It Takes a Community

We often consider the lone theologian our standard of theological excellence. In some ways, that’s understandable. In other ways, our standard should be different.

Often overlooked are the collaborators, cooperators, and team players. Instead of standing alone, they form communities and together address issues, solve problems, and confront negativity.

There’s something powerful about collaboration for the common good!

Edited Books as Collaboration

I’ve been thinking about the power of collaboration lately. What sparked my thinking was the publication of two edited books, Theologians and Philosophers Using Social Media and Uncontrolling Love. I edited the first, and it has 90+ contributors. I helped with the second, and it has 80+ contributors.

In the past eighteen years, I’ve edited or coedited 15 books. Most were collections of 10-30 essays. A couple included more than 100 contributors. I’ve been pleased to work with seventeen co-editors too.

In the name of celebrating collaboration, I decided to count the number of people whose work I’ve edited/co-edited for publishing in a book.  The number astounded me: 633!

Of course, I’ve worked with some people more than once. Amos Yong wins the prize for being the person with whom I’ve worked most.

While I think the monographs I’ve written are important, I’m just as pleased with my edited or co-edited books. It takes a community to build a movement.  I’d be happy to be known as a collaborator!

I dedicate this blog to all who have collaborated with me in book projects!

Celebrating collaboration,

Tom