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wilson_rf@mercer.edu

Richard F. Wilson

Welcome to my space on the Mercer University website. I came to Mercer in 1988 after six years at a small Baptist college in North Carolina. My years at Mercer have been both exciting and rewarding. I look forward to many more years here.

"Teaching theologian" is how I usually describe myself. By inclination and training I am driven to ask and explore questions about how God is present in creation, in history, and in the midst of communities of faith. I ask and explore those questions in the context of my own participation in the Baptist tradition, which always shapes my understanding of what it means to be a Christian. At the same time I am eager to learn from the rich traditions that are found in the history of the Judeo-Christian communities.

At Mercer I have been challenged to live and work by the integrity of my questions. Mercer’s distinct heritage as a Baptist university reminds me of the importance of the freedom of conscience and a willingness to grant others the freedom to explore their questions and commitments. Also I am continually renewed by the questions and commitments of my students and co-workers in the university.

My teaching includes courses that introduce the literature, history, and faith of the Old and New Testaments. I regularly teach upper-level courses that engage some aspect of Christian Theology. At least once a year I teach a course in The Great Books Program of the College of Liberal Arts.

Mercer is not my whole life, however. For many years I have been involved with The National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion and the Baptist World Alliance. Attending those meetings gives Lucy (my wife since 1975) and me a chance to travel together at least twice a year.

I have a passion for baseball, too. Every year I take an extended vacation during which I visit as many minor league and major league parks as I can.

Finally, my life is refreshed by my active involvement in the life of the Church. I am a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Macon. I teach Sunday School. Also, I enjoy preaching and teaching in churches across the southeast.