Reflections on My Life

"Tom Olbricht has mentored thousands through his long career as a teacher, writer, and church leader and continues to do so powerfully through this volume. In this frank and unassuming account, Olbricht provides rich insights not only into his own formation and life in Churches of Christ, but also into the complex development of that body in the twentieth century. Olbricht's immense influence on theological education in Churches of Christ makes his story a vital resource for understanding the development of this significant American, and now global, religious movement."

--Douglas A. Foster

Professor of Church History and Director, Center for Restoration Studies

Abilene Christian University



"Olbricht travels a path from his childhood to the present. His personal reflections with incredible detail weave together his dedication to scholarship and the church. Along the path one hears about his meetings, personal and intellectual, with leading twentieth-century New Testament scholars and leaders in his religious tradition. His thoughts exemplify the kind, energetic, and focused gentleman all of us have come to appreciate. His autobiography is not an expose but a thoughtful, respectful adventure."

--Kent Richards

Executive Director Emeritus, Society of Biblical Literature

Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Mystic, Connecticut



"As a fellow Southwest Missourian, fellow Harding University and State University of Iowa alumnus, and longtime colleague at Pepperdine University, I find Tom Olbricht's account of his personal and professional journey immensely intriguing and enlightening. But even those who have traveled very different paths will find that this is a journey that both amazes and inspires. So many places . . . so many people . . . such constancy of commitment to his Church and his profession!"

--John F. Wilson

Dean Emeritus of Seaver College

Pepperdine University





"Tom Olbricht has taught several generations of students, church members, and colleagues that the best antidote to spiritual lethargy is intellectual depth; that it is not shameful to know more; that the greater shame is to know less; and the greatest shame of all is to know more and love less; that vital faith makes us probe the mystery of God more deeply; it makes us think harder, argue better, and write more clearly."

--Carl Holladay

Charles Howard Candler Professor of New Testament

Candler School of Theology, Emory University