Fuller Theological Seminary has paid tribute to Leslie C. Allen, a “globally esteemed scholar” of Old Testament studies and former lecturer at London Bible College, who died April 10 in Alhambra, California. He was 89.
The seminary, a non-denominational theological institution based in Pasadena, posted the tribute Monday, May 12, expressing “deep gratitude for a life well-lived.”
Allen served as professor of Old Testament academic studies at Fuller from 1983 to 2004, continuing afterward as senior professor. He was widely recognized for his scholarship on the Hebrew prophets and other Old Testament writings.
Fellow English expat and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Goldingay, David Allan Hubbard Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, offered a personal tribute.
“Professor Allen welcomed me to Fuller, helped me to understand how it worked, gave me tips on teaching, set me an example of Christian gentleman-ness, and wrote many things that instructed and edified me,” Goldingay said.
Described by Fuller as a “prolific author,” Allen wrote numerous books, articles, and commentaries. His work includes Jeremiah in the Old Testament Library; Psalms and Ezekiel in The World Bible Commentary; and Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (with T.S. Laniak) in the New International Biblical Commentary. He also authored A Liturgy of Grief: A Pastoral Commentary on Lamentations.
Allen earned his BA in 1958 and MA in 1961 from Cambridge University, followed by a PhD in Hebrew in 1968 and a Doctor of Divinity in Old Testament in 1991 from London University.
From 1960 to 1979, Allen taught Old Testament language and exegesis at London Bible College before relocating to California to begin his tenure at Fuller.
Christopher Hays, D. Wilson Moore Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller, also remembered Allen.
“Leslie was an erudite scholar, an unfailingly gracious colleague, a caring teacher, and a profoundly committed disciple of Christ,” Hays said. “All of us at Fuller were blessed to have worked with him.”
In addition to his work in the U.S. and U.K., Allen lectured internationally as a visiting professor in seminaries and colleges across China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Russia, and Spain.
He was actively involved in several theological academic associations, including the Society for Old Testament Study, Tyndale Fellowship, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the Society of Biblical Literature.
“Over his tenure at Fuller, Allen taught courses on the Hebrew Prophets and the Writings, as well as exegesis courses on Psalms and Lamentations,” the seminary’s tribute noted. “As faculty for the Center for Advanced Theological Studies, he also mentored PhD students. Over his many years at the seminary, he walked with countless students who will remember his wisdom and passion for the Bible, his kindness to those around him, and his signature look of a suit and tie.”
