New College Bulletin 2015

Celebrating and empowering the women of New College

New College Meet our People news Recent news scholarship publications recipients page 4 page 14 page 16 page 18

J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 1 4/28/15 1:01 PM “OUR VISITING LECTURES PROVIDE IMPORTANT STIMULUS educational practices in the study of Q. This New College bulletin EACH YEAR – I THINK WE UNDERESTIMATE THEIR VALUE. theology and religion. issue features an article on the changing role of women in Q. How do you think the School New College through the years. needs to evolve to ensure the In your opinion, how has the study of theology and religious increasing involvement of women studies remains relevant? changed New College? DF: We need to develop more DF: It’s hard to remember the comparative courses although time when women were only a tiny we are doing much of this very minority within the student body, successfully already, e.g. in although this was largely the case theology and science, Bible and when I studied here from 1977-80. literature, and religion and ecology. The much improved gender balance I would personally welcome the within the academic staff has made development of further modules the faculty more diverse and more devoted to inter-faith dialogue. harmonious – that’s a dangerous PF: A number of recently appointed generalization but at least it’s been colleagues work in fields relating my own experience. to the contemporary impact and There is still some way to go relevance of religion in the modern however, particularly in terms of world. Alongside more historical achieving a much better gender approaches, this provides students balance within the graduate student with an excellent grounding for community. And we have yet to and comparative courses on understanding the origins of religions appoint the first woman Head of Christianity and Islam, at a time and their continued impact on global School. Welcome to the when the cultural memory of religion societies. PF: The most straightforward has largely disappeared amongst a way to illustrate the growing role younger generation. Q. What does the School need New College Bulletin of women in the New College to do differently to achieve these I would also like us to address student community is simply by looking at ambitions? We asked Prof Paul Foster (Head of School) and Prof David Fergusson (Principal of New College) to reflect on financial hardship by generating more our numbers. Over sixty percent of the previous year and give us their thoughts on what is next for the School of Divinity. This is what they told us: scholarship funds. We are fortunate DF: We might need to think about undergraduate students are women, at New College in the generosity of whether there is further scope for and a third of academic staff are previous benefactors, particularly in the team-teaching of courses that Q. In your opinion, what are the contributions this session from The global impact of the research women. The School recently became the late 19th century, but more work cut across traditional disciplinary the first academic department of School’s main achievements in John Hedley Brooke on the history conducted in the School was needs to be done both for home boundaries. This can be very time- theology or religion in the UK to be this last year? of science and religion, Jeremy recognized in the REF2014 exercise, students and those from overseas. consuming but rewarding for all awarded the Bronze Award from the Waldron on the basis of human with the School achieving excellent DF: Our record undergraduate A major upgrade of the Rainy Hall concerned. Gender Equality Charter Mark. We recruitment, particularly amongst equality, and Linda Woodhead on results. is long overdue after more than PF: One possible development are now working towards the silver students from Moray House School the changing religious complexion a century of constant use. We could be to provide students with award. of the UK. Q. What do you think are the of Education, and the strong REF need to ensure that the portraits of more opportunities to work in the main challenges the school While external awards are pleasing, performance have been recent PF: The School continues to elderly Scottish divines (all men) are community during their studies, or to the real mark of success is the needs to tackle in the near highlights. A varied visiting lecture provide a supportive and stimulating balanced by other artworks, while have courses that provide placement inclusive and supportive environment future? programme provides important environment for the study of some better insulation in the winter opportunities. Not only would this that makes New College a positive intellectual stimulus each year. I think theology and religion for all students. DF: We need to continue to attract months and a decent PA system allow students to use their studies in place for women to study and work. that we sometimes underestimate This is reflected in the high ratings students to our courses from across would be very welcome! an applied way, but it would create We are aware that we are on a their value. They are also a great link of student satisfaction received the wider University. There is scope PF: The School needs to maintain its a positive engagement between the journey, and while the direction of between the School and the wider by the school on the National for further development here, commitment to trialling the use of new University and the wider community. travel is encouraging, the process community. We’ve had excellent Students Survey. particularly in offering introductory teaching methods to lead the way in is ongoing.

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 2-3 4/28/15 1:01 PM New College news Hong Kong Lectures Prof delivered the 2015 Josephine So Africa for the Africans Lectures in China Graduate The Centre for the Study of World Christianity hosted School of Theology in Hong a well-attended symposium on Saturday 7 February Kong, 21-22 January, on to mark the centenary of the ‘Nyasaland Native “What Made Early Christianity Rising’ of 1915. Different in the Roman World.” He plans to produce a book The Malawian Baptist John Chilembwe, inspired by the on this topic for publication slogan, ‘Africa for the Africans’, led his followers in an in 2016. abortive protest against labour exploitation by white settlers and the colonial state. A Christian gentleman During his visit to Hong Kong, who was proud to wear European clothes, but declined he met up with some of his to remove his hat before every European he met, former PhD students who now Chilembwe found himself driven to violence. hold academic posts in various Hong Kong theological colleges. He lost his life in the Rising, and is now revered in Malawi as a nationalist martyr. Speakers at the symposium included the veteran doyen of Malawi historians, Prof George Shepperson, formerly of the University Research update from the Centre for Theology of . and Public Issues The papers shed valuable new light on the Rising – the The Centre for Theology and Public Issues (CTPI) celebrated its 30th only example in Africa of an anti-colonial rebellion that anniversary in 2014 with a number of public events. These brought drew its primary inspiration from Christian teaching. academics and practitioners together through lectures, seminars and conferences. Several of these events related to a couple of CTPI’s major international research projects.

