100 Year History of the ALVMA

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

100 Year History of the ALVMA 25423 ALVMA_Vet Book 07 3/29/07 6:37 PM Page 28 28 Celebrating 100 Years The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association 29 25423 ALVMA_Vet Book 07 4/12/07 9:19 AM Page 29 State Veterinary Diagnosticin Alabama Laboratories r. Redding S. Sugg, former 1995 a third branch laboratory opened state veterinarian and dean kBy in Hanceville to meet the needs of of the Auburn College of livestock and poultry producers in Veterinary Medicine Dr. Fred Hoerr northern Alabama. (AUCVM), and Dr. Dr. Frederic J. Hoerr became the Charles Roberts are credited with the laboratory’s third director in 1987 and Ddevelopment of the Auburn diagnostic serves to this day. In the 1990s, a laboratory in 1947. Veterinarians were Medicine complex south of the main partnership of veterinarians and asking the school for diagnostic campus. Dr. Frank E. Mitchell became livestock and poultry producers secured assistance, and Dean Sugg needed a the second director of the laboratory, funding through the Agricultural Bond coordinator of laboratory testing and serving until 1987. With his leadership Issue to construct the Thompson Bishop and the support of the state veterinarian, reporting. The program became Sparks State Diagnostic Laboratory, Dr. J. Lee Alley, the staff increased from associated with the hog cholera and which opened on May 9, 2006. This brucellosis laboratories at the school, six to thirty employees to meet the new laboratory, located on the AUCVM with growing involvement by the growing demand for services from campus, has biosafety level II and III Alabama Livestock and Sanitation veterinarians and the livestock and facilities designed to meet the global Board and the Department of poultry producers of Alabama. Although Agriculture and Industries. The a formal contractual relationship existed challenges of emerging animal and laboratory expanded into the old serum between the Department of Agriculture zoonotic diseases. The Department of plant near Cary Hall. Dr. Roberts and AUCVM, a spirit of cooperation Agriculture and Industries, under the continued in a leadership role with the and interaction by faculty and diagnostic leadership of Commissioner Ron state diagnostic laboratory for thirty laboratory veterinarians yielded Sparks, opened a new diagnostic years. As director of the laboratory and advances in animal and poultry disease laboratory in Elba in 2006. The professor of Pathology and Parasitology, diagnosis and surveillance. Albertville laboratory was moved to he held a joint appointment with the The new laboratory in Auburn Boaz in 1983, and is scheduled for AUCVM. His retirement coincided with significantly expanded the role and the replacement by a new facility in 2007. the transition of the dean’s chair from expectations of the diagnostic In addition to the directors, Dr. James Greene to Dr. J. T. Vaughan laboratories in Alabama. This full veterinary diagnosticians who have and the opening of a new state facility, service laboratory and its support of the worked at the Auburn Laboratory the Charles S. Roberts Veterinary branch laboratories provided Alabama include: Drs. George D’Andrea, Susan Diagnostic Laboratory in 1978. for the first time with comprehensive Lockaby, Leland Nuehring, Sara Rowe, To serve the growing poultry services for agriculture, companion Doris Oliveira, Lloyd Lauerman, Jack industry in North Alabama, the animals, and animal-related public Rhyan, Robert Porter, Price Stone, and Department of Agriculture and health. The Auburn laboratory provided Robert Matthews. United States Industries opened a poultry diagnostic in-depth diagnostic testing and became Department of Agriculture (USDA) the reference laboratory for the branch laboratory in Albertville in 1957. In veterinarians have included Drs. J. Lee laboratories. As agriculture in Alabama 1961 a swine diagnostic laboratory was Alley, Curtis Christenberry, Don established in Elba. has changed, the diagnostic laboratories Cheatham, O. W. Hester, Ken Angel, In 1978 the department built a new have adapted to meet the needs. At the and others associated with federal-state laboratory at Auburn University near the swine laboratory in Elba, more than 90 cooperative programs. L relatively new College of Veterinary percent of the cases are now poultry. In ears The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association 29 25423 ALVMA_Vet Book 07 3/29/07 6:37 PM Page 30 Veterinary Technician’s TrainingA Historical Programs Summary he first veterinary k one mile from the campus. technology program in By The Veterinary Technology Program Alabama originated in 1975 was initially on the quarter system, with at Snead State Community Dr. Glenn F. Sexton six quarters on campus and a one College (then a junior quarter preceptorship at a veterinary college), in Boaz, Alabama, and was practice facility. In the fall of 1998, all Tinitially accredited by the American junior and community colleges in Veterinary Medical Association veterinary practice. In the fall of 1984, Alabama converted to the semester (AVMA) in 1979. The program at Sneed the program moved into a new facility system. The VTP then consisted of four State had two directors during its on campus which consisted