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Shane Raynor of The Wesley Report spoke with United Methodist Bishop William H. Willimon of the North Alabama Conference about his role as one of the general editors of the new Wesley Study Bible, a landmark new release from Abingdon Press.
Shane Raynor: How was the idea conceived for the Wesley Study Bible and how did you become involved in the project?
Bishop William H. 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.
What are the responsibilities of a general editor? In what ways did you and Dr. Joel Green work together to make this project happen?
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 our request to write for us.
What will this Bible offer a Methodist who already has a New Interpreters, New Oxford, Harper Collins, or NIV Study Bible?
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.
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?
We really worked to make this a true “pan-Wesleyan” endeavor by inviting those key voices within the panoply of Wesleyan Christianity. Everyone from the Nazarenes to those from the African Methodist Episcopal Church were enthusiastic participants.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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”?
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 Wesley Study Bible. I’ve particularly rediscovered the joy of his Notes on the New Testament. There are some great insights on every page.
In your opinion, how do we make Methodism a movement again, and not just a denomination (or group of denominations)?
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.
On a personal note, how does your position as a United Methodist bishop help you influence the denomination as a whole?
I’d like to think that my contribution is in fulfilling the 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 Wesley Study Bible has given me a gracious opportunity to do that.
Shane Raynor is a writer and publisher based in Austin, Texas. He is a certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church and has done ministry work with teenagers for the past six years in multicultural Southeast Austin. He blogs regularly at www.WesleyReport.com
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