FROM THE HILL: Yuille co-edits new book, Darling addresses social activism, and Wainscott writes a poem of lament for Ukraine

“From the Hill” is a regular series highlighting the work of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College’s faculty. Check back here regularly to find articles, blogs, podcasts, interviews, and more.

“Faith Working through Love: The Theology of William Perkins” (published by Reformation Heritage Books), co-edited by J. Stephen Yuille, professor of pastoral theology and spiritual formation

• “He left an indelible mark upon the English Puritan movement and his writings were translated into Dutch, German, French, Hungarian, and other European languages. In Faith Working Through Love, a group of twelve scholars mine the depths of Perkins’s works [as they] survey the theology of the maestro of English practical theologians.”

“Faith Drives Young Evangelicals’ Social Activism” (article on RealClear Religion), written by Dan Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement; assistant professor of faith and culture, Texas Baptist College

• “In 1989, historian David Bennington answered the perennial question about the nature of evangelicalism with a four-fold definition:
  • Biblicism: a fervent belief in the authority and inspiration of the Bible
  • Crucicentrism: a focus on the work of Christ on the cross
  • Conversionism: a commitment to evangelism
  • Activism: the urgency of living out the Christian faith by applying the gospel to social ills”

“‘The Hatred in My Heart’: Challenges and Opportunities of Han Christian Identity in Engaging Uyghur Muslims” (article on Brill), written by Michael L. Copeland, assistant professor of missions and associate director of the World Missions Center

• “As Han Christians continue to engage in Christian mission, understanding their interaction with Uyghur Muslims gives insights into growing barriers and future possibilities. Oral histories and relevant historical sources qualitatively explain the challenges and opportunities involved in Han Christian interaction with Uyghurs Muslims. The article assesses the historical and current backgrounds of both groups. Comparing self-reported identities and interactions reveal not just their distinctives but also opportunities for connection. Finally, this article discusses these specific opportunities, despite escalating tensions, for continued Han Christian engagement in Christian mission with Uyghurs, especially as it relates to sharing translated scripture.”

“A Poetic Lament for Ukraine” (article in Providence Magazine), written by Justin Wainscott, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and director of professional doctoral studies

• “In December 1863, in the middle of the American Civil War and while helping care for a son who had been severely wounded in that war, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned the words to the poem, ‘Christmas Bells.’ Within a few years, his poem was put to music and became the now-famous carol, ‘I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.'”

“EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Valued by God – Special Focus Session” (podcast episode on Bible Studies for Life | Adult Leader Training), featuring Ashley Allen, assistant professor of women’s ministries and director of news and information

• “It’s that time of year—the time to make new year’s resolutions (or look back at whether or not we stuck to the ones we made in years past). People love new year’s resolutions because it gives us the opportunity to turn the page and hope that the story we write this year will be better than the story we wrote last year. We want more in savings, our clothes to fit better, or to take on a new challenge. We may even look to others we admire who have done great things—even things that have shocked us—in years past and try to figure out how they did it!”

“Recapturing Evangelism: A Biblical-Theological Approach” (published by B&H Academic), authored by Matt Queen,interim provost and vice president for academic administration, associate dean of the Roy J. Fish School of Evangelism and Missions, professor of evangelism, and L.R. Scarborough Chair of Evangelism

• “Written for college and seminary students, pastors, church leaders, and everyday Christians eager to take a deeper look at what evangelism is and how to go about it, Recapturing Evangelism explores the Bible’s many teachings on evangelism, deriving from them a philosophy of evangelistic practice and theory. In it, readers will find a sound basis for evangelism, insights on methods and strategies, and motivation to engage unbelievers with a renewed confidence in the power of the gospel. ”