The library of J. Rodman Williams --- nearly 3,000 volumes strong --- is for sale and the "set opening bid" is $950,000.Williams, the famed systematic theologian, died on October 18 at the age of 90. Obituaries from the CBN website and from the Regent University website can be read online.
He is best known for his book, Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective (Zondervan). A complete list of Williams' writings can be found here.
He also contributed to the development of charismatic theology by teaching at the Melodyland School of Theology and Regent University in Virginia Beach.
Dr. Williams' library contains 2,976 volumes and according to the website advertising its availability, the library has "both the breadth and depth needed for biblical and theological study. For any newly established seminary or bible school, it would afford the needed resource to secure state approval ... and academic accreditation."
Curious about the steep "set opening bid" (the term used by the website), I got confirmation today from a spokesperson for Williams' estate that the amount of $950,000 is accurate.
I was told: "... the sale of the library is for more than shelves of books. It might, however, interest someone who admired Professor Williams as a theologian and respected his writings and who would want to contribute to a non-profit organization for further translations of Williams's three-volumes-in-one book Renewal Theology. Or it might interest someone who would also like to donate the library to a seminary or Bible school so students and others could enjoy enjoy the book collection, be interested in the notes and underlining written in them, and be encouraged in their faith."
An expanded explanation of the library's availability and how the proceeds will be used (as well as, a listing of the books in the library) can be found here.
[Dr. Williams can be seen briefly in this YouTube video from 1974. He addresses a press conference at the 7:17 mark.]
5 comments:
To be honest, that price seems crazy. If I had $950,000 to donate to a library, I would buy that amount in books and donate it to the library rather than waste my money. 3,000 books for $950,000 = $316 approx a box.
Typo: "box," I mean "book."
I don't think anyone would disagree is exorbitant. In fact, one New Testament scholar mentioned to me that, at that price, perhaps original NT autographs --- including ones hand-signed by Paul --- were included.
However, Dr. Williams' widow explained to me (and my blog indicates this) that it is not being suggested that this is the value of the books if you were to buy them from, say, CBD. She set the value with hopes of applying the proceeds to a missionary project --- translating his systematic theology, Renewal Theology, into other languages (a costly project that publishers would be unlikely to take up, because there is not a strong likelihood of profit).
Nick, clearly this purchase is not for you or I (though we might desperately like to have the library). It is for a wealthy person who wants to, essentially, donate money to missions (not unlike your suggestion).
In the case of mature believers like the Williams, I think it is best we always give the benefit of the doubt. That's why I contacted Mrs. Williams and asked --- respectfully --- if the price I saw was correct.
My first sentence should read: "I don't think anyone would disagree that the price is exorbitant."
Jon,
Good point. I stand corrected. This is definitely a worthwhile endeavor.
Nick
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