Michael Robbins Weed

Michael Robbins Weed was born in Austin, Texas, to Maurice Alexander and Lelabel Robbins Weed. He graduated from Austin High School in 1959 and completed university and graduate studies at The University of Texas, Abilene Christian University, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and Emory University, culminating in a Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics. Though he and his family enjoyed travels to various locations and lived in different states throughout the years, he really didn’t want to live anywhere but Austin. A perceptive friend once remarked that his umbilical cord was attached somewhere around 32nd and Red River. He loved Austin, and he loved to read and tell stories about his hometown.

Dr. Weed was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 57 years, Mary Elisabeth (Libby) Weed.

He is survived by his brother, Maurice Weed and wife Judy of Austin; his children and their spouses, Susan and Patrick Womack of Pflugerville and Jonathan and Amber Weed of Austin; his beloved grandchildren Mary, Hannah, Daniel, Luke, Natalie, and Anna; and a host of colleagues, friends, and other family members.

Michael Weed was a man of strong faith, great learning, and unsurpassed abilities as a teacher. He served at Austin Graduate School of Theology as a Professor of Theology and Ethics for 37 years. During his years of teaching, he authored numerous books and articles, spoke for many seminars and conferences, and was the founding editor of Christian Studies journal, writing a thoughtful article for every single issue. He also served for many years as an elder at Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, and he consciously dedicated his research and writing to the benefit of the church and to the daily lives of Christians. In his work as an elder and also in his service on the initial Board of Trustees of Brentwood Christian School, he was valued for being a person who could see the long view on decisions to be made; he had a thorough grasp of and a remarkable ability to articulate a Christian worldview.

Michael and Libby’s long marriage was described by another friend as the union of Augustine and Pollyanna. But despite their significant differences in temperament, personality, and outlook, they loved each other dearly and enjoyed a remarkable partnership. They shared a wide range of interests, including attending theater, concerts, and sports events; engaging in sports, music, and other activities with their children during the growing-up years; working together on home, school, and church projects; reading and editing each other’s writing and co-authoring a book on basic Bible study; and bicycling, running, and walking together.

Throughout his life, Dr. Weed was an extraordinary teacher, someone who was described as “winsome to every class member.” His adult Bible classes at church appealed both to the more theologically sophisticated class members and also to those who did not have deep theological backgrounds or even interest. One reason was certainly his humor, which brought light moments and also provided “aha” insights to his teaching. Another factor was his use of drawings. His drawings were sometimes simple and sometimes rather intricate, sometimes whimsical and sometimes technical, but they always gave a visual anchor to what he was teaching.

While in his vocation and in most of his leisure activities Dr. Weed lived a life of the mind, enjoying nothing more than reading and studying, he had many other interests. He was a runner before running was cool, and he kept up his running and weightlifting until near the end of his life, staying remarkably physically fit. He also enjoyed coaching his son’s sports teams and looking for other opportunities to have a positive impact on the lives of Susan and Jonathan and their friends. His children were always encouraged to reflect on their experiences, treasure good memories, and look for truth, beauty, and meaning in life.

At his retirement, Dr. Weed was honored at Austin Grad by numerous speakers—colleagues, students, and former students—and received scores of letters of appreciation. He continued to receive notes from time to time during his retirement years, providing evidence of the enduring influence of his life and teaching. One former student wrote, some years after studying with Dr. Weed, “Thank you for teaching me to think theologically about everything. Thank you for exposing me to Christian thinkers and authors so I could continue to learn. Thank you for introducing new ideas gently, giving the Spirit time to work in my heart. And thank you for modeling faithful service to a church. You shaped me profoundly. … For this I am grateful.”

Funeral services will be held at the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, 11908 North Lamar Boulevard, at noon on Monday, May 6. Interment will be at Austin Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 5, from 5-7 p.m., also at Brentwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Christian Studies, Brentwood Christian School, or Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ.