pra xis

News from Hartford Seminary • August 2008 • Vol. XX • No. 2

“Even as my faith “Initially, I came in Christianity because it was close deepened, I felt InTheir and it afforded me a desire to help an opportunity to disperse some of Own try out what I had the ignorance and Voices wanted to do since hostility toward high school. In short Islam that I had order, it became the witnessed... I only place I wanted never imagined to be.” that I would find Jim Johnson a seminary that Master of Arts actually focused on interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christianity and Islam, so my discovery... was a joy “Before I came here, and a surprise.” Lindsey Rebecca my views of other Paris-Lopez Jim Johnson religions were in Lindsey Rebecca Paris-Lopez many aspects biased. Master of Arts In particular, my view of Christianity was mostly negative “Our world and our and that Christians lives are filled with were in some rich diversity, which sense culpable. God continues to By interacting create moment with students after moment. . . . Brianna Johnston Mirza Hadzirusevic and Christian Interfaith dialogue professors, however, helps us to explore my perception and to appreciate of Christianity the diverse creation as a religion and that is life and in Christians changed turn helps us to Four Students Reflect significantly.” help others to do on Their Experiences the same.” Mirza Hadzirusevic at Hartford Seminary Master of Arts Brianna Johnston Graduate Certificate

Complete stories begin on page 3 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 1 News&Notes

Looking for Lost Alumni/ae Hartford Seminary’s Institutional Advancement Office, which oversees Alumni/ae Relations, is making a diligent effort to locate hundreds of Hartford Seminary alumni/ae we have lost touch with. We are hoping to get folks back on our mailing list so we can keep them informed about the many wonderful programs and events that are taking place at the Seminary, including the g upcoming week-long celebration of our 175th Anniversary, during the o l d e n b e r

week of October 18 to 26. G In recent months we have sent t u a r t

postcards to last known addresses, S asking the current residents for assistance. In many cases we have learned that those addresses were correct, but for unknown reasons mail was returned to us by the Post A Request Office. Currently we are doing internet searches in an attempt to find Please Send Us alumni/ae. But our most successful tool has been the lost alumni/ae Your Email Address list on the Seminary’s website at http://www.hartsem.edu/alumni/ Stay informed on address for many of lostalumslist.htm. a timely basis by you, our alumni/ae sharing your email and friends. If you have access to the internet, address with us. please take a look at the list and let Please send your us know if you are in touch with Here at Hartford email to me at anyone listed. Or let them know Seminary, we want to [email protected] their name is there. communicate better or call me at (860) with you. 509-9519. Since April 1 we have reconnected with 39 alumni/ae who are thrilled We would like to By the way, Hartford to be back in touch. We have also, send out updates on Seminary has a strict sadly, been notified that 24 of the what is happening at privacy policy. We alumni/ae we had listed have passed Hartford Seminary as do not share or sell away, some many years ago. well as information e-mail addresses to a on our events and third party. In both cases, we have received courses by email wonderful stories from many and we to those people for Thank you. thank all of you who have taken the whom we have email David S. Barrett time to write. We look forward to addresses. Director of Public reconnecting with many more. and Institutional Right now we do Affairs If you have any questions, please not have any email send email to [email protected] Editor, Praxis or call Mary Kalencik, associate director, at (860) 509-9520.

Editor: David Barrett Reprint and copy information: you plan to reprint or photocopy like more information about Praxis Phone: 860/509-9519 Articles may be reprinted if full any part of Praxis. Letters to the or about Hartford Seminary, please Fax: 860/509-9509 credit is given to Hartford Seminary editor are welcomed. If you would contact David Barrett at Hartford E-mail Address: [email protected] and the author, if bylined in Praxis. like additional copies of this issue of Seminary, 77 Sherman Street, Designer: James Baker For our records, please inform us if Praxis or back issues or if you would Hartford, CT 06105.

