As a late-blooming student at Mercer University in the late 1980:s and early 1990″s, I was a student of Dr. Richard Wilson. As part of my assignment in his class, “Theological Research and Writing,” I had to make some kind of connection with my selected theologian. Since he was a living theologian and in residence in Atlanta, I selected Walter Brueggemnan.
I remember calling Columbia Seminary for his office number. Dialing it I expected to hear the voice of a receptionist. However, it was Dr. Brueggemann himself.
He invited me to meet in his office at an agreed-upon time. I will never forget my encounter with him. He was gracious and welcoming and supplied all of my asked-for information.
I recall seeing open yellow legal pads on his desk. He was obviously writing, and when I asked why he wasn’t using a computer, he replied they were too unreliable and he preferred to write every word himself.
After completing my degree and ordination, I followed him to every preaching conference in my budget. He has been a stellar influence in my academic and preaching life. At 84 years and finally retired, Walter Brueggemann remains my living scholar and champion of the Hebrew Bible.
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Barbara Palmer · October 20, 2021 at 11:09 pm
As a late-blooming student at Mercer University in the late 1980:s and early 1990″s, I was a student of Dr. Richard Wilson. As part of my assignment in his class, “Theological Research and Writing,” I had to make some kind of connection with my selected theologian. Since he was a living theologian and in residence in Atlanta, I selected Walter Brueggemnan.
I remember calling Columbia Seminary for his office number. Dialing it I expected to hear the voice of a receptionist. However, it was Dr. Brueggemann himself.
He invited me to meet in his office at an agreed-upon time. I will never forget my encounter with him. He was gracious and welcoming and supplied all of my asked-for information.
I recall seeing open yellow legal pads on his desk. He was obviously writing, and when I asked why he wasn’t using a computer, he replied they were too unreliable and he preferred to write every word himself.
After completing my degree and ordination, I followed him to every preaching conference in my budget. He has been a stellar influence in my academic and preaching life. At 84 years and finally retired, Walter Brueggemann remains my living scholar and champion of the Hebrew Bible.