Duncan Forrester Fellowship: Dr Lesley Orr appointed First, Religion and Ethics in the Second, the Peacebuilding Through Dr Lesley Orr was appointed as the first Duncan Forrester CTPI post-doctoral fellow in January 2015. For the next Making of War and Peace (RELWAR) Media Arts project, led by Dr Theo (Left to right standing: Joyce (Wai Lan) Sun, Jonathan Lo, Josaphat Tam) two years she will be working on a range of CTPI related ventures, including the next phase of the Peacebuilding is a wide-ranging project led by Hawksley and Prof Jolyon Mitchell, through the Arts project. Dr George Wilkes which focuses has two strands. on all aspects of the relationship Dr Orr is a feminist historian, Scotland during the Great War. Lesley In the first strand, project researchers between ethics and religion in war Student Intake for theologian and writer, most recently has been involved for many years analyse the presentation of religious and in peace-building. The project co-editor of Scottish Women 1780- in movements challenging gender violence in media arts, researching 2014/2015 focuses on military ethics education, 1914: A Documentary History based inequality, abuse and violence the connection between religion and The undergraduate new student on ethics in peacebuilding and (Edinburgh University Press 2013). in faith communities and wider violence in order to provide depth intake this year was much larger humanitarian initiatives, and on truth She has worked at the Universities of society. She was consultant to the and complexity to simplistic media than in previous years, 94 new and reconciliation processes. It aims Glasgow and Edinburgh, and on the World Council of Churches Decade portrayals. The second strand of students (54 female and 40 to provide quality research on the gender justice programme at Queen to Overcome Violence 2001-2010 and project research focuses on the male). impact of religion on war and peace- Margaret University, Edinburgh. currently serves on the Boards of Zero use of media arts for peacebuilding. making, with a particular focus on New Masters degree students: Tolerance Trust and Common Weal. She has extensive experience of changing approaches to ethical This research has been disseminated 40 (22 female and 18 male). Lesley is also a longstanding member work in the third sector and with the problems in Christian, Muslim and through staging exhibitions, of the ecumenical Iona Community. New PhD students: Scottish Government’s Strategy to Jewish traditions. RELWAR’s research performances and public events 30 (9 female and 21 male). Address Violence Against Women. The CTPI is currently fundraising for on ‘Religion and Reconciliation’ in around the theme of practical Her current research focuses on a second Duncan Forrester CTPI Bosnia-Herzegovina is widely cited peacebuilding. Several publications peace activism and resistance in Fellowship to follow later in 2016. as a model for peacebuilding there. are currently being worked upon.

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 4-5 4/28/15 1:01 PM The School of Divinity joins Old Testament Network A busy year for the Centre for the Study Dr Williams’ lectures are to be published by Bloomsbury In 2014, the School of Divinity was accepted as a new member in the Old of Christian Origins T&T Clark in their Guides for the Perplexed series. The CSCO Kennedy-Wright Lecture this year was given Testament Network OTSEM (Old Testament Studies: Epistemologies and The Centre for the Study of Christian Origins (CSCO) has Methods). OTSEM is a network of Old Testament scholars connected to by Prof Philip Esler (University of Gloucestershire) who put on a number of events this year, particularly to enrich PhD programmes in a number of Northern European university institutions. spoke to a packed Martin Hall on ‘The Heavenly Abode in the experience of postgraduate students in New Testament New College Library 1Enoch 1-36’ (an ancient Jewish text). Also of note were The object of the network is to improve the environment for Hebrew Bible and Christian Origins. talks by our own Prof Hurtado on ‘Performance Criticism’ welcomes the donation / Old Testament research, especially doctoral and post-doctoral research, Star billing goes to Dr Margaret Williams, an Honorary of Gorbals Group by inspiring contact and cooperation between members and departments and the New Testament, Prof Claudia Setzer (Manhattan Fellow, who presented a two-day workshop on Jewish Ministry’s papers throughout the network. College) on the ‘blame game’ in Matthew’s Gospel, and Epigraphy in the Graeco-Roman period in June. Prof Bob McIver on memory and the gospels. Revd Dr John Harvey, pictured with In September 2014, a group from the School participated for the first time Participants learnt all about where to find inscriptions Dr Sandy Forsyth, has kindly donated in the network’s traditional Annual Meeting, which is an opportunity for and how to use them in research – and also had the Further details of all our events, including audio the papers of the Gorbals Group younger scholars and PhD students to present their work. Our students’ opportunity to decipher some themselves at the end! recordings of most of them, can be found on our website, Ministry to the New College Library. papers were very well received. In keeping with longstanding OTSEM www.christianorigins.div.ed.ac.uk The Gorbals Group Ministry was a tradition, during the final dinner Mr. James Mulroney (PhD) and Dr Anja Klein bold, exploratory attempt to ‘bridge (DHabil) were presented with a rose for having recently completed their • Prof Jane Dawson’s Singing the the gap’ between Christianity and research project. For further information contact Dr Anja Klein, who is the School of Divinity ranked Reformation exhibition (based those in poverty. Founded by three local contact person at the School of Divinity, or see the OTSEM website on the Wode Psalter), which ministers in 1957 www.otsem.uni-hamburg.de. and active until the early Seventies, at number one in Scotland brought together choirs, church its height it consisted of ten members, Update on our fundraising efforts groups, embroiderers and including social workers, teachers, The John McIntyre Scholarship Fund has now exceeded £90K. We wish to for Research history enthusiasts in a series of and the later Bishop of Edinburgh, express our appreciation to alumni who have donated so generously, as workshops and events. We are delighted to report that Richard Holloway. well as to the Scottish Journal of Theology for its substantial contribution. quality. Some institutions try to skew we have been officially ranked the figures by only including a handful • The impact surrounding John Harvey was an integral We hope to achieve a sum of £100K during the coming year. The fund will as the top place for research into of top academics. What makes the Prof Michael Northcott’s book on member of the group throughout the be used to support students training for the ministry of one of the Scottish Theology and Religious Studies Divinity scores particularly pleasing climate change, A Moral Climate: sixties, and later leader of the Iona churches. In addition we are pleased also to report that the Student Awards in Scotland and the fourth in the is that we submitted 90% of all The Ethics of Global Warming Community and parish minister. Agency Scotland (SAAS) has clarified that it will provide a fee waiver for all UK. The ranking comes from the colleagues – making us the second (DLT/Orbis, 2007), which included MDiv students who are recognized candidates of any Scottish church; this New College is a particularly apt government’s Research Excellence largest Theology and Religious public lectures in five countries. promises to enhance New College as an ecumenical centre for ministerial location for the papers. The co- Framework (REF), and is based Studies submission in the UK, formation. founder of the Gorbals Group was on the quality and volume of our behind Oxford. • The Centre for the Study of research. Dr Helen K Bond, Director Geoff Shaw, who graduated BD from Prof Hurtado is honoured with a new book of essays World Christianity’s events New College in 1953. Having been of Research at the School, explains: Our ‘research environment’ also did commemorating the Edinburgh In Nov 2014, Prof Larry Hurtado was presented with a “Festschrift” very well, achieving grades exclusively influenced by the early lectures of T.F. World Missionary Conference of (a multi-author volume in somebody’s honour) by former PhD students All university departments in the in the three and four star range, and Torrance on Barth, he studied for the 1910. UK have a periodic inspection of STM at Union Theological Seminary and colleagues in the field of New Testament studies putting us second in the whole UK in research activity. Staff are asked to in New York in 1953-4. This led to a this area. This is the aspect of REF • Interdisciplinary work organised Mark, Manuscripts, and Monotheism: Essays in Honor of Larry W. Hurtado, submit their four best pieces of work life-changing experience for Shaw. He that potential postgraduates need to by the Centre for Theology and edited by Chris Keith & Dieter T. Roth (London: which are then graded by a panel of was sent on placement to the newly take note of, and demonstrates the Public Issues on the theme of Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2015). experts, using four categories. The instigated East Harlem Protestant vibrancy and scope of the research Religion and Ethics in the Making general research environment of Parish, along with his Trinity College The editors and authors of the essays are culture in our School. of War and Peace. Of particular former students and colleagues of Prof Hurtado. each department is also assessed, friend, Walter Fyfe. interest were ethical approaches The title and the essays address major areas taking into consideration the number This most recent audit also added a The inspiration from the work of the to communications, conflict, the of Prof Hurtado’s own research over the years. of postgraduates, research centres, new category: research impact, that EHPP in the East Harlem ghetto led grant income and so on. Almost 70% is, evidence that research has effects laws of war, media, peacebuilding, both men to seek its replication in the of our academic-staff publications in the wider society. We put forward reconciliation, sectarianism and Gorbals on their return to Scotland, were rated in the top two categories, four “case studies” of projects led by violence. with colleague John Jardine. which reflect work of high international New College academic staff:

