The memorial service for Brevard Childs was held yesterday at Yale Divinity School. It was a very moving tribute to Childs. Leander Keck, professor of NT and Childs’s long-time friend, gave a twenty minute eulogy on Childs, his scholarship, and his effect on the field of biblical studies. In a fitting ending, he spoke of Childs himself now having attained his own “final canonical form.” Also participating in the service were Robert Wilson, Carolyn Sharp, and Dean Harold Attridge.
It was good to see a number of friends and former classmates who had come for the service. Steve Cook and Judy Fentress-Williams came up from Virginia Theological Seminary, while Richard Hayes and Steve Chapman flew from Duke. Best of all, I also got to see Susan Olson, a classmate from seminary who is now the director of career services and lecturer in practical theology1 at the divinity school, as well as being one of the university chaplains. Thanks for lunch, Susan!
For me, the service was a time to remember Childs and the effect he had on my formation. It was also an encouragement to continue in scholarship. During this time when I am not employed in the field, it has been difficult for me to find the time or energy to engage in scholarship. Hearing people talk about Bard and his dedication reminded me why I enjoy this field so much. It renewed my spirit and enthusiasm for biblical studies.
The school had invited people to contribute to a book of remembrances that was presented to his wife, Ann Childs. They had it available for people to read before the service. One person shared a memory of Childs that encapsulated quite well how Childs approached biblical studies:
I remember in one class, a student came to Childs and asked him how to write a deeper exegesis paper. Childs replied, “If you want to write a deeper exegesis paper, become a deeper person.”
For Bard, any study of the Bible that did not profoundly affect the student was useless.
- Personally, I have never been convinced that the words practical and theology can be used in the same sentence. [back]
On September 26th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Ah, Kevin, it was fabuloso to see you, too. I’m so glad you made it out to the mother ship, even if it does now resemble a nursing home of sorts.
I know Mrs. Childs was touched by how many people from outside the current YDS community came out for the service. It was a beautiful tribute to what an influential person he was.