In Honor of Thomas Nettles (Matthew Barrett)
Over at Books At A Glance, several tributes have been paid to Thomas Nettles in light of his retirement as Professor of Historical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 1997. As one who has great respect for Tom and as one who has had the privilege of writing and co-editing with Tom, I would like to take a moment to express my own gratitude for him as well. While there are many things I could mention, I will limit myself to two things I greatly respect about Tom.
First, Tom Nettles is a man who is unashamed of God’s Word and what it teaches, even when it is unpopular to do so. There are few theologians and historians like this today. Many are willing to affirm their beliefs around like-minded company or when their beliefs are highly esteemed by everyone else. However, when those beliefs become controversial, unpopular, or politically incorrect, few men will stand for them without embarrassment. Most will simply be quiet. Few will continue to voice and proclaim their theological convictions when the going gets tough.
What I love about Tom is that he is only concerned about one opinion, and that is his Savior’s. His fervor and conviction is something young theologians should imbibe. There are far too many jellyfish theologians today. Tom has been a theologian with a spine, a backbone, unashamed and unapologetic. He fears God rather than man. And he seeks the approval of God, rather than the applause of man. In a world of politics, how rare this is. May his tribe increase!
Furthermore, I would be remiss not to mention Tom’s secret weapon: singing. I have never known a professor who, in the middle of a lecture, would begin singing a hymn to illustrate a point. Tom’s urge to break out in song showed me just how much this man loved God and his Word.
Thank you, Tom, for the model you have been to me and so many others. May the Lord raise up many more to follow in your footsteps.
Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University, as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. Barrett is also Senior Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church. He is the author and editor of several books, including Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration. You can read about Barrett’s other publications at matthewmbarrett.com.