Greetings, Reader.

Who are you?

I’m Paul (Thomas) Sloan. I’m the seventh of seven kids, and how that has affected me remains a mystery. I really love my family (four sisters, two brothers, six in-laws). My wonderful wife is Meg, and our wonderful kid is Elijah. I live in Houston, TX where I teach New Testament at Houston Baptist University.

What is this space?

Well it’s a blog, mostly. You’re probably familiar with those by now given I might be the last person who studies theology to start one. You can also find me on Twitter at @paulthomasloan.

What should I expect?

Posts about the Bible, particularly the Torah, prophets, Jesus, and Paul. I know there are more categories than that, and I know they’re all important. Jude and James beckon for a hearing. But for now I’m going to write about what I study most. Also, posts about the early church. Also, reviews of interesting books. Also, the occasional response to common questions, like “What’s the New Perspective on Paul?” Or, “What’s predestination and why is everyone so mad about it?” I think a lot about Deuteronomy, Leviticus, Jeremiah, Jesus, atonement, Paul and the Law, justification, and temple theology, if this helps.

I also love books and movies because I’m not the Tin Man. So the occasional post on such topics may crop up.

Why should we read your stuff?

Fair question. I’m going for “orthodox but not boring.” And I show my work. So if you like reading texts closely, you’re home.

I completed a Masters in Theological Studies at Houston Baptist University and another one at St Andrews, where I also completed my PhD in the Gospel of Mark. In that time I took classes from Jerry Walls, who taught me to care about the right stuff. And Scott Hafemann, who taught me how to ground my interpretations. And N.T. Wright, who taught me how this whole thing hangs together. And Grant Macaskill, my PhD advisor, who modeled quiet brilliance. And David Moffitt, my other PhD advisor, who rightly reminded me I don’t know nearly as much as I think I do.