Matthew Barrett received his PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University. He is also the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine, where you can read many of his articles. He is the author and editor of several books, including Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration and What is Regeneration?. You can read about Barrett’s other publications at  www.matthewmbarrett.com.

• Question #1 – Have you always enjoyed writing?

“Yes, I have. I know that for many writing is painful and burdensome. However, I have found it liberating and enriching. I read a lot of books, both old and new. The more I read the more I tend to think deeply about the most important theological truths and concepts in Scripture and church history. So writing is a way for me to share with others those biblical, theological, and historical concepts that have changed my life. In this sense, publishing is truly a ministry for me. It allows me to bless others with those God-given truths that have blessed me so profoundly.”

• Question #2 – Do you have a favorite author? Who is it and why?

“I don’t know that I can pick just one. If I can limit my choice to three they would be: Augustine, John Calvin, and John Owen. Augustine has a way of painting a picture of God that is breathtaking. The Lord truly utilized this bishop’s talents in rhetoric when Augustine began writing theological treatises. Augustine will light a fire within your heart for the triune God like no other author.

I think it would be a sin not to include John Calvin. In my mind, Calvin is a master theologian who ties his theology to piety. Sadly, many have a misinformed impression of Calvin, as if he is this cold, calculating, heartless theologian. Not true. Calvin beautifully connects deep theological truths with their corresponding pastoral implications.

I must slip in John Owen as well. I am not sure I have met a theological mind as rigorous as Owen’s. Just when you think you have turned over every dogmatic stone, Owen opens a door and introduces you to mountains of theological rocks that demand exploration. But like Augustine and Calvin, Owen’s theological quests are like an archer’s arrow, which pierces the human heart, bringing the sinner to his knees in repentance and faith in Christ.”

• Question #3 – Do you have an interesting writing quirk?

“Typically when I wake up in the morning, ideas and concepts start racing through my mind. So I waste no time, but go straight from my bed to my computer in order to put down those thoughts before they escape me. However, this also means that before I know it hours have passed and I am still in my pajamas. Yes, yes, this has made for some awkward conversations when someone decides to stop by the house at 2pm and I look like I just got out of bed.”

• Question #4 – How do you deal with writer’s block?

“If I am feeling stuck I have found that one of the best things to do in order to push me along is to read, read, and read some more. In fact, it doesn’t always have to be a book directly related to my research. Just reading good, solid books by other stimulating authors starts to get the pen (or keyboard!) moving.”

• Question #5 – What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

“Writing is progressive. The more you write, the better you become. So if you tend to be a perfectionist, like me, then you will want to pray for patience. Most likely, your last book will be much better than your first book. Like sanctification, the writer looks back over years and years and sees how he/she has grown as a writer and improved.”

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To learn more about Matthew Barrett,visit www.matthewmbarrett.com or Credo Magazine.

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