Wallace (Wally) A. Christian (BA. Baylor University; M.Div. Southern Seminary; PhD. Vanderbilt University) was my mentor and friend during undergraduate and graduate studies at Baylor. "Wally" was one of the true renaissance men I've known. With expertise far beyond the Historical Theology of his teaching field, Wally could stand confidently in conversations of athletics, symphony, opera, birding, astronomy, politics and more. He challenged students to read and reflect on theologies far beyond our comfort zones--liberal to mainline to Fundamentalist--in order to find our own theological center.

Today is National Limerick Day. In honor of Wally Christian I offer these two written for Wally's consideration in a doctoral seminar years ago at Baylor.

(no crass iterations of limericks please; start your own thread for such as that)

If a metaphysics fanatic
were to look in a Processor's attic
the stuff he would see
would not constantly Be
The stuff would Be-coming, not static.

and

If the ointmental fly in Hartshorne's eye
was the case of Immortal flight
then let it be said
that only when dead
might he know if he's wrong or he's right.


Thanks be to God for Wally Christian (and to/for Anne Christian Buchanan if she reads this)

Dr. Christian and family was my next door neighbor growing up. Like my own mother, he eschewed air conditioning until absolutely necessary. As such, with the windows always open, I'd head outside for whatever, and be treated to powerful baritone belting in a language that this 8 year old didn't understand.

As might be imagined, his kids were likewise schooled in music. I was lucky in that his youngest son (5 years my senior) would include me in the neighborhood groups. His taste in music in the early 80's ran to Billy Joel, Queen, and Styx. The notion that musicianship matters stayed with me all my life.

He knew everything about everything, and like most college professors I know, enjoyed hearing himself talk about it! If you were in the Honors Program at Baylor, his wife Betty basically picked your classes for you and guided you through. Someone else lives in their house now, but I cherish the memories of growing up next to the Christian family.

Mr. Tulip, I failed to mention his pure tenor voice heard at Seventh and James NOT from the choir, but from his seat on the back wall --his way of BEING in worship, but also his way of distancing himself from the sermon if the proclaimer was not of interest.

I came in contact with Dr Christian at 7th and James Church. I remember him well and have had the utmost respect for him.

SSadler said:

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Mr. Tulip, I failed to mention his pure tenor voice heard at Seventh and James NOT from the choir, but from his seat on the back wall --his way of BEING in worship, but also his way of distancing himself from the sermon if the proclaimer was not of interest.

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I recall this as well.