2 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s InOwnTheir WLI, the Seminary’s and students outside the How did interaction Voices reputation and its course classroom. with persons of other flexibility made Hartford faiths influence you in Seminary a clear choice. What did you find most your own faith? In your fulfilling spiritually daily life and how you Was the commute to or in terms of service live it? Hartford difficult or to others? Hartford something you got used Seminary has given There was once a time to? I live 10 minutes me the experience to when I wanted to away, I am embarrassed explore a new found become an ambassador to say. relationship with God. in a career in foreign What was just a new service. I’ve come to What did you find is found relationship with appreciate from my the most important God has evolved into a experiences at Hartford influence on your calling. Seminary and a recent experience at Hartford trip to India sponsored Seminary? All my Did you form by the Seminary that Brianna Johnston professors have friendships that will we are ambassadors Graduate Certificate encouraged the respect last beyond graduation? to our faith and our of and the willingness I believe so, time will experiences with which What drew you to to consider diverse tell, but my sense is God has blessed us. Hartford Seminary? spiritual and theological that I will always have Importantly, we are not Several ministers perspectives. a connection with the ambassadors in the stuffy highly recommended Seminary, so I hate to sense of fancy dinners to me Miriam Therese Please let us know think of a moment when and formal summits, but Winter’s Women’s about a specific I ‘graduate’ and I like in moments of everyday Leadership Institute. enriching moment, in to think that existing encounters with your own words, that and new friendships will people on the streets, How did you learn you had during your continue to form. in churches, in stores, about the Seminary? studies at Hartford etc. by acts of kindness, Several ministers Seminary. Actually, the Hartford Seminary dignity and respect. suggested that I look sum of many moments focuses on interfaith in discussion circles dialogue. How How do you expect to at Hartford Seminary use your degree from as a way to explore in which I witnessed important is this spirituality take many emphasis to your Hartford Seminary? my spirituality. I was This month I will considering a ‘vocation’ forms has reshaped my decision to study here? appreciation for the This is an extremely be applying to the in counseling, but at the cooperative Master of same time I was being positive power of the important aspect of spirit that flows in acts my faith studies. Our Divinity program at pulled by a new found Hartford Seminary and spirituality. A dear of kindness, dignity and world and our lives respect. Routine shared are filled with rich will be considering both friend, a United Church Yale Divinity School of Christ minister, experiences, transformed diversity, which God into events of unspoken continues to create and Andover Newton suggested that I explore Theological School. the two together as a prayer, leave lasting moment after moment. Pastoral Counselor. imprints. Faith is just as dynamic. Interfaith dialogue helps Brianna Johnston lives Why did you choose What disappointed us to explore and to in Bloomfield, CT. She to attend this seminary you? I would like to see appreciate the diverse is a retired actuary. She rather than another? greater opportunities to creation that is life and received her Graduate The aforementioned share experiences and in turn helps us to help Certificate in Spirituality. recommendations, interact with professors others to do the same.

one of the few schools Was the commute to of other religions were in North America that Hartford difficult or in many aspects biased. primarily focuses on something you got used In particular, my view interfaith dialogue. The to? of Christianity was main reason that I came I commuted from New mostly negative and to Hartford Seminary Jersey. In the beginning that Christians were in was the interfaith it was a little difficult; some sense culpable. relations between however, after a while I By interacting with various religious got used to it. students and Christian denominations. Other professors, however, than my own Muslim What did you find is my perception of faith, I did not know the most important Christianity as a religion much about other faiths influence on your and Christians changed and I wanted to learn experience at Hartford significantly. Studying more about them. Seminary? Christian theology Mirza Hadzirusevic One of the most and history at Hartford Master of Arts How did you learn important influences Seminary, I have come about the Seminary? on my experience has to appreciate and What drew you to I learned about Hartford been my perception of understand Christianity Hartford Seminary? Seminary on the the other faiths. Before positively and more Hartford Seminary is Internet. I came here, my views fully. continued on page 4