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 6-7 4/28/15 1:01 PM “FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION New College Library: Should we put limits WITH ALL ITS MESSY BOUNDARIES LIES AT THE VERY CORE OF LIBERAL an ever expanding to freedom of SOCIETIES; IF YOU LOSE THIS FUNDAMENTAL AND HARD FOUGHT PRIVILEGE, YOU’VE resource expression? LOST THE VERY SOUL OF WESTERN FREEDOMS. Prof Siddiqui reflects on the Charlie Hebdo attacks

The New College Library is one of the largest specialist libraries for religion. Collection development theology and religious studies in the UK, with over a quarter of a million in this area continues, with new items and rich special collections of rare books. Our collections are journals purchased including the continuously developed, providing our students and academics with Journal of African Christian Thought, The defence of free speech is again privileged access to our up-to-date collection of contemporary titles, Logos & pneuma: Chinese Journal at the forefront and while freedom of alongside a wealth of historical editions. of Theology and Sino-Christian expression may never be absolute, Our librarian, Christine Love-Rodgers, explains how our collection has Studies, and a number of recent let it set its own limits rather than be grown in the last year and how you can access it. book acquisitions as well, such as the frightened into submission. I’ve heard Oxford Encyclopedia of South Asian many say that just because you can Prof Mona Siddiqui, an expert in decency and taste while others saw it Christianity, and A History of Korean say something doesn’t mean you Supporting academics Muslim theology and Christian- as clever and inspirational, challenging should and at a purely pragmatic level Alumni access We are currently buying various Christianity. Muslim relations and a regular anything and everything, central to that may sometimes be true. But it is to our collections new materials to support Divinity’s Students contributor to the media, offered the the establishment, with its own history free speech which gives minorities the New College Alumni are new Chancellors’ Fellows, such as following reflection on BBC Radio and ideals of the French republic. right to practice their religion, groups to welcome to visit New College Dr Lydia Schumacher, Chancellor’s recommendations 4 the day after the recent Paris It’s been closed down before, it’s run hold anti-war rallies and journalists to Library, where reference access Fellow in Historical and Systematic and participation attacks. out of money, warned for being too expose the tyrannies and hypocrisies is free (registration visitors’ Theology, whose research and Our students have always played an provocative but it stood resolute with `Je suis Charlie’ was all over social of power. card requires a photograph, teaching are in Medieval Religious active part in recommending books the editor once saying, “When activists proof of address and media yesterday in widespread Thought. for New College Library. need a pretext to justify their violence, Freedom of expression with all its condemnation of the tragic killing of photographic ID.) Borrowing they always find it.” And in 2012, he messy boundaries lies at the very The the Charlie Hebdo journalists and access is also available to Today, students are able to bravely told Le Monde, I would rather core of liberal societies; if you lose this policemen in Paris; a show of solidarity alumni library: strengthening recommend books for New College die standing than live on my knees.’ fundamental and hard fought privilege, at a discounted fee. More our resources in World Library online, and over 140 books with the dead and the injured and an you’ve lost the very soul of western act of defiance against the Islamist For Charb, there was never any information about New College Christianity were purchased on their request last freedoms. Library can be found at www. perpetrators. This was a cold and intention of giving into fear, telling the year, at a cost of over £7,500. ed.ac.uk/is/new-college- The summer of 2014 saw the final carefully planned attack after years of New Yorker, that mocking Islam must These actions will only entrench social library. You can also find news move and integration of the Andrew Divinity students also play their part threats against the satirical magazine continue “until Islam is just as banal as tensions about Islam in Europe. The Walls Library, formerly housed in the irony of course is that more people about New College Library in supporting New College Library for its cartoons of the Prophet. Catholicism.” Centre for World Christianity, into will now see the very cartoons these collections, new and old, in the by staffing and supporting our The editor Stéphane Charbonnier, Ridicule against extremism was his New College Librarian’s blog New College Library. This collection gunmen wanted banned. They will regular Book Sales of withdrawn known simply as “Charb,” was one weapon and it angered those who http://libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk/ contains nearly eight thousand also see that their actions killed 12 but and duplicate publications. These of the victims paying the ultimate price could only confront satire with guns. newcollegelibrarian items unique to the University of brought together thousands across Edinburgh, and it is an invaluable sales raise vital funds to support for a magazine which refused to be But in using the prophet as an excuse the world, waving a pen in their hands, research resource for the School the preservation of our Special silenced especially in its portrayal to kill, the gunmen chose to ignore the holding vigils and showing that if of Divinity’s research and teaching Collections and also enable us of religions. For some people the Qur’anic reprimand of Muhammad gunshots try to divide us, the simple into the history and contemporary to purchase rare items to enhance magazine was outrageously bold, himself that he had no right to impose act of being with one another can still reality of Christianity as a world our collections. overstepping the boundaries of his belief on others. unite us.

