Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue [Paperback]

Andreas J. Köstenberger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 5, 2011

We are called to excellence in all activities of life, not least in our scholarship and ministry. Outlining virtues directly related to vocation and scholarship, Andreas Köstenberger tells us there is a way to be a better person and a better scholar—without needing to sacrifice our faith at the altar of academic respectability. Here is a call to a life of virtue lived out in excellence. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Here is an excellent, searching, full-length study on the moral and spiritual requirements of being a professional, evangelical, biblical scholar. This book will do great good to those of us who ply this trade.”
—J. I. Packer, Board of Governors' Professor of Theology, Regent College

“Sadly, Christian scholarship often has more prima donnas than the New York ballet and more mediocrity than a Cuban car-making factory! In an age when scholars sometimes think of themselves as celebrities rather than as servants of the church, along comes Andreas Köstenberger with a great book on the virtues of the Christian academic. Köstenberger provides engaging reflections on how to turn your utmost scholarship to the highest ends of all: the glory of God. In this slim book, Köstenberger provides us with a pathway on how to cultivate the great virtues in the life of the Christian scholar. It is rebuking, moving, and inspiring!”
—Michael F. Bird, Lecturer in Theology, Ridley Melbourne College of Mission and Ministry

“Excellence is a lofty challenge and is most often measured in our culture by personal or financial gain. Dr. Köstenberger has given us a much-needed biblical and theological perspective on excellence, centered in the very character and works of God. The journey of excellence begins with God and is lived out in us in our own spiritual growth and development. This message has been a fresh reminder to me that I have no choice but to pursue excellence in all areas of my life because of the grace given to me in Christ.”
—Selma Wilson, President, B&H Publishing Group

“Andreas Köstenberger, who has a distinguished career in the world of scholarship, addresses a topic few have had courage to tackle in a kind-spirited tone—namely, the practical application of intellectual virtues in scholarship. Grounded in the biblical text and balanced by the realities of life, this clear, concise, compelling, and convicting work points the scholar to the more excellent way, where conduct in scholarship weighs as important as the content of scholarship. For those who long to see Christian graces and civility permeate the world of scholarship, this book deserves careful attention. It is not to be read and then left on the shelf, but taken to heart.”
—Bruce A. Little, Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Director of the Center for Faith and Culture, The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

About the Author

ANDREAS J. KÖSTENBERGER (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a prolific author, and a distinguished scholar. His many books include God, Marriage, and Family, and The Heresy of Orthodoxy. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Crossway (October 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581349106
• ISBN-13: 978-1581349108
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Kostenberge is Senior Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is also the founder of Biblical Foundations™. Dr. Kostenberger is the author of numerous books on a variety of biblical and theological topics. He also serves as the editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society and as Director of Acquisitions for B&H Academic. Dr. Kostenberger and his wife Margaret have four children and live in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellence in Proper Perspective November 23, 2011

By Sheep23

Format:Paperback

After finishing Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholary Virtue by Andreas Kostenberger, I am still awestruck by the way Dr. Kostenberger brought to bear the twin ideas of excellence being found in God and basing our scholarly virtues on Him. This seems sort of like an obvious statement, but I have never read a book that deals so biblically and faithfully with scholarly virtue and God. Most times what you get from a book about scholarly virtues is concepts related to philosophy and Greek thinking, but Kostenberger rightfully situates scholarly virtues in the character of God. How does he do this? Kostenberger writes, "Undergirded by the grace of God, we will make progress in our pursuit of excellence as we add to our faith the various virtues discussed throughout this book" (28). The virtues themselves that the author is talking about fall into line with the various headings: vocational, moral, foundations and relational excellence.

One of the best things about this book was the way that it was formatted in each chapter. Each chapter has a section regarded to taking that virtue through the Bible (diligence in the NT, components of biblical spirituality). Next, Kostenberger gives an analysis of various texts involved and finishes with an application of the various virtues to the Christian life. One of my favorite sections was on spirituality. Kostenberger writes, "Christian spirituality, properly understood, is a spirituality of engagement, not withdrawal, even though there will times when Christians will retreat temporarily" (73-74). Kostenberger goes onto place a proper spirituality in line with loving engagement in community and fellowship.... What was so dead on here was the focus that spirituality is not a pull back from the people and culture that we we live in, but a proper engagement of them. Too many times, spirituality is seen as a retreat from the world into an extreme asecticism or mysticism. Kostenberger goes onto apply biblical principles of spirituality of scholarship by saying, "In our scholarly work, we must never substitute pious posturing for actual research and engagement with the evidence" (79). A mere appearance of pious behavior should not take away from actual study and research, lest our witness be demolished and our scholarship called into contact.