of semesters on campus and a one semester existence: Dr. Mike Creel for the first classrooms, laboratories, nursing, and preceptorship at a veterinary practice ten years and Dr. Glenn Sexton for the surgical areas. Small animals were facility. last twenty years. The program was the housed at this facility for training The major objective of the only accredited veterinary technology purposes. In the fall of 1986, the Veterinary Technology Program was to program offered in the state of Alabama. Department of Veterinary Technology provide a complete training and Some of the instructors during that time secured a lease agreement with a farm educational program for veterinary included these Licensed Veterinary located approximately six miles from technology students according to AVMA Technicians: Kenneth Munn, Diane the college where large animals (horses, guidelines. It was the purpose of the Rooke, Dedra Wilson, Debbie Whitten, cows, pigs, sheep, and goats) were program to educate and train individuals Tammie Adams, Mikky Campbell, housed for training purposes and where capable of providing the necessary Tammy Robinson, and Guyanne Harris. clinics were conducted on a regular and technical support for veterinarians in all For the first nine years, the continuing basis by the veterinary fields of veterinary medicine, including Veterinary Technology Program (VTP) technology faculty and staff. This private practice (large, small, and was housed in the basement of the agreement continued until the fall of mixed), research, teaching, and men’s dormitory. Large animal training 2002 when a new farm lease agreement regulatory medicine. consisted of clinic rotations with a local was made at a location approximately Secondary objectives included 30 Celebrating 100 Years The Alabama Veterinary Medical Association 31 25423 ALVMA_Vet Book 07 3/29/07 6:37 PM Page 31 providing continuing education for student on an annual basis. This board. At the 2005 summer meeting of graduates, educating veterinarians in the scholarship continued as long as the the ALVMA, the Alabama State Board use of veterinary technicians, providing AAVP was in existence. of Veterinary Medical Examiners voted information to technicians and In June 2005 Jefferson State to allow graduates of the Jefferson State veterinarians concerning employment Community College began structuring a Distance Education Program to sit for opportunities, and fostering public distance education program in the examination. Upon passing the exam relations for both the veterinary veterinary technology, with Michelle these graduates are licensed. A big technician and veterinary professions. (Mikky) Campbell, LVT, as the interim round of thanks should go to the board The Veterinary Technology Program director and Dr. Glenn Sexton as a for their vision and support of the at Snead State maintained full consultant. In August 2005 the first veterinary technology profession and accreditation by the AVMA during its class began with fifty-two students, and program in this state. The initial entire existence. Upon successful Kristi Rodas, LVT, was hired as an accreditation site visit by the Committee completion of the prescribed course of instructor for the program. In May 2006 on Veterinary Technician Education and study (a two year curriculum), students Dr. Christie Wallace was hired as the Activities (CVTEA) of the AVMA is are awarded the Associate Degree in director. scheduled for March 14-16, 2007. Applied Science (A.A.S.) and are There are two parts to the distance According to the Alabama State eligible for licensure by the Alabama education program. One is the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, State Board of Veterinary Medical computerized didactic part through Web the first act incorporating the tasks and Examiners as Licensed Veterinary CT, in which students take classes, duties of “Registered Animal Technicians (LVTs). The board complete course work, and take on-line Technicians” into the Alabama constructed their own examination for examinations. The midterm and final Veterinary Practice Act was act No.1224 licensing veterinary technicians from exams are taken and proctored at a Regular Session 1975. Then in 1986, by 1975 to 1984. Then the Professional college site near the student’s home Act No. 86-500, the section was revised Examination Service (PES) became the base. The exams are then
Recommended publications
  • Front Matter
    Cambridge University Press 978-0-521-41607-8 - Self and Salvation: Being Transformed David F. Ford Frontmatter More information Self and Salvation Being Transformed This eagerly awaited book by David F.Ford makes a unique and important contribution to the debate about the Christian doctrine of salvation. Using the pivotal image of the face, Professor Ford offers a constructive and contemporary account of the self being transformed. He engages with three modern thinkers (Levinas, Jüngel and Ricoeur) in order to rethink and reimagine the meaning of self. Developing the concept of a worshipping self, he goes on to explore the dimensions of salvation through the lenses of scripture, worship practices, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the lives of contemporary saints. He uses different genres and traditions to show how the self flourishes through engagement