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 8-9 4/28/15 1:01 PM Being a woman at New School awarded College: our Alumnae share their experiences. We asked four New College alumnae gender equality mark to reflect on their time as students to illustrate how things have changed The School of Divinity has Café Couthie for our female students in the last decades. This is what they told us: achieved a Bronze Award in a new (‘couthie’ is a Scots word meaning UK-wide gender equality charter ‘snug’, ‘friendly’) Q. How was it to be a woman at Lesley Orr Mary O’Duffin Kate Grencross Sarah Lane mark scheme run by the Equality MA in 1979, BD in 1987 Bachelor of Divinity (Hons)1985 MA Religious Studies (2005) MSc Science & Religion (2014) Café Couthie has been set-up to New College? Challenge Unit. and PhD in 1995 Christian Ethics and Practical foster a better sense of community LO: I loved my time as a BD student, Theology We are the first theology and amongst the female postgraduate and appreciated the friendly collegial religious studies department in the students, who are in the minority spirit among staff and students. ones doing divinity) complain that it II met Prof John McIntyre (Moderator) institutions are all contexts which UK to achieve this award. Across at New College, and to offer them But it was a community rooted was harder being female there. on New College steps in early June have constructed and sustained the UK, awards have gone to five informal contact with female role in traditions, assumptions and SL: Being a female in a theoretical of my first year! A momentous inequalities rooted in gender. universities and seventeen individual models on the academic staff. practices of masculinity – the norm area of higher-level academia is still occasion. The first visit of a Pope to Women’s voices and perspectives departments in the arts, humanities in university and church contexts. Mentoring of Postgraduate a minority experience, so I have been Great Britain in 400 years. were largely absent, and certainly and social sciences. The experience of being a woman Research Students very much aware of that dynamic KG: The best thing about being a not central to the story we learnt, or The process involved an audit and taught almost entirely by men, This new mentoring scheme pairs while at New College. Because woman at NC was all the brilliant the everyday realities of our lives as analysis of the gender balance learning theology and history almost postgraduate research students I could not slip into the pre-formed women I met – inspirational female students. But there were a few signs among staff and students, of the exclusively shaped by, for and about with a staff mentor from outside their “male academic” mold still prevalent academics and friends that 10 years of change afoot! career progression of staff and men, certainly sharpened up my subject area. Mentors offer them I have felt a lot of responsibility (and on, I am still really close to. MO: None! I am sure my time at New students in academia, and of the feminism! informal support and conversation freedom!) to ignore social norms SL: New College has been a College increased my confidence working environment in the School. MO: I was one of the few women about the wider experience of or expectations and shape my own remarkably supportive environment This was a valuable exercise: in the role of women in the Church. postgraduate work and academic at New College; a lay woman and experience. it allowed us to highlight some for me, first in my Master’s program I now work as the religious education life. The scheme is open to all Catholic not planning becoming a aspects of School life that we had and now during my PhD. A new adviser for Catholic primary schools students, male and female. minister. Q. What was the best thing about known of but not had a channel to mentoring scheme has paired in the Archdiocese of Glasgow. There was an eclectic mix of being a Woman in New College? express; it also led us to identify Focus groups students with various lecturers and New College was empowering and students of all ages: a few Jesuit, LO: We organised a women’s group issues that had gone unnoticed. professors, and I have certainly a great place of debate and learning. We have also set up a focus group Dominican candidates; but more. which created space for sharing benefited from this. Moreover, Cafe looking at the reasons behind the Episcopalian, CofS, Methodist, KG: I can’t think of any gender Our new initiatives to experiences, mutual support and for Couthie is a regular event at which “leaky pipeline” (the lower number Congregationalist candidates for specific challenge I encountered engaging in discussion of issues and female students and staff can have address inequality of female students who move from ministry. at my time in NC. My dissertation themes from feminist perspectives. coffee, talk, and generally work to While this award shows the School’s undergraduate to postgraduate supervisor actually encouraged me Fascinating discussions on It was also fun to get dressed up in create a more open and friendly strong commitment to equality and studies and then on to appointments to pursue a postgraduate degree, ecclesiology and Sacramental our finery for the New College Gala community for the women at New diversity, we are aware that work as academic staff ), which and he mentioned that being female theology. Lunch in Rainy Hall and a Nights! The worst aspect was to College. remains to be done. To help us should result in more initiatives to sense of community in the midst of encounter a few fellow students who could work to my advantage in the move in the right direction we have address this. diversity. made it clear – politely or rudely – Q. What gender specific field – because of the shortage introduced a number of initiatives to that they thought women were alien challenges did you face in your of female academics in religious address outstanding issues KG: My time there was very positive. studies generally. It was a safe, friendly and respectful invaders in a place which should time at New College? remain a male preserve. SL: Most of the postgraduates Have your say..! community that welcomed and LO: Gender specific challenges celebrated diversity. There were more MO: As a Catholic laywoman, encountered included occasional are men, and many are from If you would like to share your /edalumni female academics teaching religious study at New College gave me the overt misogyny, but more conservative North American memories or thoughts on this /EdinburghAlumni studies than on the divinity courses opportunity to develop my faith and commonly a kind of benign lack of backgrounds where women are subject we would love to hear – but I never heard any of my female reason in a climate of increasing awareness that gender matters; that not accepted as intellectual equals. them! friends at New College (even the tolerance and dialogue. St John Paul theology, religion and educational At times, this makes things difficult.

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 10-11 4/28/15 1:01 PM The School had the honour to welcome Interview: Prof John Hedley Brooke earlier in the year. In three lectures, he explored the interface between science and religion Prof John Hedley Brooke and the role played by eminent scientists in defining this relationship. This short explores the relationship interview introduces some of the key points covered in his lectures, which can between Science & Religion also be viewed online in our website.

For those who assume that How do you think theologians It seems that many of the science and religion are should best appropriate scientific controversies in the science and inherently at odds, how would you concepts, especially when those religion conversation have less best encapsulate an alternative scientific concepts can change so to do with the actual science way to approach the relationship? drastically in a short time? involved and more to do with the “I’m very keen to look at the way in “I’m immediately reminded of that presuppositions that we bring to which scientific ideas and religious great Scottish scientist James Clerk the table. beliefs have come into contact in Maxwell, because he has a very “If you are convinced that you are the past. What one discovers is an strong line on this: bringing the right metaphysics and enormous variety of ways in which methodological principles to bear Science does change far more scientists have held religious beliefs. on the issues, you’re not going to be quickly than theology can change, One looks at the reception of new easily persuaded that an alternative and if you base your theology on scientific ideas and discovers that offers something. We have to be some recent insight in science, and representatives of the churches were very careful to tease out what those that science changes and produces sometimes hostile and sometimes presuppositions are so that we can an entirely different understanding of perfectly accommodating. then ask questions about what makes the world, you’ve tied your theology one set of presuppositions more In other words, when we think of to something ephemeral. You’ve built plausible, and what it is about them science and religion as inexorably an edifice on shifting sand. There are that actually produces advocates. or inextricably at war with each dangers in trying to bring theology other, we’re basing that on a highly and the science too close.” It’s a very prevalent part of modern selective set of examples from past scientific culture to adopt the principle history. We mustn’t allow streamlined of methodological naturalism. master narratives of the past to Why? It’s because the [scientific] delude us into thinking that that’s methodology has been so fertile. the whole story.” But the idea that it is legitimate to give an account of natural phenomena in terms of natural causes is part and parcel of the Christian “WHAT ONE DISCOVERS IS AN ENORMOUS tradition. There is no straightforward VARIETY OF WAYS IN WHICH SCIENTISTS dichotomy between naturalism and HAVE HELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. supernaturalism.”

