It is often difficult to identify the most helpful series of papers at a given SBL (and when I say this I mean “helpful” for my own academic interests and scholarly pursuits). The reasons for this are varied. First, there are often sessions where the quality of papers is uneven. It is not uncommon to have a gem of a paper surrounded by a few papers that are less interesting or substantive. Second (and conversely), there are usually three or four sessions throughout the week in which every paper is a “homerun,” so to speak. This year the best session I attended, hands down, was a discussion of Elizabeth Struthers Malbon’s new book, Mark’s Jesus (Baylor University Press).
The session consisted of reflections on Malbon’s book from leading Markan scholars who have also labored significantly in literary hermeneutics over the years. The session began with a paper from Joanna Dewey (Episcopal Divinity School), followed by papers from Alan Culpepper (Mercer University) and Gene Boring (Brite Divinity School). These papers were followed by a response from Malbon (who teaches at Virginia Tech); Mark Allan Powell (Trinity Lutheran Seminary) presided over the session. The panel consisted of five scholars who are both pioneers in narrative criticism (and related hermeneutics) and Markan studies–two of my prevailing interests. The session was intriguing and stimulating to me for at least three reasons: (1) first, the remarkable agreement among the panelists despite a handful of minor critiques; (2) second, the incredibly collegial dialogue that can be characterized as a “discussion among friends” (believe me, this is not always the case in such sessions); and (3) third, the emotionally compelling dedication of Malbon’s book to the families of those killed in the Virginia Tech shootings 4 years ago. When asked about the dedication toward the end of the session, Malbon was unable to control her emotions, which led to the same reaction from most of those gathered in the room. In a room filled with stoic biblical scholars, this is an unexpected response, indeed.
I began reading Professor Malbon’s book on the plane last night. It appears to be very good and advances a number of ideas she has been considering in her publications over the last two and a half decades. I will be blogging more about it in the coming days. If I don’t get back to my blog before then, have a great Thanksgiving. . . .
