kata ta biblia

a blog exploring Christian origins, biblical studies, social/cultural history, method, education and the journey through academia

Been lacking my New Testament inspiration this quarter

If I needed any confirmation that New Testament and Christian origins are “my thing,” here it is. My current quarter contains no such classes and I’m feeling the energy drain. I feel like the extrovert without her crowd or the introvert without his quiet place. A few other factors may be playing a role. For example, I’m at the end of a three year program with the knowledge that a new program will be starting in the fall. Perhaps I have a little bit of senioritis. The remaining few months of my Fuller Seminary degree are at risk of being a “lame duck” moment.

And yet, out of mist of my final seminary moments rises a great opportunity. My future adviser, Scott Bartchy, has invited me to come to a lecture of and a dinner with the legendary New Testament scholar, Robert Jewett (here is his vita). Dr. Jewett is visiting UCLA to give a lecture in Bartchy’s Paul seminar, after which Bartchy, Jewett, the four others in my program and I will be sharing dinner. Jewett most recently published his massive commentary on Romans for the Hermeneia series, but he’s also authored some other interesting books, including Captain America and the Crusade against Evil:The Dilemma Of Zealous Nationalism (with John Shelton Lawrence, a frequent writing partner) and the Saint Paul at the Movies series. I’m always hooked with a New Testament scholar talks about “civil religion.” They know what makes this Anabaptist heart beat faster.

With this opportunity, I have had a boost back into more exciting studies for me. It also comes as a realization that, yes, I’m on the right path. If New Testament and Christian origins gets me revved up, then I should probably stick to it!

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3 Comments by Patrick George McCullough  /  May 10, 2008  /  Posted in: career, new testament, Robert Jewett, seminary life
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  • John Lyons

    Pat,

    You put it exactly right for me. Some see a PhD in terms of its use, while perhaps giving a bit of a nod to the difficulty of it translating into a job. But for me the number of PhDs being (over-)produced means that the main reason to do a PhD these days is because you will always regret not having done one. If your heart beats faster because of (a) meeting someone like Jewett, (b) going to a conference, or (c) reading something and going, “hey, what about…”, well, that’s it. You are hooked and might as well sign up wherever it leads. Sorry if that sounds too hedonistic, but it is realy a case of know yourself well. Of course, most candidates will also go, I know jobs aren’t easy but someone has to do them. Arrogance makes the decision to do it that bit easier :)

    Best,

    John

  • http://patmccullough.com/ Patrick George McCullough

    Thanks, John! I will look to develop my arrogance in my studies :) By the way, some of the stuff that you have worked on is part of what gets me excited. I am also interested in apocalyptic eschatology in early Christianity and Judaism. I’m honored to have you drop by for a comment. I hope to hear from you again!

  • http://inthecornerwithmatt.blogspot.com J. Matthew Barnes

    Hey Pat! Long time no see, we need to do lunch soon (sooner than later with the quarter winding down now…).

    I am excited about your opportunity at UCLA (and the fact that you’ll still be in SoCal!) and it is always good to hear of someone else who “gets his nerd on” via the same sort of things that get me going too!