Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 18:1 (Spring 2021)
Article: Editorial Introduction
Author: Lloyd A. Harsch

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Editorial Introduction

Lloyd A. Harsch

Lloyd A. Harsch is professor of church history and Baptist studies, occupying the Cooperative Program Chair of SBC Studies; divisional associate dean of the Theological and Historical Studies Division; director of the Institute for Faith and the Public Square; and guest editor, Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Dr. Adam Harwood, who normally holds the responsibility of editing this journal is out of the country serving in his additional capacity as Chaplain in the Louisiana Army National Guard. When he was called into active duty, the responsibility of editing the journal came to me. I am happy to fill in for him as he serves both our Lord and our country. On the surface, editing a journal seems so easy until it is your responsibility to do so. I am discovering how much work goes into the process. However, Dr. Harwood did an excellent job of setting things in motion prior to his departure. I am also deeply grateful to my assistant, Gray Clary, for his diligent attention to detail in making this issue a reality.

In the opening article, Ben Hutchison explores Martin Luther’s view of death and grieving. For Luther, the Christian’s hope from suffering and death was to focus on Christ and his victory over death. He includes contemporary applications of Luther’s perspective. The next article examines how writers in the Bible used the literary form of lament as hope in God for a hurting world. Jessica McMillan and Ed Steele trace the use of the lament throughout the Bible and include original musical scores for contemporary use.

Mario Melendez describes how pre- and post-exilic prophets understood the Davidic Covenant, culminating in a messianic message. Rex Butler looks at Early Church writers, with an emphasis on Justin Martyr, as they defend the pre-existence and divinity of Jesus by interpreting Old Testament theophanies as manifestations of Jesus.

Joseph Early traces the impact of Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotlean and Stoic, on the Jewish Philosopher, Philo of Alexandria, in his views of women. Philo’s views had significant influence

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on the allegorically minded Alexandrian school of biblical interpretation and later medieval theology.

The purpose of Christian witness has always been to present the never-changing Gospel, to an ever-changing culture, in a way that makes sense to them. Pete Charpentier examines the hermeneutical implications of Paul utilizing pagan beliefs as starting points for his address to the Areopagus in Athens. Preston Nix concludes with what it means to have boldness in evangelism. He prese...