The chapter on humility was far and away a knockout chapter in my book. Kostenberger writes seemingly applying it scholarship and christians by saying, "How often do you consider the possibility that you might be wrong?" (203). A shot to the heart, here Kostenberger seeks to ask his readers to not overstate their case in scholarship or be too vain to not actually believe they could be wrong. Taking some cues from C.J. Mahaney, Kostenberger draws out the implications of seeing humility in terms of the wonder of the cross of Christ and also by seeing God's holiness in relationship to our sin. Humility is not easily discusses in any book, but I think Kostenberger draws out some key components of a bibical humility that will aid both scholar and believer.

I thought this book was a great work in wedding a biblical view of God (his attributes and characteristics) to an a fully orbed understanding of virtue in the scholarly arena. You will find tidbits of Kostenberger's own personal scholarly journey (from taking a minority view of the authorship of John's letters) to experiences with students. This book should be read by anyone interested in scholarship but also anyone concerned about virtue and the Christian life. I heartily endorse this book as a wake up call for the church to stand strong in its faith, and to take the role of virtues seriously in a pragmatic society.

Much thanks to Crossway Books for the review copy of this book. Read more ›

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Helpful Guide for the Aspiring Conservative Christian Scholar January 19, 2012

By Benjamin A. Simpson VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

For those entering the world of scholarship, Andreas Kostenberger provides Christians with this helpful compendium, filled with wisdom, knowledge, and insight. Kostenberger knows and understands the importance of the scholarly task, as well as the insufficiencies of some aspects of evangelical scholarship that need to be addressed in order that Christian truth may gain a broader hearing.

I strongly commend Dr. Kostenberger's humility as a scholar, and his prescription to the aspiring scholar to offer their views carefully, cogently, and persuasively, while acknowledging that others will disagree for justifiable reasons. In this way, Kostenberger understands the scholarly task, and cautions those who would take up the task of scholarship to avoid the vices and temptations of the discipline. He exhorts his readers to represent opposing view points in accordance with what the scholar has actually argued, to avoid ad hominen arguments, and to carefully state one's case. He instructs scholars to offer their viewpoints persuasively and humbly, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric. Kostenberger desires to see evangelical scholars take up the work of research in an excellent way, furthering knowledge in Christlike ways.

Two additional strengths of this book: Kostenberger is thoroughly biblical, and enlightening philosophically and theologically. His exposition of scholarly virtue is developed first from a careful reading of 2 Peter 1:3-11 as the basis for scholarly excellence, but the full counsel of Scripture is woven throughout the book. Based in his understanding of the excellence of God, Kostenberger explains God's excellence should inspire the excellence of the scholar.... The scholar who works as one called by Christ will exhibit certain characteristics, or virtues, in their life and work, among them diligence, courage, passion, restraint, creativity, eloquence, integrity, fidelity, wisdom, grace, humility, interdependence, and love. He divides these virtues along the lines of vocational and moral excellence. Not only should scholars be good scholars, they should be good Christians who love Jesus and the church, a point that is not to be missed.

As someone who pursued graduate studies within a public university, I appreciated this book, and wish I would've read it some years earlier. I hope evangelical scholars will read it in the future, and give Kostenberger's words heed. The church is in deep need of scholars who are rigorous, passionate, dedicated, and truthful, yet who will also valiantly stand for Christ. This book is an encouragement in that regard, and for that I am thankful. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wise guide for pursuing Christian scholarly excellence March 28, 2012

By Nathaniel Claiborne

Format:Paperback

Every now and then I'll read a book that feels like it came at just the right time. Working my way through Andreas Kostenberger's recent book Excellence, was just one of the those times. Post-seminary, I'm finding myself in a kind of no-man's land. I went to seminary to train for the academy, but I'm not yet really in the academy. Dallas is an excellent seminary, but the Ph.D program is where more of the academic formation takes place, rather than the Th.M program (not that I wasn't developed academically in getting my degree, far from it!). As I look forward to completing Ph.D studies one day (we'll see!) I'm working with my church and am teaching in a local Christian high school.

This basically means I'm trying to continue developing academically outside of a school structure. As far as knowledge expansion goes, I think I'm good to go, but Kostenberger's book has brought a fresh perspective into view and reminded me that character is a key part of what makes a good scholar. While I can work on developing my character, it is really as I seek to know God more clearly that the Spirit will work in my heart to develop these virtues. I can try, but I am dependent on God to grow in excellence.

