The Society for Biblical Literature annual meeting is coming to town!
Since graduate school I have attended nearly every meeting of this large national and even international organization for biblical scholars. The last two years I have missed partly because of financial reasons – which are related to my also going to another conference in October. Hard to be away twice in two months.
And to be honest the last time I went it was a little rough. A prominent Israeli scholar mentioned my book – and was “mean” to quote my major professor. And it received a devastating review in the Review of Biblical Literature. About least half of the review was fair and accurate criticism. But there was a certain excessive gratuitousness that was hard to stomach. So I have stayed away for a while.
But now it is in New Orleans for the second time in nine(?) years. One of my best friends will be there and I will be rooming with him. No hotel and no air travel means much less expensive to attend.
What is interesting is that there will be sessions devoted to the whole issue of diachrony (historical change over time) in Biblical Hebrew. I thought that debate had largely played out and that my “side” had lost. Most of the presentations appear to be from the chronological camp – those who think we can describe to a large extent how Hebrew changed over time. So perhaps the debate is not over. (H/T Chris Brady at Targuman for bringing this to my attention.)
The papers and presentations are important. And I have a good track record – I spend at least half or more of my time in sessions.
But arguably the larger purpose of such gathering is social – a chance to see and meet old friends and colleagues and also to meet and talk with scholars you have heard of and read. The “night life” during such academic conferences is remarkable. People dress up and go out to nice restaurants and hang out until late at night. Receptions galore! Some of them offer excellent food and drink.
Some go to interview for positions. I tried that a couple times. At this stage of my life – nah.
And strange as it may sound it is when we stock up on our libraries. Dozens of publishers famous and obscure will be there selling books at discounts typically 40-60% off. I plan to buy at least two sets of commentaries that we will keep at the church for ministerial staff to use. (We assume the senior pastor will take his library with him – and we use many of his books to prepare for Bible studies and sermons.)
See you in New Orleans!
Looking forward to seeing you! By the way, the last time it was in NOLA was 1996. I remember because I interviewed with Tulane at the time and the following May they called and offered me a visiting position which turned into tenure and 9 years.