Wright’s been the Bishop here in Durham for about 5 years, and several of his larger writing projects have been put on hold because of his ecclesial responsibilities. He recently decided to hire an assistant to do the leg work with bibliographies, summarising, photocopying, etc. in preparation for his upcoming book on Paul in his Christian Origins series and for a couple of commentaries he’s working on: Galatians (Two Horizons) and Philippians (ICC).
He had briefly mentioned the idea of it when we had the Durham-Duke dinner there, and I don’t really remember thinking much of it. But when we got the email through the department a couple of weeks ago, I thought I should jump on it. I had the interview Thursday, which for part of it also included his wife and ecclesiastical right-hand man, and got the offer Friday morning. That was the first time I’d really ever had a conversation with him, and I found him to be very friendly. I’ll be doing about 10 hrs per week until my thesis is finished, Lord willing, about this time next year, and it looks as though we’ll be in Durham for a year after that (until summer 2010).
I’m really stoked about it. And it came just at the right time. With the UK phd only being 3 years, having a 2 year commitment was difficult for most, but since we were hoping to extend our time here by a year anyway, it was a good fit. Plus, if he were doing any other NT subject I would definitely be out of the running. So it’s one of those right time, right place instances.
Here’s a picture Nijay and I got with him at the Durham-Duke dinner at Auckland Castle:
Saturday, 9 August 2008 at 8:25 pm
Will you be keeping up to date on this blog about your research studies for Wright`s Pauline project or will you have to take a vow of silence. I think the whole of Pauline Studies will be on tenterhooks for this project. Congratulations I am Jealous. If you ever need any help I am sure you will have plenty of volunteers
Saturday, 9 August 2008 at 8:39 pm
Wow, what a great honor. This would be dream for so many people. Congratulations! Any idea on when the Paul Christian Origins will be out?
Saturday, 9 August 2008 at 8:43 pm
We didn’t talk too much on details on a vow, but I’ll try to err on the side of silence. On a practical note, I probably won’t be doing as much blogging out of lack of time–with trying to find another 10 hrs in the week. But as far as the direction of the book, when he discussed the big picture of the project, it was pretty similar to themes from the Climax of Covenant and Fresh Perspective books. On timing he didn’t mention specifically, but I don’t think he’ll get much writing done until 2009.
Saturday, 9 August 2008 at 10:45 pm
Ben,
Congrats on that and I’m sure you’ll be a good assistant to Wright. We’ll have to have a celebratory drink in Durham.
Sunday, 10 August 2008 at 3:18 am
Ben,
Congrats! What an honor!
I think blogging less will be well worth it!
Sunday, 10 August 2008 at 4:39 am
Wow!!! Congrats Ben!
Sunday, 10 August 2008 at 8:18 am
Well Done
Sunday, 10 August 2008 at 11:27 am
Congratulations my friend.
Sunday, 10 August 2008 at 5:37 pm
What a blessing! Congratulations, Ben… what an honor.
Sunday, 10 August 2008 at 6:03 pm
Hey … a belated congratulations!! If you do much proof-reading for it then you can always try the classic Blackadder line after the prince had dictaed a letter to him:
“Yes, your Highness, very moving. May I suggest just one small change?”,
“Yes, Blackadder, what is it?”
“The Words”!
Monday, 11 August 2008 at 9:11 am
Congratulations Ben
I guess I should now confess that, as and when you get round to the ICC volume, I have a couple of the commentaries that Dennis Whitley left on his death and that Tom passed on to me during my research – let me know when you need them!!
Sean
Monday, 11 August 2008 at 4:03 pm
Ben
Good for you. I’m sure you’ll do a great job.
Best wishes
Mark
Monday, 11 August 2008 at 7:09 pm
Congratulations on this new opportunity! I hope to meet you sometime this year, as my family and I make our move to Durham.
Monday, 11 August 2008 at 8:51 pm
When you’re famous and get thanked in Wright’s next tome, don’t forget the little people!
Monday, 11 August 2008 at 10:16 pm
I remember hearing him saying that he really needs a research assistant to get the Paul book going, and I’ve been fasting and praying ever since (just joshin’). This is good news for the kingdom of God.
Joshua
Friday, 15 August 2008 at 2:02 am
Congratulations and blessings on you! This will be good for him and for you!
Mike
Monday, 18 August 2008 at 4:18 pm
Thanks for all your well-wishing!
Tuesday, 26 August 2008 at 5:19 pm
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