SBL, Days 2 and 3

Well, a lot has happened in the last two days. Sunday morning, I went to a breakfast for Princeton Theological Seminary (prospective students were also invited). I met with students from PTS, including a couple PhD students in the NT program. It was really helpful to hear about the program from those who are actually in it. One of them, Janette, even introduced me to a professor there, Shane Berg, who was really kind and informative. After the breakfast, I was off to prepare for another meeting. At 11 am, I met with David Aune from Notre Dame. He was really down to earth and very open about their CJA (Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity) program. Later, I found the same to be true of Greg Sterling. Unfortunately, Adela Collins and I were unable to meet because we couldn't find one other in the crowed hotel lobby. I think that that sort of thing isn't uncommon at conventions like this. Hopefully we will be able to meet up before the convention is over. The day ended with another meeting with folks from Princeton. I got to sit down and chat with Dead Sea Scrolls expert, James Charlesworth, who was more gracious and accommodating than I could have imagined. Before I left, he introduced me to C. Clifton Black who is also on faculty at Princeton. He was a easy to talk to and a lot of fun. I'd really love the opportunity to work with these wonderful scholars. 

Monday. I finally got to attend papers. I sat in on two sessions on the Historical Jesus and one panel discussion on the book, Seeking the Identity of Jesus, edited by Beverly Gaventa and Richard Hays. I was also able to meet with Bruce Longenecker, who has just been appointed to the NT department at Baylor University (sick 'em bears!). As I suspected, he was easy to talk to and eager to answer my questions.

Wow. My meetings during this SBL are over! Whoa. They all went pretty well. Many thanks to all who prayed for me, both in person and in spirit.

Tomorrow. I'm going to go to a few more papers and then fly home. It's been a great trip, but I really miss Rachel.