Seeking Wisdom’s Depths and Torah’s Heights celebrates Samuel E. Balentine’s innovative and influential work in the field of biblical studies with essays from prominent biblical scholars and from Balentine’s former students, who are up-and-coming in the field.
Balentine’s creative theological inquiry, interdisciplinary analysis, and pioneering work in the reception history of the book of Job inspired this volume, and its essays bring the Bible into conversation with quantum physics, psychology, ethics, and theology while exploring the reception of Torah and wisdom in literature, painting, sculpture, and the performing arts.
Edited by Barry R. Huff and Patricia Vesely.
Contributors: Samuel L. Adams, John Barton, Mark E. Biddle, Heather Woodworth Brannon, E. Carson Brisson, William P. Brown, Walter Brueggemann, Katharine J. Dell, Heidi J. Hornik & Mikeal Joseph Parsons, Barry R. Huff, Phillip Michael Lasater, S. Dean McBride, Jr., Andreas Schuele, Marvin A. Sweeney, and Patricia Vesely.
Advance Praise for Seeking Wisdom’s Depths and Torah’s Heights:
This impressive collection of papers on Torah and Wisdom, in honour of Samuel E. Balentine, offers a veritable cornucopia of lexical, theological, ethical, and epistemological readings of Scripture, as well as engaging with biblical texts expressed through sculpture, dance, visual arts and even quantum physics. Sam is well known not only for his prolific publications but also for the influence he has had on students and colleagues worldwide: this Festschrift is a worthy testimony to both aspects of his legacy. -Sue Gillingham, Emeritus Professor of the Hebrew Bible, University of Oxford
This volume admirably reflects Samuel Balentine’s breadth of mind, depth of insight, height of character, and length of influence in biblical studies. It draws together established leading scholars in the field with exciting younger voices, who incorporate insight ranging from quantum mechanics and psychology to art history and ballet into careful literary analysis and creative theological and ethical exposition of the biblical text with the openness and curiosity that makes Balentine’s work so captivating. The focus on Torah and wisdom furthers his important contributions to bridging the externally imposed categorical breach between them. -Will Kynes, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Samford University
Rich with exegetical insights, this volume makes provocative forays into terrain long scouted with perspicacity by Sam Balentine. In these pages, creation is explored as wild, as ruined, as generative of moral yearning and spiritual awe. Here are musings on the art of translation and visual exegesis, on clashing epistemologies and formation of the ethical imagination, on fearlessness and fragility as dimensions of life in community, and more. Highly recommended! -Carolyn J. Sharp, Professor of Homiletics, Yale Divinity School
The only thing richer than a book by Samuel E. Balentine (though this might be debated) is a volume in honor of this one-of-a-kind scholar, teacher, and theologian. The present collection, authored by leading scholars focused on Torah and Wisdom, is a worthy tribute to Balentine’s innovations in theological and ethical interpretation, performed in interdisciplinary modes, with consistent attention paid to the history of reception. Echoing God’s words in Job, one of the contributors asks, ‘Have you considered my servant, Sam?’ This book helps one do just thatand not just Sam, also his God and his beloved Scripture. A perfect trifecta! -Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law, Duke University
