Published on December 4, 2025 by Neal Embry  
2025TheologicalBookAwardCollage

Faculty in Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School and the School of the Arts recently received national recognition from Christianity Today (CT) and the Southwestern Journal of Theology (SWJT) for theological books published in 2025.

SWJT Overall Book of the Year and CT Finalist, Biblical Studies category 

Paul, Apostle of Grace by Frank Thielman, Presbyterian Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School 

“The Frank Thielman book will serve this generation as F. F. Bruce’s great work on Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free has done for the past 40 years,” said Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President David S. Dockery in a news release. “We salute Professor Thielman on the publication of this excellent volume.” 

SWJT Book of the Year, Evangelism/Missions/Global Church category 

Understanding Evangelism: Biblical Foundations, Historical Developments, and Contemporary Issues by J.D. Payne, Thomas Welby Bozeman Chair of Christian Ministry, School of the Arts 

SWJT Book of the Year, Biblical Studies category 

Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture: A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Survey, co-authored by professor of divinity Mark Gignilliat and Oklahoma Baptist University President Heath Thomas 

CT Finalist, Apologetics and Evangelism category and SWJT Honorable Mention, Worldview and Apologetics category 

The Gospel After Christendom: An Introduction to Cultural Apologetics with contributions from Joshua Chatraw,Billy Graham Chair of Evangelism and Cultural Engagement, Beeson Divinity School; co-edited by Collin Hansen, adjunct professor at Beeson and vice president for content and editor in chief of The Gospel Coalition, Skyler R. Flowers and Ivan Mesa.  

CT Award of Merit, Bible and Devotional category 

The Well That Washes What It Shows: An Invitation to Holy Scripture by Jonathan Linebaugh, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School  

“Samford is a fantastic place to prepare for ministry and academic theological work,” said Beeson Dean Douglas Sweeney. “We’re grateful to God for His provision for us and our students.” 

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.