with God, other people, and the responsibilities and joys of ordinary living. The result is a habitable theology of salvation which is immersed in Christian faith, thought and practice while also being deeply involved with modern life in a pluralist world. David F.Ford is Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of Cambridge, where he is also a Fellow of Selwyn College and Chairman of the Centre for Advanced Religious and Theological Studies. Educated at Trinity College Dublin, St John’s College Cambridge, YaleUniversity and Tübingen University,he has taught previously at the University of Birmingham. Professor Ford’s publications include Barth and God’s Story: Biblical Narrative and the Theological Method of Karl Barth in the Church Dogmatics (1981), Jubilate: Theology in Praise (with Daniel W.Hardy,1984), Meaning and Truth in 2 Corinthians (with F.M.
    [Show full text]
  • The Incorporation of an Individual Into the Liturgical Action of the Church of England
    Durham E-Theses The incorporation of an individual into the liturgical action of the church of England Dewes, Deborah How to cite: Dewes, Deborah (1996) The incorporation of an individual into the liturgical action of the church of England, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/5245/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 The Incorporation of an Individual into the Liturgical Action of the Church of England The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. No quotation from it should be published without his prior written consent and information derived from it should be acknowledged. M.A.Thesis submitted by Rev'd Deborah Dewes University of Durham Theology Faculty 1995 2 0 JUNTO I confirm that no part of the material offered has previously been submitted by me for a degree in this or any other university Signed.
    [Show full text]
  • Supreme Court of the United States ------ ------GERALD LYNN BOSTOCK, Petitioner, V
    Nos. 17-1618, 17-1623, 18-107 ================================================================ In The Supreme Court of the United States --------------------------------- --------------------------------- GERALD LYNN BOSTOCK, Petitioner, v. CLAYTON COUNTY, GEORGIA, Respondent. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- ALTITUDE EXPRESS, INC., and RAY MAYNARD, Petitioners, v. MELISSA ZARDA AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD ZARDA, et al., Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- R.G. & G.R. HARRIS FUNERAL HOMES, INC., Petitioner, v. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, et al., Respondents. --------------------------------- --------------------------------- On Writs Of Certiorari To The United States Courts Of Appeals For The Eleventh, Second, And Sixth Circuits --------------------------------- --------------------------------- BRIEF FOR AMICI CURIAE THE PRESIDING BISHOP AND PRESIDENT OF THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH; UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM; GENERAL SYNOD OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST; THE CENTRAL CONFERENCE OF AMERICAN RABBIS; MORE THAN 700 INDIVIDUAL FAITH LEADERS, ET AL. IN SUPPORT OF EMPLOYEE LITIGANTS --------------------------------- --------------------------------- JEFFREY S. TRACHTMAN KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP 1177 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 (212) 715-9100 [email protected] ================================================================ COCKLE LEGAL BRIEFS (800) 225-6964 WWW.COCKLELEGALBRIEFS.COM
    [Show full text]
  • Letter to Congress
    June 15th, 2021 The Honorable Nancy Pelosi The Honorable Charles Schumer Speaker of the House Majority Leader U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate H-232, U.S. Capitol S-221, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Members of Congress, As leaders from many diverse faith traditions, we are united in our call for a bold economic recovery and infrastructure package that creates family and community sustaining jobs while caring for our climate and our neighbors. It is the moral responsibility of our nation, and our sacred task as people of faith, to protect our ecosystems, work for environmental justice and public health, and address the climate crisis. We urge you to support historic levels of investment that will safeguard Creation, address the impacts of climate change and pollution from fossil fuel extraction and related industries, and fulfill our moral obligation to leave a habitable world for future generations. Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income communities have been hit the hardest by the triple health, economic, and environmental crises we face. The needs of these communities must be at the center of any infrastructure package. As we move from COVID relief to economic recovery, this moment offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in the clean energy future while addressing the injustices of the past. We can achieve that by: Expanding clean, renewable energy and modernizing our electric grid We can accelerate the transition to clean energy by passing a national Clean Energy Standard that achieves 100% renewable, pollution free electricity by 2035, while also expanding investments in wind and solar power.
