Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue

From Pneuma Review Spring 2013

Andreas J. Kostenberger, Excellence: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011), 270 pages, ISBN 9781581349708.

As suggested by the title, Kostenberger’s interest in “excellence” has to do with Christian scholarship. For Kostenberger, Christian scholarship is the “pursuit of truth on mission for God in the world” (p. 66). The study of Scripture “must always lead to application” (p.80). The goal is “always obedience” as “there is no place in the Bible where God’s people are enjoined to study solely for the sake of study” (p. 80). The pursuit of excellence is different from the pursuit of perfection. Excellence is to not settle for mediocrity. It is pursued in order to fulfill one’s calling effectively, whatever that calling may be and to “bring glory to God.” Kostenberger’s purpose is “to identify, describe, and encourage those virtues essential to fulfilling the specific call to glorify God in the finest way possible through Christian scholarship. Rather than an end in itself, as adding to our own learning, Christian scholarship is a means of “engaging the unbelieving world with the truth of God’s gospel” (p. 65).

Kostenberger presents 2 Peter 1:3-11 as the inspiration, model and scriptural foundation for his entire book. He gains his title from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi where he enjoins his readers to seek “excellence” (Philippians 4:8). Though the book’s content is concerned with excellence in Christian scholarship, it is not written in a scholarly manner. It is easy reading and lacks footnotes. It is also devoid of scholarly jargon. Excellence is directed to the informed Christian as much as it is directed to the college or seminary student or to their professor. This reviewer also finds the book beneficial for the preacher or evangelist who might want to write as well as speak. Kostenberger makes recommendations on pages 80 and 81 that are germane to speaking in public as well as to what is expressed in print.

Fundamental to “excellence” in Christian scholarship are holiness and spirituality and he relates them not so much to the process of communication as to the person who is doing the communicating. The character of the scholar “bleeds through” what one says or writes and can have either a positive or negative effect upon the hearer or reader. In part two of the book, Kostenberger identifies six different virtues that lead to vocational excellence. These are diligence, courage, passion, restraint, creativity, and eloquence. His recommendations are priceless. This reviewer encourages any would-be writer to take to heart what Kostenberger shares in this part of his book.

The third part of the book identifies three virtues which lead to moral excellence. These are integrity, fidelity, and wisdom. “A scholar of integrity will excel and bring glory to God by consistently doing what is right”(p. 164). This reviewer recommends actually purchasing the book and not just checking it out from a library. There are many writing helps in Kostenberger’s Excellence that you will want to refer to.

The areas of concern which particularly arrested this reviewer’s attention dealt with Christian scholarship in which there is disagreement with another writer’s findings. “Because it takes the form of genuine dialogue, scholarship needs to be more understated and focused on the issue and the evidence”(p.130). This came under the discussion on the virtue of “restraint.”

While footnotes are absent from this book, it does have notes on each chapter’s references. Kostenberger also includes an annotated bibliography, a general index, and a Scripture index.

This reviewer regards Kostenberger’s Excellence as an invaluable tool and resource for student, preacher, professor, and would-be author.

Reviewed by Woodrow E. Walton

Publisher’s page: http://www.crossway.org/books/excellence-tpb