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 12-13 4/28/15 1:01 PM Q. What are you enjoying best about studying at the Q. How has the scholarship affected your life and Meet our scholarships School of Divinity? plans ? DT: Unlimited access to a specialist library for theology DT: Without a scholarship I wouldn’t be as confident and and religious studies which has deepened and broadened ambitious as I am now. My abilities and potential would not recipients my understanding in addition to enhancing my critical have developed. I would just be a clergy in my rural home. thinking skills. SO: Without the scholarship I would have been doing my Thanks to donors and benefactors over many years, the School of SO: The privilege of learning from top-notch tutors, the work as a parish minister. The scholarship has brought me Divinity is able to provide scholarships to students from around the Supporting our library, and meeting new friends from different nationalities. this far for improvement. world. Last year alone our awards benefited more than 30 students, students and amounted to a disbursement of over £250,000. The contribution Q. What are you enjoying best about living in Q. What do you plan to do when you finish your We want to ensure that the of alumni and friends in donating to our scholarships funds is invaluable Edinburgh? studies? most talented students are and very much appreciated. able to pursue their vocation DT: I would say the vibrant social life and the many DT: I plan to go back to contribute towards environmental beautiful places which are within walking distance from the causes through teaching, research and development Scholarships are essential to attract talented students of various countries and at Edinburgh – and this is city centre. They include Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh Castle, of strategic plans in conjunction with various Christian irrespective of their own financial resources. These awards keep our School the where you can help. There are Arthur’s Seat etc. denominations in Kenya. diverse and multicultural institution we want it to be. Scholarships are also life- a variety of ways in which you changing for our students, providing them with unique opportunities that many can pledge your support to SO: Living in Edinburgh is a great experience. I enjoy most SO: After my MSc I plan to proceed to a PhD if another otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience. our scholarship programmes, of all the culture of my new home. Edinburgh is a very chance of funding is available; alternatively, I will be going such as the John McIntyre, beautiful and vibrant city. back to my pastoral work. We‘ve asked a couple of recent recipients of scholarships specifically John Ross Scholarship or designated for overseas students to share with us what their awards mean J.S. Stewart funds. Q. In which way/s has your stay in Edinburgh Q. What would you say to encourage alumni to to them. influenced your work/research/life/views? contribute to fund scholarships? DT: It has helped me to embrace an ecumenical DT: Dear alumni, you can change the world by contributing approach to church ministry, develop a more critical funds towards scholarships. A single beneficiary will mind, an optimistic perspective of life and made me more change a family which will in turn change a society. That accommodating of divergent views. society will change a nation and that nation will change the SO: My stay in Edinburgh has greatly added meaning world. You will have changed the world! to my work as a Minister, given me more insight in my SO: To educate a person is to empower a nation. research, added value to my life and improved my I encourage our alumni to continue contributing in funding perception of things. scholarships because without your contributions I wouldn’t be here asking you to do more.

Giving to the School in the UK, and this was recently your will, and other arrangements. of Divinity enhanced by the creation of a For more information on the ways bespoke, temperature-controlled in which you can make a donation, Whether large or small, your reading room for fragile bibles and please visit: contribution can help us to continue manuscripts. A regular gift towards to provide an outstanding centre for www.ed.ac.uk/schools- our library, no matter at what level, study and research in Theology and departments/divinity/alumni/ will contribute to the preservation Dan Too Stanley Okeke Religious Studies. support and growth of our collection for From Kenya From Nigeria Or for more details, please contact: New College Library students for generations to come. Desmond Tutu Masters and T F Torrance Scholar Desmond Tutu and T F Torrance Scholar. Emma Lacroix, Development In the heart of New College You can give in various ways: by Research interests: science and religion and more Research interests: I am currently working on Manager – Humanities and Social the library is one of the largest direct gift toward an established specifically ecotheology. “A Theological Assessment of Homosexuality”. Science [email protected] dedicated theological libraries fund, by including New College in

