Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 10:1 (Spring 1999)
Article: My High Regard For Dr. Thomas
Author: James M. George

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My High Regard For Dr. Thomas

James M. George, Th.M.

Dean of Admissions
The Master’s Seminary

My first exposure to Dr. Thomas came in the late 1970s when I attended Talbot Theological Seminary. His reputation as a “stern taskmaster” in the classroom was legendary. In fact, the rumors surrounding Dr. Thomas were of such a nature that I entered his infamous class — New Testament Introduction — believing that God’s judgment was about to descend upon me! To my surprise, I found Dr. Thomas to be a kind, gentle, gracious, and fair man, full of God’s wisdom and knowledge. The rumors about this man were not entirely correct. True to his reputation, Dr. Thomas demanded academic excellence from his students, but this was the same standard he demanded for himself. As a result of that class and my exposure to Dr. Thomas, I further resolved to be a more accurate student of God’s Word.

My second exposure to Dr. Thomas came when I returned to Talbot as the Director of Internships and Placement and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry. As I began to interact with Dr. Thomas as a colleague, I consistently observed the same devotion to biblical excellence as I had experienced in the classroom. When the faculty dealt with difficult issues facing the Seminary, Dr. Thomas was a solid anchor holding us all to the biblical standard. Dr. Thomas was always kind, gracious, and gentle just as I remembered him from the classroom. But there, as always, was that solid resolve of a Christian soldier who has seen many a battle and come through victorious.

Now, twenty years later, we serve together once again on the faculty at The Master’s Seminary. Even after these many years of personal association, I still can’t bring myself to call this giant of academic excellence, “Bob!” To me this man, whom I respect so much and who has contributed so much to Christian scholarship, will always and forever be known and addressed by me as “Dr. Thomas.”

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