    [Show full text]
  • Spckcatalogue2017.Pdf
    Welcome to the SPCK Complete Catalogue 2017 Publishing has been a part of SPCK’s mission for over 300 years. Since 1698 we have been promoting Christian ideas and values, and continue to do so today by publishing, and supporting the publishing of, books and resources for people of all denominational and faith backgrounds. Our broad range of titles reflects the diversity of Christian traditions, covering many genres and including leading authors such as Tom Wright, Rowan Williams, Paula Gooder, Graham Tomlin and Janet Morley. Our team works hard to provide books that suit the needs of every Christian, whether you are a student, church leader or lay reader. From academic works and biblical studies – including the bestselling For Everyone commentary series – that inform, support and educate, to offerings of practical and pastoral help, such as the Little Books of Guidance, which tackle life’s biggest questions, or the SPCK Library of Ministry, there is something for everyone. Our expanding range has stories to inspire, provoke and encourage reflection. Some of these are true stories, such as the story of Hope for Justice’s fight to end modern-day slavery in Impossible Is a Dare and Terry Waite’s reflections on his travels and experiences in Solitude. Others are fictional, from authors such as Catherine Fox, Kate Charles and Simon Parke in our vibrant Marylebone House imprint. Our books on prayer, worship and spirituality help people grow in faith. World experts and acclaimed academics head up our growing history selection, with the Very Brief History series featuring Melvyn Bragg on William Tyndale and John Guy on Thomas More.
    [Show full text]
  • Liturgical Theology: Children and the City
    Durham E-Theses Liturgical theology: children and the city Burns, Stephen How to cite: Burns, Stephen (2003) Liturgical theology: children and the city, Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/4047/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk Liturgical Theology Children and the City The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. No quotation from it should be published without his prior written consent and information derived from it should be acknowledged. Stephen Burns Submitted for the degree of PhD University of Durham Department of Theology 2003 Abstract Liturgical Theology: Children and the City engages academic liturgical theology, contextual sensitivity and key challenges faced by the church in contemporary Britain. From its initial focus on the emphasis on congregational participation in the twentieth-century Liturgical Movement, and on the Church of England prayer-book Patterns for Worship (1989, 1993) as an example of a late twentieth-century liturgical resource that stresses participation, the thesis deepens perspectives on a number of related issues.
    [Show full text]
  • A Pastoral Study
    “But God meant it for good:” Inter-personal conflict in an African Caribbean Pentecostal congregation – A Pastoral study By Delroy Wesley Hall A thesis submitted to the Department of Theology and Religion University of Birmingham University of Birmingham For the degree of July 2013 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY University of Birmingham Research Archive e-theses repository This unpublished thesis/dissertation is copyright of the author and/or third parties. The intellectual property rights of the author or third parties in respect of this work are as defined by The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 or as modified by any successor legislation. Any use made of information contained in this thesis/dissertation must be in accordance with that legislation and must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder. ABSTRACT This thesis examines conflict within a UK Black Majority Church. It uses personal observation and journals, with the work of academic historians of the Black churches, to establish that Black Majority Churches have a tendency to conflict that is usually unacknowledged yet often pervasive and damaging. The thesis locates this within a Black cultural history (almost entirely untold in the academy until after the present author’s schooling ended) that involves deep-seated past causes for present conflict among post-colonial Christians. The thesis then proposes a model for the pastoral analysis, practical management, and spiritual resolution of conflict. The key methods for this (drawing on psychology and counselling as well as theology) are autoethnography, transpersonal analysis and pastoral journal records.