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 14-15 4/28/15 1:01 PM for Theology and Public Issues British Academy Postdoctoral graduate work in religion at Harvard College. His PhD thesis focused on (CTPI) working primarily on the Fellowship in the Faculty of Theology and Princeton. After postdoctoral mission in contemporary Scotland, People news Peacebuilding through the Media and Religion at Oxford. After working research in Jerusalem, she took a concentrating on dynamic modes Arts project, from October 2011 extensively on the medieval thinker teaching post in Philadelphia. Her of mission exercised in the quarter- Farewell to friends Dr Elizabeth Koepping to December 2014. She left New Thomas Aquinas for the purpose publications have dealt with the century after World War II such as College to join an apostolic order of of preparing the latter two volumes, communities of the apostle Paul, those of Tom Allan, the Gorbals In 2014 two members of academic sisters, called the Congregation of Lydia is currently conducting research Manichaeism, Neoplatonism, and staff retired, and one of our post- Group Ministry and Ian Fraser. He (CJs). It was founded in 1611 on the founders of the medieval the controversial ‘Gospel of Judas’. doctoral fellows moved on to new is also an ordained minister in the by an English woman, Mary Ward. Franciscan intellectual tradition, as Her current book projects are on the duties. Church of Scotland. His interests It has approximately 2000 sisters, well as specific topics in systematic relationship between sacrifice and are therefore in practical theology, Dr Cecelia Clegg mainly based in Europe, India and and philosophical theology. kinship construction in early Judaism and the interaction of theology and Christianity, and on the New Latin America. Dr Philippa Townsend with public life. As well as his more Dr Elizabeth Koepping retired in Testament book of Revelation. recent theological studies, Sandy August 2014. She joined the School Dr Alexander Forsyth has worked for over two decades In memoriam in October 2001 as Lecturer in World as a Scots lawyer: initially as a court Christianity (Asia). At undergraduate Very Rev Prof died solicitor, and as an advocate at the level she has been a dedicated on 18 October, 2014, aged 93. He Scottish Bar since 1999. The research teacher of the Christian tradition lectured in New Testament studies project he now works on fuses Dr Cecelia Clegg served at New within the Religious Studies Subject at New College from 1955-71 prior both law and theology, considering College for over ten years (2004- Area. Among graduate students she to taking up a chair appointment Dr Philippa Townsend is a whether dispute resolution in civil 2014), for several years as Director gained a reputation as a passionate, in Aberdeen. A former Moderator Chancellor’s Fellow specialising in the litigation could be better informed of the Centre for Theology and Public highly committed and deeply caring of the General Assembly and New Testament and early Christianity. Dr Alexander (Sandy) Forsyth, by restorative justice and mediation, Issues (CTPI). Throughout her time at supervisor. Many students, as well he She studied Classics at Cambridge newly-appointed Hope Trust drawing on theological concepts New College Dr Clegg pursued her as the School’s Visiting Fellows, will was a distinguished ecumenical and University College London Post-doctoral Research Fellow, such as reconciliation, forgiveness interest in the theme of reconciliation, churchman and scholar. Amongst remember with gratitude partaking before leaving for the US to do her recently completed his PhD at New and mercy. in particular how to help individuals his many activities, he served as of her generous hospitality in her and communities to learn to live a translator of the New English Bruntsfield home. An ordained positively with differences of religion Bible. Anglican priest, Elizabeth is currently and culture. At New College she In memoriam serving the Anglican congregation continued to work as a facilitator in Prof Alasdair Heron died in Erlangen in Heidelberg. We are delighted that Alumni news church settings in Britain and Ireland, New members of staff after a long illness on 7 May, 2014. Elizabeth will maintain her links with drawing on her extensive experience Dr Lydia Schumacher Prof Peter Balla A lecturer at New College from 1974– as a conflict transformation practitioner the School as an Honorary Fellow, 81, he moved to Erlangen University Prof Dr Peter Balla has been re-appointed by the President of Hungary in Northern Ireland, at the Irish School and wish her a happy and productive as Prof of Reformed Theology where to a further five-year term as Rektor of the Károli Gáspár University of the of Ecumenics where she also taught retirement. he taught until his retirement. His Reformed Church in Budapest. ‘Conflict Transformation’ and courses Dr Theo Hawksley New College students will recall his on Religious Sectarianism. Rev Angus Morrison lectures for their clarity, insight and scholarly rigour. These qualities are Her practical experience in Congratulations to Rev Dr Angus Morrison on his nomination as Moderator reflected in several textbooks which peacebuilding and psychological of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2015/16. Formerly of are still widely used by students today counselling combined with her Dr Lydia Schumacher is a the Free Presbyterian Church, Angus is currently parish minister in Orwell including The Holy Spirit (1983) and expertise in theological anthropology Chancellor’s Fellow focused in and Portmoak Church (in Perth and Kinross). In 2001, he completed his Table and Tradition (1983). Alasdair and reconciliation enriched all her systematic and philosophical doctorate at New College on Augustine and the Donatist controversy under also served for many years as editor courses. Students lucky enough theology with special interests in the supervision of Prof David Wright. We wish Angus and his wife Marion of The Scottish Journal of Theology. to be in her classes (e.g. Conflict Dr Theo Hawksley completed her medieval theology and philosophy, well as they embark upon an arduous year of service to the wider church, We extend our condolences to Transformation and the Theology of PhD in 2011 at New College, having the medieval reception of the Church and we look forward to his participation in our annual Advent carol service Helen, their two daughters and Reconciliation) were inspired and also served as a tutor in Theology Fathers and the philosophy of grandchildren. challenged by her teaching. Dr Clegg and Ethics from September 2009 antiquity. She was previously Tutor in December. continues as an Honorary Fellow at to July 2011. She was appointed a in Doctrine at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford New College. Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre University, and she held a prestigious

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 16-17 4/28/15 1:01 PM Reading matters: Lifelong community A message from our editor, Prof Larry Hurtado Help us improve Review of publications As a graduate of the School of Divinity, you are part of a vibrant community with over 220,000 University of Edinburgh alumni worldwide. your bulletin – Prizes to be won! by staff and Alumni We can help you to stay connected wherever you are based. We have alumni We need your views to make clubs and networks across the world, and we host events in the UK and environment, animals and extra- government officials they influence this bulletin and indeed other 1 Jane Dawson, John Knox (New internationally. We can also help you get together with your peers if you’d like terrestrial life. The aim is to present the variously, along with efforts to achieve communications better and Haven/London: Yale University Press, to organise a reunion. theology of creation, not merely as a a healthy and employment-producing more suitable to your needs. 2015). With advance acclaim as the statement of cosmic origins or a environment. Please fill-in our short online definitive biography of the leader of Keep us up to date with Keep us posted! prelude to the story of sin and survey to have your say.: the Scottish Reformation, and drawing 6 Mona Siddiqui, My Way: Please let us know when you move redemption, but as a capacious article your news www.surveymonkey.com/s/ on previously unpublished sources, A Muslim Woman’s Journey (I.B. home or change email address of faith that requires much fuller This bulletin is produced for you Newcollegebulletin Dawson challenges stereotypes of Taurus, 2015). A personal theological so we can keep you informed with attention today. and we are keen to give our alumni Knox and presents more fully this journey reflecting on crucial issues of a platform to share your news and what’s happening at the School of complex figure. 4 Anja Klein, Geschichte und faith and identity within society at accomplishments. Don’t hesitate to Divinity and across the University. Gebet. Die Rezeption der biblischen large. While speaking from within By keeping your contact details up 2 James Eglinton and George drop me a line if you want to share Geschichte in den Psalmen des Alten a particular tradition, the book draws to date you’ll receive our publications, Harinck (eds.), Neo-Calvinism and anything with us. Testaments (Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, on a wide array of religious and and you can also make the most of the French Revolution (London and [email protected] 2014). A new literary and theological philosophical thinking, touching on your exclusive alumni benefits and New York: T&T Clark/Bloomsbury, analysis of the historical-narrative matters of universal concern. Who are services package, which includes 2014). This multi-author volume charts Join our mailing list psalms: Exodus 15, Psalms 78, 105, we? The place of love and sex, how careers support and ongoing access the historical emergence of neo- We produce a quarterly electronic All respondents will be entered 106, 114, 135 and 136, focusing on do we cope with growing older? What to many University facilities, often at in a prize draw to win a fantastic Calvinism as a response to the French newsletter featuring recent news from the history of these texts and their kind of world will we leave to our a special rate. Scottish food hamper. Don’t Revolution, and explores a range of the School of Divinity and details connection with one another, and children? The author is concerned with forget to leave your contact issues in contemporary neo-Calvinist of upcoming events, seminars and To find out more about how you showing how ancient Israel developed exploring what makes life worth living. details so we can post it in case thought (including film studies, fashion public lectures. To be added to our can keep in touch and get involved, a national history initially in the forms you are the lucky winner! theory, sociolinguistics and Christian- 7 Judith Becker and Brian mailing list, visit www.ed.ac.uk/ please visit www.ed.ac.uk/alumni of poetry and prayer. Muslim relations) against that Stanley (eds.), Europe as the Other: divinity/news-events/newsletter. or email [email protected] Please note: due to customs backdrop. 5 Michael S. Northcott, Place, External Perspectives on European restrictions any alcohol will Ecology and the Sacred: The Moral Christianity (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck be substituted for products of 3 David Fergusson, Creation Geography of Sustainable & Ruprecht, 2014). The focus of this the same or higher value if the (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2014). Communities (London: Bloomsbury multi-author volume is on how winner is based outside the EU. The book has arisen from many T&T Clark, 2015). Forthcoming June non-Europeans viewed Europe and years teaching the doctrine of 2015, it explores the history, politics Europeans over the last couple of creation. In addition to exposition of and environmental consequences of centuries. Often, Europe was seen as classical theories of creation out of human conduct, giving analysis of the the seat of Christianity, but the Connect with us nothing, coverage is provided of historical role of wealthy individuals, contributors show that there was a You can also find us on: recent debates about the transnational corporations, and the greater diversity of views.

