Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue

Based on Köstenberger's address at the regional ETS meeting last week I decided to pick up his book on Godly Character and the pursuit of scholarship: Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue, (Crossway, 2011).

The book is largely devotional, which makes for an interesting paradox since its written for scholars, who generally avoid popular reading. However, it seems that Köstenberger might have niched the book so that it will only appeal to a select group of Evangelical readers.

Köstenberger basically builds the outline of the book from 2 Peter 1:3-11 and the virtues that Peter lays out for the believer to follow. Each chapter is a short essay that discusses the biblical theology of the virtue and then some practical outworking of the virtue in one's "pursuit of scholarship."

Two things struck me as I read the book: (1) the cost of doing good scholarship is pretty high, and (2) why wouldn't you want to do it. We truly are working with the Queen of the Sciences. As a result we should do it well and Christian-ly. Köstenberger shows that you can do both.

The chapter that stood out the most to me was his treatment of creativity. Because of our commitment to excellent scholarship, but also our doctrinal commitment, we are forced to be more creative. Oftentimes I find that creative-types want freedom, but really want is the mother of creativity. When I have to complete a task, but my resources are limited, these are the times that I'm able to find creative solutions. Sometimes these solutions are in place until I can find something better, but at other times they are actually work better than what I had before. I wouldn't have come to it unless the need arose.

Another chapter that stood out dealt with passion. Its amazing to think that there are scholars that can't get passionate about the Bible or theology. Most scholars got into this business because of a deep love for the Bible, God, the church. But by the end of a Th.M. or M.Div. students are more concerned with getting into a Ph.D. program or getting published. At what point to students lose their passion and develop a pride or hunger for fame?

Though Kösternberger states up front: "This is not a self-help book" (a plea that all self-help books make!), he makes a number of helpful tips for scholars to implement. Wake up at 4:30am; this is when you get your best work done. Make reading or writing a hobby. Don't neglect your relationships, particularly your family.

There is little negative to say about this book. I appreciated the vulnerability that Köstenberger displayed at times in helping young scholars develop and think through what it means to work within biblical studies (a real lacunae in biblical academic training). I would have liked to see it broaden out to other believers--they should study the Bible too.

The punchline of the book reminds me of a quote from J. Oswald Chambers that a co-worker sent me:

"The spirit of the welfare state does not produce leaders. If a Christian is not willing to rise early and work late, to expend greater effort in diligent study and faithful work, that person will not change a generation. Fatigue is the price of leadership. Mediocrity is the result of never getting tired."