A Lifetime in the Church and the University

These recollections of a life-time in the Church and in different universities give rise to a diverse series of anecdotes which provide first some entertaining humor second a glimpse into both academic and church life and third my attempted contributions to Christian theology. Teaching in five British universities belonging to such church national bodies as fifteen years on the Church of England General Synod twenty-eight years serving on the Doctrine Commission and many years on other Church committees as well as secular national bodies . . . has left a reservoir of diverse memories that some have thought worth sharing. At the beginning there is more about the providence of God and my own mistakes than anything else. These chapters begin with a relatively high ratio of entertainment but become increasingly theological in the later chapters. Towards the end my story concerns teaching in America Korea and elsewhere. Although the Church of England and British universities often provide a focus my overseas doctoral graduates assure me that the story would be of international interest. Those who have read one of my twenty books (and three more to come) may also have a special interest in it. From the Preface Tony Thiselton has led an exceptional life--in fact one much more exceptional than I realized and I have known him for over thirty years! This autobiography is not just an account of a life but it is a delightful and instructive recounting of a fascinating and accomplished spiritual and academic adventure. A dominating idea that clearly emerges is how despite physical and health problems that would have deterred a lesser person Tonys Christian faith and dedication to the church have resulted in great things for the academy. We can all be thankful to God for such a life well lived. --Stanley E. Porter Dean Professor of New Testament McMaster Divinity College Hamilton Ontario Canada This autobiography with its many photographs and humorous memories is a delight to read. What an interesting and fruitful life Tony has led and how much family friends students and colleagues have owed to him and have benefited particularly from the richness of his writing. --Professor James D.G. Dunn Professor of Divinity emeritus University of Durham Durham UK This is classic Thiselton--ranging over all his many interests with a meticulous eye for detail a gentle sense of humor and an overriding concern for the glory of God and spread of the gospel. Having accompanied him as a friend and colleague over the last three decades it was instructive and interesting to read Tonys take on aspects of the journey we have shared in scholarship and the academic life as well as in the church and ministry. I dont know how he has managed to achieve it all but Im grateful and wish him well for the future. --Richard A. Burridge Dean Kings College London UK This book is not merely a walk down memory lane with a devoted Christian and a superlative scholar. Rather Thiselton provides a basis for reflecting on providence precociousness piety illness--and humor. --Klyne Snodgrass professor North Park University Chicago IL Anthony C. Thiselton is Emeritus Canon Professor of Christian Theology in the University of Nottingham. He has written twenty books including The Holy Spirit (2013) The Last Things (2012) The Hermeneutics of Doctrine (2007) and The First Epistle to the Corinthians (NIGTC 2000). He holds the PhD DD and DTheol and is a Fellow of the British Academy. With poor eyesight and a severe stroke he has spent fifty-four years in Ordained Ministry and the University.