/SchoolOfDivinityEdinburgh www.tinyurl.com/edalumni PLACE, ECOLOGY AND THE SACRED THE PLACE, ECOLOGYAND Jane Dawson ‘Does Abraham Kuyper’s claim that the ideas of the French Revolution Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht were the Original Sin of modernity hold up under the careful scrutiny of Europe as the Other Veröffentlichungen des Instituts für Europäische Geschichte Mainz contemporary historians? The answer, suggested by this uniformly high- Beiheft 103 quality collection of essays, ranging from discussions of uniformity versus External Perspectives on European Christianity multilingualism, to the “terror” of French Revolutionary dress, and even and /edalumni ‘Quite simply, this life of John Knox renders all his previous biographies WR)UHQFKVHFXODULW\DQGWKH,VODPLFKHDGVFDUILVDTXDOLğHGŃ\HVń1RQH JTHE FRENCH REVOLUTION JohnaneNEO-CALVINISM AND D awsonKnox obsolete. Excitingly enriched by new manuscript discoveries, it expertly of the essayists are slavish disciples of the Kuyperian tradition; all treat it Edited by Judith Becker and Brian Stanley fillets Knox’s genius for personal myth-making, but leaves him still the most V\PSDWKHWLFDOO\DQGPLQHLWIRULWVFRQWHPSRUDU\UHOHYDQFH6WXGHQWVRI Jane Dawson has written the definitive life Over the last centuries, the contacts between Europeans and significant Scotsman of his generation. The result is surprising, fascinating 'XWFKQHR&DOYLQLVPZLOOğQGWKLVYROXPHVWLPXODWLQJLQLWVH[SORUDWLRQ of old and new themes, and an indispensable resource for applying the of John Knox, a leader of the Protestant non-Europeans have been diverse and complex. As non-Europeans and a major achievement of scholarship.’ encountered Europeans, they often perceived them as Christians. Other the as Europe YDOXDEOHLQVLJKWVRIWKLVWUDGLWLRQWRGD\ł Reformation in sixteenth-century Scotland. —Diarmaid MacCulloch, author of A History of Christianity: The First john bolt, calvin theological seminary, usa Therefore, in terms of religion Europe was often identified with Based in large part on previously unavailable Christianity. This volume asks: What views did non-Europeans hold Three Thousand Years Ł7KHVHHVVD\VRIIHUXVSURIRXQGQHR&DOYLQLVWH[SORUDWLRQVRIWKHGHHSO\ sources, including the recently discovered papers of »European Christianity«? The descriptions of European Christi- DQWL&KULVWLDQURRWVRIWKH)UHQFK5HYROXWLRQ%XWWKH\JLYHXVPXFKPRUH ohn of Knox’s close friend and colleague Christopher anity by Africans and Asians ranged from sympathetic acceptance /edinburghalumni J ZLWKPDUYHOORXVFRPPHQWDULHVRQğOPIDVKLRQOLWHUDWXUHSROLWLFDOWKHRU\ ‘This is an excellent book, a fine piece both of research and of writing, to harsh criticism. The contributions in this volume reveal the and contemporary Islam--to say nothing of some creative perspectives on Goodman, Dawson’s biography challenges the breadth of these opinions. They also show that there is no clear Jane Dawson is John Laing Professor of ‘Michael Northcott explores the history and politics of Earth-destructive and species-extincting and displays a finely balanced judgement. It gets as far as possible “under important issues in basic theology!’ traditionally-held stereotype of this founder of line of division between »insiders« and »outsiders.« human conduct. The book provides an incisive and insightful analysis of the historical role of Reformation History, School of Divinity, richard mouw, fuller theological seminary, usa With contributions by Kokou Azamede, Judith Becker, Jeffrey Cox, the skin” of its subject and yet manages to avoid uncritical or overflowing the Presbyterian denominationNEO- as a strident and wealthy individuals, transnational corporations, and the government officials they influence University of Edinburgh. An expert on Knox PLACE, ECOLOGY Martha Th. Frederiks, David Killingray, Sebastian C. H. Kim, sympathy for him. This balanced and insightful biography should be Ł+RZGRZHUHFRQFLOHWKHFDXVHRIIDLWKZLWKWKHH[FLWLQJSURPLVHVPDGH misogynist religious reformer whose influence to thwart citizens’ efforts to effect a healthful and employment-producing environment.’ sixteenth-century Scotland and Calvinist politics Thoralf Klein, Brian Stanley, R. G. Tiedemann, Werner Ustorf, definitive for many years to come.’ about modernity? This volume presents fresh and intriguing insights into rarely extended beyond Scotland. She maintains John Hart, Professor of Christian Ethics, Boston University, USA; Andrew F. Walls. and religion, she is the author of The Politics of WKHFRPSOLFDWHGUHODWLRQVKLSEHWZHHQ&DOYLQLVPDQGPRGHUQFXOWXUH7KH —Euan Cameron, author of The European Reformation instead that John Knox reliedCALVINISM heavily on the author of Sacramental Commons: Christian Ecological Ethics (2006) AND THE SACRED French Revolution functions as the landmark that launched a diversity of and Cosmic Commons: Spirit, Science, and Space (2013) @SchoolofDiv and Religion in the Age of Mary Queen of Scots (2000) support of his ‘godly sisters’ and conferred as well The editors and Scotland Re-formed: 1488–1587 (2007), and reactions and developments, which were formative for the movement that EHFDPHNQRZQDVQHR&DOYLQLVP7KHFUHDWLYHFRQWULEXWLRQVRI\RXQJHU as argued with Mary, Queen of Scots. He was a The Moral Geography of Sustainable Communities Professor Brian Stanley is director of the Centre for the Study ‘Full blooded and bloody, compelling and engrossing, the life of John Knox ‘Jesus was “of Nazareth” and we, too, are creatures of place and places. In this book a world-class the editor of a number of collections of primary and distinguished scholars in this volume show how the questions and of World Christianity at the University of Edinburgh. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht proud member of the EuropeanAND community ofTHE environmental theologian, Michael Northcott, turns his spade to help reset the seeds of Eden.’ sources. presented by Jane Dawson is a masterpiece of biography. The Scotsman rages answers provided then do not belong to a distant past, but are vibrant and Dr. Judith Becker is a research fellow at the Leibniz Institute (ed.) Stanley Brian / Becker Judith against all foes, bows in prayer to a mighty God, and transforms a nation, all FKDOOHQJLQJIRURXUFXUUHQWVLWXDWLRQł Reformed Churches and deeply involved in the Alastair McIntosh, Visiting Professor, , UK of European History in Mainz.

