The Seminary as a Textual Community

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 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 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 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