Known… For Being Let Go?
Some scholars are known for what they do, what they produce, what they write, how they teach. These are the scholars and academics who make a lasting contribution to the field of biblical and theological studies. And this is how, in the past, scholars have ‘made their mark.’
But something odd has taken place in the last few years- some scholars are now known not for what they do, but for what is done to them. An entire cottage industry seems to have come into its own with scholars becoming, in a ‘Kardashian-esque’ fashion, known only for being known.
Some seem to have achieved fame not because they have done something good, but because something bad has been done to them. It’s very odd. And even odder, they seem to thrive on their infamy, using it both to their advantage and tending it like a garden so that it continues to grow.
I pine for the glorious days when scholars were spoken of with respect and honor- not because they did nothing to deserve it but precisely because they did.
So, so correct, one of our better known and respected colleagues is asking the univ. to transfer him out of arch. to another discipline. This is one of the ways that I usually called myself an anthropologist as opposed to archaeologist, which i am, to stay clear of all the posers, usually biblical types posing as biblical archaeologists. One in fact does seeks this this infamy, regarding himself to followers as a suffering servant, helps a bit when the tithes roll in.
joe zias
January 5, 2013 at 15:45
make that reasons and not ways in the second line.
joe zias
January 5, 2013 at 15:47
Name names.
Jordan Wilson
January 5, 2013 at 17:25
This is a problem that I’ve found myself wondering about a great deal. Believe me, I would much rather be known for my Historiographical Jesus or my work in Jwsh-Xn dialogue or my faithfulness to the San Francisco Giants…. really anything else. But you can’t run from the lot given you forever.
-anthony
ledonne
January 5, 2013 at 23:49
Actually you are known for your work and not for what was done to you.
Jim
January 6, 2013 at 01:09
Well perhaps you know more than most.
ledonne
January 6, 2013 at 04:35
Probably
Jim
January 6, 2013 at 15:57