    [Show full text]
  • R a Lindley Final Thesis, 2014
    UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Christian Theism in Anglican Theology, 1945-2014 Richard Adrian Lindley Doctor of Philosophy April 2014 This Thesis has been completed as a requirement for a postgraduate degree of the University of Winchester THE UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER ABSTRACT FOR THESIS Christian Theism in Anglican Theology, 1945-2014 Richard Adrian Lindley Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Doctor of Philosophy April 2014 Rowan Williams, David Ford and others have drawn attention to the importance of the ‘informal theology’ of ordinary believers, its validity as representing genuine insights, and the risk of detachment that occurs if academic theologians do not take it into account. Jeff Astley has examined the phenomenology of informal theology (which he calls ‘ordinary theology’) and the processes that have been and can be followed in examining it. Largely, however, he has not surveyed the actual content of believers’ informal theology. This thesis examines the most basic, yet profound, theist concept, that of ‘God’, in historical, academic theology since the Second World War, and in contemporary informal theology measured by an exercise in practical theology. The historical theology consists of a review of academic and popular writings by professional United Kingdom Anglican theologians (as they have taken into account logical positivism, human suffering and scientific insights). This review is presented according to a series of eight themes. The thesis then describes the preparation and execution of a survey of the understanding of God on the part of a sample of Anglican church-attenders in Winchester, carried out by questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, together with analysis of the results.
    [Show full text]
  • Lets Do Theology: Resources for Contextual Theology Free
    FREE LETS DO THEOLOGY: RESOURCES FOR CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY PDF Laurie Green | 208 pages | 12 Jan 2010 | Bloomsbury Publishing PLC | 9780826425515 | English | London, United Kingdom Ph. D. In Theology The lowest-priced brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging where packaging is applicable. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See details for additional description. Skip to main content. About this product. New other. Stock photo. Brand new: Lowest price The lowest-priced brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging where packaging is applicable. Catalogue Number: Format: BOOK. Missing Information?. See all 3 brand new listings. Buy It Now. Add to cart. About this product Product Information This is an updated, critically acclaimed set text on Contextual Theological Method. This is an updated, Lets Do Theology: Resources for Contextual Theology edition of a critically acclaimed set text on Contextual Lets Do Theology: Resources for Contextual Theology Method. Let's Do Theology is an intensely practical book drawing examples from parish life and educational experience in the UK and overseas. It will describe how to strike the balance between unthinking but faithful action and careful theological reflection. The book offers a proven method for contextual theology, with full analysis and radical critique. It enables ordinary women and men to take part in the theological enterprise democratizing theology. As one of the longest serving bishops in the present Church of England The Rt Revd Laurie Green, Bishop of Bradwell, has many bones to pick with the institution he serves.