The essence of Kostenberger's work is that it "represents an attempt to probe the nature of scholarly excellence and to suggest ways in which we can make progress in our quest to achieve it." (40) He then adds that "This book cannot substitute for a flesh-and-blood mentor, but perhaps it can help you follow the calling of God in your life and inspire you to pursue greater excellence in your fulfillment of that call." (41)

As a tool to send you down the path to virtue, Kostenberger's book is highly accessible. It is written to young scholars (ideally Ph....D students) but is full of wisdom that would be good reminders for older scholars in the church as well. Stylistically, it is clear and an easy, meditative read. It should probably be essential reading your first year of seminary to hopefully ward off the arrogance that tends to come with advanced theological studies.

Diving into the contents, Kostenberger organizes his book around four parts:

Foundations for Excellence
Vocational Excellence
Moral Excellence
Relational Excellence

I tend to see these triperspectivally, which means I see the latter three parts as respectively detailing the normative, existential, and situational dimensions of excellence. When it comes to each chapter in the following outline, Kostenberger generally begins by explaining the attribute from relevant passages in the Old and New Testament so that they are biblically defined. He then explains how a scholar would model that particular attribute in their work. As just a resource on pursuing excellence, even someone who doesn't plan on being a scholar any time would benefit from Kostenberger's sketching chapter to chapter a biblical theology of excellence. They would then need to think about how it would apply to their particular vocation.

Foundations for Excellence

Kostenberger roots the pursuit of excellence in the character of God, and specifically in his holiness (chapter 1). He then shows from Scripture how we are called to excellence specifically by unpacking 2 Peter 1:3-11 (chapter 2). These verses then form the framework for the next three sections of the book. Before getting to that though, Kostenberger sketches out a short biblical theology of holiness and emphasizes that our call to it means becoming more who we are in Christ (chapter 3). The section then ends with a chapter on Christian spirituality especially as it pertains to Christian scholarship (chapter 4).

Vocational Excellence

With the foundations in place, this section begins unpacking the virtues that interdependently lead to vocational excellence. I see these as the normative perspective on excellence since they outline what any scholar, Christian or not, ought to strive for in their vocation. Kostenberger begins with diligence (chapter 5) to which he adds courage (chapter 6), passion (chapter 7), restraint (chapter 8.), creativity (chapter 9), and eloquence (chapter 10). All of these work in tandem to exude excellence in scholarly work. A scholar needs to have the courage to pursue truth, but also the restraint to not demonize people who disagree with him. Likewise, he needs to be passionate about his studies, but diligent enough to complete works that are started. The final product should be creatively expressed, but also in an eloquent way. Being novel just to be novel may hinder communication, but so might a dry, dusty presentation of the research.

Moral Excellence

While there is certainly a moral component to the virtues related to vocational excellence, the virtues in this section are more in line with what we might expect when talking about Christian character. Here there is just a trio of attributes: integrity (chapter 11), fidelity (chapter 12), and wisdom (chapter 13). These attributes get more to the heart of excellence, especially from a Christian perspective which is why I see them outlining the existential perspective on excellence. A non-Christian scholar can certainly pursue integrity (and should!) but as a Christian, we ground integrity in our calling from God and our faithfulness to it. Wisdom similarly is found in Christ.

Relational Excellence

Finally, Kostenberger turns to attributes that most readily show up in our relationships. I see this as the situational perspective on excellence since our relationships are the everyday situations where excellence can be displayed. He starts exploring the nature of grace in scholarship (chapter 14), and then continues to humility (chapter 15), interdependence (chapter 16) and ends with love (chapter 17). A scholar should be one who is humble in his attitude even though he is prone to be puffed up by his knowledge. He should also be one to extend grace to others, realizing his own scholarly growth is a result of God's grace to him. He should realize his work is interdependent with others and no scholar can do it all alone. Finally, his writing and interacting with others should spring from Christian love. Scholarly work then is just one more way we can love God and love others.

Summary

This is most likely a book I'll need to revisit in the future. It was very timely for me right now and gave me many avenues for character examination. I would readily recommend this book to anyone serving in ministry whether pulpit or classroom (or both!) It might be helpful as well for anyone looking to develop Christian character in their vocation as I said earlier. The book is clearly written to Christian scholars, but the explanation of virtues would fit any vocation. Overall then, I really enjoyed reading this book and found it to be very helpful in my own vocational and character formation. Read more ›