In Memoriam: -- By: Edward Joseph Young

Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 30:2 (May 1968)
Article: In Memoriam:
Author: Edward Joseph Young


In Memoriam:

Edward Joseph Young

(1907-1968)

On February 14, 1968, Dr. Edward Joseph Young, editor of the Westminster Theological Journal and chairman of the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary suffered a heart attack at his home and passed away shortly after being taken to the hospital.

Dr. Young was born November 29, 1907, in San Francisco, California. After graduating from Stanford University in 1929 and taking a brief term of study in San Francisco Theological Seminary, he entered Westminster Theological Seminary in the fall of 1932, completing the regular course of study in 1935. Particularly interested in the study of the Old Testament, he spent the year following his graduation from seminary at the University of Leipzig studying under Albrecht Alt. Later he took further graduate work at Dropsie College of Hebrew and Cognate Learning in Philadelphia and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by that institution in 1943. He was appointed Instructor in Old Testament at Westminster in 1936, Assistant Professor in 1939, and Professor in 1946. In December 1966 he was elected chairman of the faculty and held that post until his death.

Dr. Young’s work at the Seminary and for this Journal was enriched by his wide command of languages, covering not only the Semitic field but many others as well. He also brought to his work a wealth of experience gained by extensive travels in Europe and the Near East. His greatest contribution, however, came as the result of his love for, and mastery of, Old Testament studies. He was particularly fond of the prophetic writings. He wrote on Daniel, a favorite subject also of Robert Dick Wilson, a predecessor in the Old Testament Department at Westminster. But his major

interest was the book of Isaiah. Shortly before his death he completed the manuscript of the third and final volume of his commentary on the prophet, of which the first volume appeared in 1965 and the second volume has been announced. He was the author of many other books, among which were An Introduction to the Old Testament and Arabic for Beginners. He also contributed articles and book reviews to this Journal and to other publications.

The paramount aim of Dr. Young’s life was to extend and to make relevant the authority of Scripture in every sphere of human activity. Devotion to the Bible as the Word of God permeated his thinking. He was an unabashed champion of the inerrancy of Scripture as an essential element of any defensible doctrine of its authority.

It can be said of Dr. Young that he fought a good fight, he finished the course, he kept the faith. The Christian wor...

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