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<\/p>\nWe often consider the lone theologian our standard of theological excellence. In some ways, that\u2019s understandable. In other ways, our standard should be different.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s something powerful about collaboration for the common good!<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve 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 <\/em>and Uncontrolling Love.<\/em> I edited the first, and it has 90+ contributors. I helped with the second, and it has 80+ contributors.<\/p>\n In the past eighteen years, I\u2019ve edited or coedited 15 books. Most were collections of 10-30 essays. A couple included more than 100 contributors. I\u2019ve been pleased to work with seventeen co-editors too.<\/p>\n In the name of celebrating collaboration, I decided to count the number of people whose work I\u2019ve edited\/co-edited for publishing in a book. \u00a0The number astounded me: 633!<\/p>\n Of course, I\u2019ve worked with some people more than once. Amos Yong wins the prize for being the person with whom I\u2019ve worked most.<\/p>\n While I think the monographs I\u2019ve written are important, I\u2019m just as pleased with my edited or co-edited books. It takes a community to build a movement.\u00a0 I’d be happy to be known as a collaborator!<\/p>\n I dedicate this blog to all who have collaborated with me in book projects!<\/p>\n Celebrating collaboration,<\/p>\n Tom<\/p>\n