Ketuvim: the Writings of James R. Getz Jr.

There is nothing like having all your business done and being able to just enjoy the conference. So, with the weight of my own paper off my shoulders I had a wonderful day watching other scholars laying their burdens down before the altar of academia. Read more…

Day 1 of the SBL was a packed. Schmoozing with the denomination, giving a paper and spending hard-earned cash in the bookroom takes a lot out of one (and then there were the receptions!). So here is a brief summary of the day. Read more…

The first evening of the SBL is always the Mennonite Scholars and Friends gathering. Last night was a smaller affair than previous years since many of our kinfolk are members of the AAR. However, the group was still substantial and a good time was had by all.

One odd moment occured when a president of one of the Mennonite seminaries came up after the meeting and commented that I spot on concerning the usual bash. Apparently, he had been googling the time and location of the event came accross my post.

On a differnt note: my hotel believes that $160 a night does not entitle one to free wifi. As such, I’ll be doing most of my blogging from the Hyatt Convention Center, where the living is easy, the books are cheap, and the wifi is free.

I finally had a couple of minutes to work out a tentative itinerary for the SBL conference. I’m a little sad, there are three sessions on Sunday afternoon that I want to be in all at the same time. But, gotta go with Pardee’s paper at that time slot. Let me know if I missed anything important. Read more…

The annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature is big. One might even say “Bigger than the biggest thing ever and then some. Much bigger than that in fact, really amazingly immense, a totally stunning size, real ‘wow, that’s big’ time.” And the literature surrounding the society meeting is big as well. So as many of us gear up for the conference, here is some useful information.

First off, Charles Halton at Awilum has some valuable information on how to pack for the conference. Historically, many of us would bring one bag with an extra bag tucked inside — going home with an extra piece of luggage filled with books. However, with new airline surcharges for extra baggage, you might consider ordering the books and having them shipped (check your airline’s policies!).

Another consideration when purchasing books is sales tax. Books in MA are taxed, but religious texts (i.e. Scriptures) are not. So, it might be better to pickup that new NLT Study Bible that John Hobbins has been railing against raving about at the conference than having it shipped.

Charles Halton has also posted an SBL Survival Guide complete with a map and a pdf on how to schmooz. One issue that is not addressed is that the biggest problem in Boston is parking. For example. Three hours at the MFA will run you over $20 in parking. So either leave the car at home or grab a spot and let it sit.

There are many of us biblioblogger-types giving papers this year. Douglas Mangum has compiled an ongoing list of bloggers giving papers this year.  Obviously, you might not be able to hit all of these papers; but it is always nice to be there for friends (real or virtual). Jay Crisostomo has posted his present itinerary over at mu-pàd-da. I might do the same, if only so that I know what my itinerary is when I get to the conferrence.

If you are giving a paper, much bandwidth has been used to provide you with tips on how to present papers. I would recommend the two posts by Kevin Wilson at Blue Cord, the post by Chris Heard at Higgaion, one by Duane Smith at Abnormal Interests and another by Charles Halton.

As a side note: last year, the word for the conference seemed to be “liminal.” It is my sincere hope that this year’s conference will provide us with less liminality.

Finally, if anyone from Philly needs a ride to or from the conference, drop me a line or leave a comment below. I’ve got a small car; but I can probably fit one or two more on the pilgramage. My wife are happy to reduce our carbon footprints in any way we can.

(Title and some description of the SBL conference based off the classic information on the universe by Douglas Adams)

For all of you attending the SBL and wanting to get your peace church on, there are two sessions I recommend.

Mennonite Scholars & Friends Reception
Friday, November 21, 2008 7-8:30 p.m.
Sheraton, Liberty B room

If you are not a Mennonite or didn’t grow up one, this reception can be rough. It involved the “Mennonite game,” whereby you discover how you are connected to other folks in the room in a game akin to “six degrees of separation.” If you aren’t from a Mennonite family, didn’t go to a Mennonite school or aren’t named Yoder, you’ll find yourself feeling awkward the first time. Don’t let this dissuade you from coming. Them’s good folk. If you show up, chat with me. I’m sure I’ll stick out.

Mennonite Scholars & Friends Forum
Saturday, November 22, 2008 9-11:30 a.m.
Hynes Convention Center, Room 210

TOPIC: Teaching Bible: Setting, Method, Agenda
Presiding: Thomas R. Yoder Neufeld, Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo
Presenting: Jo-Ann Brant, Goshen College, Wes Bergen, Wichita State, Jonathan Isaac, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary

The session will be a conversation focusing on the pedagogical challenges and opportunities that Anabaptist scholars encounter in teaching the Bible in various educational settings: public university, Christian college/university, and seminary. The panelists representing these three settings will reflect on who their students are and how that matters, how faith and critical methodologies interact pedagogically, and whether there is an “Anabaptist agenda” in teaching the Bible, and, if so, what its impact is on pedagogy.

This seems like a fun session. Unfortunatley, it conflicts with the first session of Ugaritic Studies and Northwest Semitic Epigraphy. I hope someone can take notes on Rainey’s talk for me.