KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Midwestern Seminary’s Spring 2026 Midwestern Journal of Theology presents new scholarship from faculty and alumni on worship ministry, biblical studies, and historical theology along with a selection of book reviews.
Published biannually by Midwestern Seminary, the Midwestern Journal of Theology seeks to serve both the church and the academy by publishing peer-reviewed scholarship that reflects theological depth, biblical fidelity, and pastoral concern.
“I am proud to see another great contribution to the Midwestern Journal of Theology that balances academic relevance and rigor with broad applicability to local church contexts,” said President Jason Allen. “This issue will no doubt encourage readers with the work taking place here at Midwestern. I am especially delighted at the excellent contributions from each of our faculty members. At Midwestern, we are pleased that doxology does indeed flow from theology, and we take pride in aspiring to be the ‘singing seminary.’ I hope you will be encouraged by this latest issue.”
Training for the Musician-Theologian
The Spring 2026 journal opens with an article adapted from Matthew F. Swain’s Fall 2025 Faculty Address, titled “Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow: Carrying the Baton of Southern Baptist Theological Training for the Musician-Theologian.” Swain serves as professor of worship ministries at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College.
Swain’s article identifies four main purposes: (1) present a brief early history of church music education in the Southern Baptist Convention, (2) show that the 1926 committee recommendations for better church music presented to the convention serve as helpful guideposts as the convention looks to the future, (3) share how the department of worship ministries at Midwestern Seminary is attempting to train musician-theologians for the church today and in the future, and (4) encourage those associated with the seminary to help it become “the Singing Seminary.”
In this article, Swain traces the conviction that worship ministry is not merely artistic, but deeply theological, arguing that churches must continue investing in leaders who are both musically skilled and doctrinally informed.
The article situates contemporary worship ministry within a broader historical and denominational context, calling attention to the importance of sustaining theological education for musicians who serve in local church contexts.
The Significance of Origen’s Hexapla
John D. Meade, professor of Old Testament at Midwestern Seminary, wrote the second article, titled “The Significance of Origen’s Hexapla for Biblical and Theological Studies.” In this contribution, Meade examines the historical and scholarly importance of Origen’s Hexapla—one of the most ambitious textual projects of the early church.
Meade explores how the Hexapla—which compared multiple versions of the Old Testament side by side—provides valuable insight into the history of the biblical text and the development of early Christian scholarship. His main argument is that renewed attention to the Hexapla can enrich contemporary conversations in textual criticism, biblical interpretation, and theological study.
To illustrate the significance of the work, Meade focuses on four main areas: textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible, reception of the Hebrew Bible, early Christian biblical scholarship and theology, and Greek lexicography.
By revisiting this monumental work of early Christianity, Meade encourages scholars today to appreciate both the complexity of the biblical transmission process and the enduring importance of careful textual study for theological reflection.
Idolatry and Injustice in Hosea 10:1–8
The third contribution comes from Andrew M. King, associate professor of biblical studies at Midwestern Seminary, in an article titled “Justice Like Poison: Idolatry and Injustice in Hosea 10:1–8.” King examines the relationship between idolatry and injustice in Hosea, focusing on how the book connects Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness with social and moral corruption.
King argues that Hosea presents injustice not only as a social problem but as a theological issue rooted in misplaced worship. He notes, “Worship and ethics are inseparable because Israel becomes like what they worship.” The article highlights the prophet’s critique of Israel’s spiritual condition and the resulting consequences for its community.
After defining “justice” and considering Hosea 10:1–8 as a case study for Hosea’s presentation of justice, King concludes the article by contemplating justice as a “trinitarian enterprise.” He also examines how Hosea presents injustice as the natural result of covenant unfaithfulness and argues that true justice cannot be separated from proper worship of the Lord.
Through his study of Hosea 10, King calls attention to the ways idolatry shapes both the spiritual and ethical life of God’s people and demonstrates how the prophet connects corrupted worship with societal decay.
The Church’s Role in Bunyan’s Doctrine of Sanctification
The final article is written by Timothy M. Haupt, lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Nixa, Missouri. In “The House of Purification: The Role of the Church in Bunyan’s Doctrine of Sanctification,” Haupt considers the ecclesiological dimensions of sanctification in the thought of John Bunyan.
Haupt argues that Bunyan’s writings present the local church as a vital context for spiritual formation and growth in holiness. By examining Bunyan’s theology of sanctification, the article highlights the role of the church as a formative community in the believer’s ongoing spiritual development.
In the article, Haupt examines Bunyan’s understanding of the church as the primary setting where believers are instructed, corrected, encouraged, and shaped in holiness. He also considers how Bunyan connected sanctification to church membership, preaching, fellowship, and accountability within the body of Christ.
Book Reviews and More
Following the featured articles, the Spring 2026 edition of the Midwestern Journal of Theology includes book reviews from scholars and doctoral students engaging recently published works across several disciplines.
The issue also includes a “Books in Brief” section highlighting recent publications from members of the Midwestern Seminary faculty, as well as a listing of Midwestern Seminary’s 2026 Ph.D. graduates and books received for review consideration.
To read the newest edition of the Midwestern Journal of Theology, click here.
By Jonathan Lumley