    [Show full text]
  • CNI -News Focus Feb 14
    News Focus Feb. 14 ! CNI ! Bishop David Gillett ministered in Down and Dromore diocese NEWS FOCUS - Irish links of retired evangelical bishops who are challenging C of E bishops on LGBT inclusion [email protected] Page !1 News Focus Feb. 14 Two of the fourteen retired C of E bishops who wrote last week to the serving C of E bishops regarding their General Synod paper on LGBT inclusion have links with Ireland. They are Bishop Roy Williamson who was born in Belfast, and Bishop David Gillett who ministered in Down and Dromore diocese, writes Houston McKelvey. Bishop Williamson was Bishop of Bradford from 1984 until 1991 when he was translated to Southwark where he served until his retirement seven years later. From 1999 to 2008, Bishop Gillett was the Bishop of Bolton, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Manchester. Since 2008, he has been an honorary assistant bishop and Diocesan Interfaith Adviser in the Diocese of Norwich. Both have Evangelical credentials. Williamson prepared for ministry at Oak Hill Theological College. Gillett was Principal of Trinity College, Bristol, from 1988 to 1999. From 1971 he was Northern Travelling Secretary of Pathfinders and the [email protected] Page !2 News Focus Feb. 14 Church Youth Fellowships Association CYFA, an organization that supports Christian teenagers. After a spell as Lecturer and first Director of Extension Studies at St.John’s College, Nottingham, he became one of the leaders with Canon Cecil Kerr, at the Christian Renewal Centre in Northern Ireland working for reconciliation in Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles in the late 1970s and early '80s.
    [Show full text]
  • One City. One Heart. One Way
    2007 Honour Roll One city. One heart. One Way. Mission To meet urgent human needs and improve social conditions by mobilizing the community’s volunteer and financial resources in a common cause of caring. Community Circle 5 s t The Tomorrow FundTM 9 n Promises for Tomorrow – Planned Gifts 10 e t Leadership Donors – Gifts made in 2007 12 n Spirit Awards 56 o c Leading Organizations Honour Roll 58 Corporate Honour Roll 59 Employee Honour Roll 60 Sponsored Employees 62 Union Honour Roll 62 Gifts in Kind Honour Roll 64 Donated Services Honour Roll 64 Media Honour Roll 64 One city.One heart.One Way. In 2007, United Way’s fundraising campaign reached historic heights thanks to the hundreds and thousands of caring organizations, families and individuals across our city who believe together, we can make a difference. Their shared vision for a healthier Toronto enables United Way and our network of agencies to reach out across our city and into our communities to strengthen neighbourhoods and improve lives. This Honour Roll applauds the individuals and organizations whose outstanding leadership and generosity make Toronto a better city. This publication is just one small way of saying thank you for building a better future for us all. Without you, there would be no way. United Way Toronto 2007 Honour Roll 1 United Way is based on the firm conviction that what unites us is ultimately more powerful than what divides us; a sentiment made evident by Toronto’s collective efforts over the last year. In 2007, Toronto came together to raise a record-breaking $108.1 million for United Way—speaking volumes of the shared commitment and compassion for our city’s health and well-being.
    [Show full text]
  • Anglican Models of Moral Formation
    189 ANDY GRIFFITHS How to be Good: Anglican Models of Moral Formation Andy Griffiths is challenged by reading Nick Hornby's popular novel How to be Good into wondering what Anglicanism has to say about being good. He surveys a variety of contemporary views, which suggest that goodness comes from worshipping with other Christians, by thinking, or by reading Scripture. He explores the approach taken to moral formation by the seventeenth century Anglican bishop Jeremy Taylor, to suggest that goodness comes from the dynamic interrelationship between right appetites and formative actions. 1 Goodness is back in fashion. Nick Hornby's novel How to be Good , having briefly topped the British bestseller lists in hardback, is now touring Europe in various languages. It asks some searching questions: What is goodness? How can it be acquired? Do we want it badly enough, and if not how can we acquire a desire to be good? Why is 'knowing the right thing to do' not enough to make us good? And it asks them of a number of people, including contemporary Anglicans. Anglicanism comes out positively in some ways (the Vicar rightly points out the dangers of 'artificial goodness', which changes our actions but not our inclinations, and it is at church that Katie, the narrator, rediscovers 1 Cor. 13 which, without spoiling the ending for you, is the nearest thing to an answer the book has to offer). But in other ways the Church of England comes out rather badly. The Vicar is having a crisis of faith (why are Vicars in contemporary novels always having crises of faith?), and her answers sound to Katie too much like the liberalism she's already rejected: God, why are you people so timid? It's no wonder the churches are empty, when you can't answer the simplest questions.
    [Show full text]