1993 lecture on the nature and purpose of theological education is nevertheless cause for celebration, and equally symphonic, inasmuch as it gathers together the isolated instruments (read: departments) of a seminary into a unified orchestra: a textual community. Old and New Testament studies, church history, systematic and practical theology all share an interest in various aspects of biblical interpretation, be it making sense of the grammar of the text in its historical context, its reception down through the centuries, the coherence of its content, or its proclamation and ministry today. In fixing its curricular gaze with passion and clarity upon that integrative mission, Sailhamer’s essay now appears ahead of its time. In this present moment, when theological higher education is in the midst of tectonic shifts, Sailhamer’s proposal, and the essays that here accompany and elaborate it, deserve to be heard.”
— Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“This volume contributes by being an appropriate tribute to the late John Sailhamer. The tribute does not merely note his vast scholarly insight. It more profoundly highlights a theological vision through which Sailhamer served the church and called colleagues and students to do the same. Ched Spellman and Jason Lee have reverberated his influence by extending his text-focused vision. The timing is perfect. We are at the threshold of tremendous change in our social and cultural domains. The waves of the resulting disruption have only now begun to ripple. The task of ministry preparation in the service of the church will not be exempt from all of this commotion. In the midst of it all, we recognize that the church’s calling remains intact , and faithfulness to it is as urgent as ever. And God’s Word continues to stand as the illuminating Word through which we know him and know how to live in his world. That depends on faithful biblical interpretation. For Sailhamer, the reigning question related to biblical exegesis and theology was: “How do we go about finding what the biblical writers were teaching in their carefully wrought narratives?” Half of this book is dedicated to helping us see his hermeneutical approach for hearing the narrative of Scripture and seeing how the Scriptures are about the gospel. The book, though, is titled after Sailhamer’s manifesto for seminary education. In it, he sets forth the conviction that for the church to remain a people of the Word, institutions who have as their mission to prepare ministers to serve the church must be above all ‘textual communities.’”
— Keith Whitfield, Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor of Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Reading the Bible—it sounds like such a simple idea. It was this simple idea to which John Sailhamer devoted his life. Sailhamer was one of the most insightful readers of the Bible, discovering thread upon thread of the Bible’s coherent picture of the world through countless hours of reading the Bible. In this volume, Spellman and Lee present and reflect upon how Sailhamer’s thoughts regarding reading the Bible influenced his thinking about biblical scholarship, theological education, and worldview formation. The volume provides a compelling vision for how reading the Bible with the proper questions can shape an academic discipline, a theological school, and an individual’s view of the world. Such a delight to read and consider!”
— Joshua E. Williams, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