cornelis van der kooi, vrije universiteit amsterdam, netherlands religious reformations within England, Ireland, NORTHCOTT S. MICHAEL MICHAEL S. NORTHCOTT brought to life by Dawson’s deep knowledge and vivid prose. Marvellous.’ France, Switzerland and theFRENCH Holy Roman ‘More than half of us live in cities and this proportion increases year by year. What to do about —Bruce Gordon, author of Calvin @EdinburghAlumni James Eglinton is Meldrum Lecturer in Reformed Theology, University of Empire. Casting a surprising new light on the this? Michael Northcott explores the urgent need for a new moral economy of place, inconceivable JohnJane(GLQEXUJK8. DawsonKnox public and private personas of a highly complex, without challenging the power of corporations in our world. An urgent, intelligent reflection by /EdinburghAlumni George Harinck is Professor of History at the VU University Amsterdam HARINCK ( EGLINTON & one of our leading theologians who has sought for many years to draw our attention to the difficult and hugely compellingREVOLUTION individual, DQG.DPSHQ7KHRORJLFDO8QLYHUVLW\7KH1HWKHUODQGV immense seriousness of the impact of global warming.’ Dawson’s fascinating study offers a vivid, fully Timothy Gorringe, Professor Emeritus, University of Exeter, UK T&T CLARK THEOLOGY rounded portrait of this renowned Scottish T&T CLARK THEOLOGY preacher and prophet who had a seismic impact eds EDITED BY on religion and society. RELIGIOUS STUDIES www.bloomsbury.com THEOLOGY www.bloomsbury.com ) www.v-r.de JAMES EGLINTON Cover design by Sutchinda Thompson Cover image © Kenny Muir & GEORGE HARINCK ISBN 978-1-4411-3406-6 ISBN 978-0-300-11473-7 Jacket image: Portrait of John Knox / Edinburgh 90100 University Library, Scotland / With kind permission of the University of Edinburgh / Bridgeman Images YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS NEW HAVEN AND LONDON 9 780300 114737 Also available Also available V Printed in Great Britain yalebooks.com www.yalebooks.co.uk from Bloomsbury 1 2 3 9781441134066 from Bloomsbury 4 5 6 7

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J1841_UoE_bulletin_Press.indd 18-19 4/28/15 1:02 PM Upcoming Events 30 May 2015 – 9am

April Day conference 29 April 2015 – 7pm The Uniformity in Nature Natural Laws, Natural Powers or Divine Action Panel discussion and book signing This conference will explore a variety of topics, including John Knox & Ministry the laws of nature, divine agency, and the existence of Jane Dawson, author of John Knox to be published by Yale powers and capacities in the natural world, with a view to UP on 30 April, will be joined by Calum MacLeod, Richard (re)conceptualising the fundamental origins of order in our Holloway and Rosalind Marshall in a panel discussion on universe. Held at New College. Knox and ministry at St Giles Cathedral, followed by psalm- singing, a book signing and refreshments. This is a free public event, to which all are welcome and registration is not June essential. Held at St Giles Cathedral, High Street, Edinburgh. 11 – 13 June 2015

Conference May James Legge – Missions to China and the 5 May 2015 – 5pm Origins of Sinology Inside and outside China, there is a growing scholarly Gunning lecture debate around how foreigners have contributed to and, The Bible and the Mishnah at times, maligned prevailing understandings of Chinese By Shaye Cohen, Littauer Prof of Hebrew Literature philosophy, religion and culture. One of the most important and Philosophy, Harvard University figures in these discussions is James Legge, the Scottish This is a free event, open to the public, being held at 5pm. missionary-scholar to China, who received an honorary Registration is not required. Held at New College. doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in 1884. The keynote speakers are Professors Lauren Pfister and Yang 6 May 2015 – 9am Huilin. For further information on this conference please Day conference sponsored by the Gunning Fund visit www.cswc.div.ed.ac.uk/2014/11/james-legge- Power, Authority and Canon conference-june-2015/ The theme of the conference will revolve around issues of historical, theological and ethical ramifications of canonisation. Why were some texts and not others elevated September to the status of “holy scriptures”? What are the effects in 3 – 5 September 2015 conferring authority on these texts? For more information and to register, please visit www.bit.ly/GunningConf Conference British New Testament Conference 19 May – 4pm The British New Testament Conference is the largest Afternoon event: 4pm annual gathering of New Testament scholars in the UK. Special Session of General Assembly of the Church Approximately 200 delegates meet each year to discuss of Scotland marking John Knox’s 500th anniversary world-leading research relating to New Testament texts, Chaired by the Moderator, with contributions from Profs theories and methods. To register, please visit Jane Dawson and David Fergusson and Reformation www.bit.ly/NTestament. Held at Pollock Halls. psalms led by the Assembly’s Choir and Precentor. This event will be open to the public and live-streamed.

Should you require further information on any of these events, please contact Jean Reynolds. [email protected]

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