I had the privilege today of interviewing United Methodist Bishop William H. Willimon of the North Alabama Conference. He and Dr. Joel Green served as general editors of the Wesley Study Bible, a landmark new release from Abingdon Press. Bishop Willimon is the author of Who Will Be Saved?, also published by Abingdon.
SHANE: How was the idea conceived for the Wesley Study Bible and how did you become involved in the project?
BISHOP WILLIMON: I was invited by the Abingdon editorial team to be part of the project. Immediately I knew it was a great idea. It was a high honor for me to be part of the undertaking.
SHANE: What are the responsibilities of a general editor? In what ways did you and Dr. Joel Green work together to make this project happen?
BISHOP WILLIMON: Joel is one of the finest biblical scholars working in our church. He is also a congenial, charitable Christian colleague. Under the guidance of the Abingdon editorial team, we had frequent conversations, particularly in the conception of the project. One of our major jobs was to compile a list of those authors, pastors, and scholars who were the very best folks to help move a project like this along to completion. We came up with a “dream team” of writers and, thankfully, most of them said “yes” to Joel's and my request to write for us.
SHANE: What will this Bible offer a Methodist who already has a New Interpreters, New Oxford, Harper Collins or NIV Study Bible?
BISHOP WILLIMON: More than any of these good resources, the Wesley Study Bible is distinctly, exuberantly Wesleyan in its approach to biblical interpretation and application. Here is scripture seen through Wesleyan eyes.
SHANE: United Methodists are theologically diverse. The wider Wesleyan family is even more so. How did this affect decisions about which scholars and pastors to include?
BISHOP WILLIMON: We really worked to make this a true “pan-Wesleyan” endeavor by inviting those key voices within the panoply of Wesleyan Christianity. Nazarenes, AME’s etc. were enthusiastic participants.
SHANE: Rightly or wrongly, in some circles Methodists and Wesleyans have the reputation of being weak on scripture and theology. Why do you think that's the case? How will the Wesley Study Bible strengthen the average layperson in these areas?
BISHOP WILLIMON: If that reputation is well founded, then it’s an indictment on us Methodists! John Wesley boasted of being a “man of one book.” In the Wesley Study Bible we show the fruitfulness of looking at scripture through the lens of the Wesleyan movements. All great reformations of the church are based in scripture and a fresh encounter with scripture. The Wesleyan movement was born in a rediscovery of the sanctificationist, perfectionist, pietistic witness of scripture.
SHANE: Describe the editing process. As a general editor did you work directly with the scholars who contributed notes for the individual books of the Bible? What happened when there was disagreement over the information or conclusions in a particular study note or article?
BISHOP WILLIMON: Joel and I assigned writers to various topics, based on our assessment of their areas of particular expertise. Then we carefully reviewed their submissions, along with the Abingdon editorial team. We had fairly strict guidelines and examples of what we wanted. We really had very, very few rewrites but we didn’t hesitate to ask for further reworking when we thought it necessary. I’ve edited three or four volumes previously and must say that this was about the most enjoyable editorial process I’ve experienced.
SHANE: What role should the sermons and writings of John Wesley play in the lives of Methodists today? How should we present these writings to "pew Methodists"?
BISHOP WILLIMON: The Wesley Study Bible makes frequent reference to the sermons and writings. I think they are best appropriated in small doses! Wesley continues to challenge and stir but in small doses – such as one finds in the WSB! I’ve particularly rediscovered the joy of his Notes on the New Testament. Some great insights on every page.
SHANE: In your opinion, how do we make Methodism a movement again, and not just a denomination (or group of denominations)?
BISHOP WILLIMON: Scripture is that which moves us. A fresh encounter with that which gave us birth can rebirth us again! The Bible is so very much more interesting than some of the silly, superficial matters that consume our church. I predict that the Wesley Study Bible could be the catalyst for the renewal of our church that many of us have prayed for.
SHANE: On a personal note, how does your position as a United Methodist
bishop help you influence the denomination as a whole?
BISHOP WILLIMON: I’d like to think that my contribution is in fulfilling this historic, biblical role of bishops – to teach. It’s my job to do all I can not only to protect and defend the faith of the church but to pass it on! The WSB has given me a gracious opportunity to do that.
BISHOP WILLIMON: I’ve got a book coming out from Abingdon on preaching and time, preaching and eschatology, preaching and, well, lots of things. I’m also finishing a manuscript on Karl Barth’s early sermons – translation and commentary on his early preaching. And I’m getting ready to begin a manuscript on Jesus- Why Jesus?, introducing Jesus to a new generation of Christians. Thanks for asking.
RELATED LINK: A Peculiar Prophet (Bishop Willimon's Blog)
Good interview, Shane, with very good questions about the Wesley Study Bible.
Posted by: Mitch Lewis | January 28, 2009 at 06:32 AM
My copy is on order! Thanks for the interview.
Posted by: Kevin Jackson | February 06, 2009 at 12:23 AM