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johnson_ja@mercer.edu

Janell A. Johnson

It feels good to have come full circle and find myself teaching within the Christianity department of a university that takes seriously its commitment to quality education and ties to its Baptist heritage. It doesn't seem as if it was that long ago when my interest in biblical studies was ignited as I sat in an "Introduction to Religion" course my freshman year in college. Now, I have the opportunity to be immersed in study of the biblical text as part of my vocation and to challenge and be challenged by others in the college classroom once again.

After completing a variety of degrees from Mars Hill College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, the task of deciding on a specialized area of study for my doctorate was difficult. I continue to be fascinated by every aspect of theological education. The choice to pursue biblical studies specifically came first ~ the decision to confront difficulties posed by the Old Testament texts at a personal and community level soon followed. Now, after studying with some of the finest Old Testament scholars at Union and Princeton Theological Seminaries, I no longer see the Old Testament as a source of problems for contemporary Christian faith but as an untapped reservoir of insight concerning the character of God and the community's struggle to be in proper relationship.

Outside the classroom, my scholarly interests are continually pushed and shaped by my role as mother and by my husband's vocation as pastor. New methods for interpreting the Bible, issues of character and ethics, and roles of women in the church are topics that currently hold my attention.