Nazarene Theological Seminary

Dr. John A. Knight, Jr.
NTS Visiting Instructor of Philosophy of Religion and Christian Ethics

For the past seven years, John A. Knight, Jr. has taught the required courses in Philosophy of Religion and Christian Ethics at NTS, while also carrying a regular rotation of courses in Contemporary Theology.  Dr. Knight began teaching at NTS in the 2000 fall semester, following the retirement of Dr. Al Truesdale.  The Dean of the Faculty at that time, Dr. Ed Robinson, designated Prof. Knight as “Visiting Instructor of Philosophy of Religion and Christian Ethics,” a title he has since held.  Six times since 2000 (when he agreed to teach for one year, serving as a not quite full-time, interim instructor), the Dean has dropped by Prof. Knight’s office and asked, “Could you do this one more year?”

During these seven years, Professor Knight has:
• become Dr. Knight, earning his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. 
• married Melody Knowles, Associate Professor of Hebrew Scriptures at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.  
• become a father: he and Melody have 2 beautiful children, Ella and John 
• commuted from Chicago to Kansas City COUNTLESS times!
 
Prof. Knight has been one of the well-loved teachers at NTS since he began here in 2000.  He has high academic expectations of students in an area many find difficult; and yet he is able to both stimulate the brightest students as well as extend compassion and understanding to students who struggle.  This is a rare gift, and is only one of the many reasons that I have so much appreciated his teaching ministry at NTS.  His insight, wisdom, intellectual acumen, and humor have helped shape the lives of seven cohorts of NTS students.  Thank you, Dr. Knight!  We are grateful that God allowed us to share these years with you.

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Dr. John Knight...Contributing to Community

How long have you taught at the seminary?   What classes have you taught at the seminary?
I've taught at NTS since the Fall of 2000.  On a recurring basis, I've taught the historical theology sequence (contemporary theology) from the 19th century to the present, as well as Philosophy of Religion and Introduction to Christian Ethics. I've also taught advanced seminars in theology and philosophy of religion, courses that focus on theological method and theology and culture.

You live in Chicago and yet teach in Kansas City.  What else keeps you busy?
Our two children keep me busier than anything else.  Besides teaching, though, mostly writing keeps me busy. In the past couple of years I've done articles for the Journal of Religion, the Scottish Journal of Theology, and the American Journal of Theology and Philosophy, and I'm currently working on a book entitled, "The Great Divide in Twentieth Century Theology: Liberalism, Post-liberalism, and the New Analytic Philosophy of Language." I also received my Ph.D. In Philosophy of Religion last June from the University of Chicago.

How has NTS influenced your life and your teaching ministry?
NTS has been quite influential on my own life and ministry. It has taught me a lot about forming and living in a community that is caring and supportive.
I've learned a good deal about the vocation of teaching, and also about myself--about the few things I at least feel comfortable doing and the many things I need to learn more about. I've also learned about the promising developments in the evangelical church--the liturgical renewal movement as a counterweight to Willow Creek-style worship, and the rising prominence of the progressive movement with its renewed emphasis on the teachings of Jesus regarding care for what Jesus called "the least of these my brothers and sisters."

Do you have any big plans for the future?
No big plans for the future--just teaching and writing in another setting.  Well, maybe one big plan--through diligent research I've learned that when my daughter turns three she can take ski lessons.  I'm very much looking forward to that!

Anything you would like to say to NTS?
Thanks for the opportunity to be part of a ministry I believe in very much.  I appreciate and value very highly the support and friendship of the students, faculty and administration at NTS. I've made friendships here that are dear to me and that I hope will last a lifetime.

John Knight Quotes from his students and colleagues….
“John Knight is an inspiring professor. He engages current theological themes from various perspectives and his breadth of knowledge is extraordinary. He genuinely seeks to listen to his students and encourages us to develop our own opinions and thoughts. He always prefaces his comments on any particular author’s work with something like, “I gathered this from my reading,’ or ‘this is just my reading of the text…you might have discovered something else.’ I have come to learn that his “disclaimers” stimulated me to formulate my own thoughts and opinions, which has brought me to a different level in my studies.  I now am not only soaking in information that is given to me, but my thoughts and opinions are more powerfully shaped by various authors from past centuries in our rich theological history. I have been profoundly impacted by Dr. Knight and I am grateful for his influence. Not to mention that after taking several of his classes, I have finally memorized the Nicene Creed, for which I am most thankful.”

Nell Becker Sweeden
M.Div. Candidate 2007

“Aside from being one of the most intellectually gifted scholars I have ever met, John Knight is a passionate professor and a good friend.  John's instruction and friendship during my years at NTS have proved invaluable to me both personally and professionally.”

Rusty Brian (’05)
Pastor of Discipleship, Chicago Northside Church of the Nazarene
Ph.D. Student, Garrett Evangelical Seminary

"I was privileged to have John as an undergraduate student at Southern Nazarene University in the first few years of my teaching career.  I was also privileged to converse with him in the early 90s about the steps he should take to change from practicing law to teaching theology.  It has been a special joy for me personally to observe his developing skills and maturity as a teacher in these years."

Dr. Roger Hahn
Dean of Faculty
Nazarene Theological Seminary