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 3 InOwnTheir Voices others? cultures and faith appreciate the sincerity I found the diversity of traditions. Despite our and conviction of other faith traditions the most different experiences faith traditions. I also continued from page 3 spiritually fulfilling. and faith traditions, I was able to relate my In today’s world we was able to relate with own faith experience witness so much students and professors with people of other Please let us know religious and sectarian alike on a personal faiths. I quickly realized about a specific violence, and Hartford level. that I was becoming enriching moment, in Seminary attempts more pluralistic and your own words, that to bridge the gap for Hartford Seminary accepting of other faith you had during your common understanding focuses on interfaith traditions and that it studies at Hartford among various religious dialogue. How was God’s plan to create Seminary. traditions. I found important is this a world of diverse faiths. My most enriching this to be the most emphasis to your moment at Hartford spiritually fulfilling at decision to study here? How do you expect to Seminary was my Hartford Seminary, Very Important. use your degree from graduation day. It was where Jews, Christians Hartford Seminary’s Hartford Seminary? a special day because and Muslims come to commitment to Earning an M.A. degree I reflected on my dialogue and understand interfaith dialogue was from Hartford Seminary experience and how each other. a major reason I decided will enable me to pursue much I have grown, to study here. my studies further in both intellectually and Did you form Islamic Studies and spiritually during my friendships that will How did interaction Christian-Muslim two years of study at last beyond graduation? with persons of other Relations. Hartford Seminary. Hartford Seminary is a faiths influence you friendly environment. I in your own faith? In What disappointed Mirza Hadzirusevic lives have formed friendships your daily life and how in Clifton, New Jersey. you? that will last beyond you live it? Nothing He was a full-time graduation with Interacting with student. He received his students and professors persons of other What did you find most M.A. in Islamic Studies alike. I met various faiths at Hartford and Christian-Muslim fulfilling spiritually or people from different Seminary allowed me to in terms of service to Relations.

range of courses in other me in my re-embrace of what I have learned world religions so that I of Christianity, helped at Hartford Seminary could continue to study me embark on my has come from listening Islam and perhaps learn search for the perfect to and interacting with of its relationship with seminary as she also my fellow students, and Christianity throughout looked for a seminary I know I have learned history. Even as my for herself. It was she more about Islam by faith in Christianity who first found Hartford taking courses with deepened, I felt a desire Seminary online, and Muslims than I would to help disperse some she encouraged me to have learned had I of the ignorance and look at it. Once I saw merely taken courses hostility toward Islam the website for myself, about Islam with other that I had witnessed, it wasn’t long before Christians. particularly after I determined that September 11th, 2001. Hartford Seminary was Was the commute to Lindsey Rebecca I never imagined that I the perfect place for me. Hartford difficult or Paris-Lopez would find a seminary I’m very grateful for my something you got used Master of Arts that actually focused friend’s internet-surfing to? For the first two years on interfaith dialogue, skills! of my seminary career, What drew you to particularly between I lived in New Britain, Hartford Seminary? Christianity and Islam, Why did you choose CT, which is only about I have been wrestling so my discovery of to attend this seminary 15 minutes from the with questions of Hartford Seminary was rather than another? seminary. I worked faith all my life, and a joy and a surprise. It Although Hartford at different schools in when I re-embraced was exactly the kind Seminary impressed different districts, but Christianity after eight of program for which me most initially, I also typically my commute years as a Muslim, I felt my long and winding considered Vanderbilt to Hartford was no more a passionate desire to spiritual journey had Divinity School. than half an hour, and continue to learn about prepared me. I believed However, when I asked it was pleasant. For and witness God’s grace, then and I am certain a Vanderbilt professor if my final year, I lived and began looking for now that God led me to there were any Muslim in Queens, New York, seminaries and divinity Hartford Seminary little students, I was told that but I spent the year schools. by little throughout my there were few if any writing my thesis and As Islam remains an life. Muslims enrolled in taking one online course important influence the Divinity School. I per semester. The few on my personality and How did you learn knew then that Hartford times I did commute to spirituality, I hoped to about the Seminary? Seminary was the better Hartford Seminary were find a seminary with a My best friend, who had choice for me. Indeed, unwittingly influenced I have found that much continued on page 5

4 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s continued from page 4 about what our faiths I heard Jane Smith Did you form for special programs or to have in common, mutter “Go Lindsey” friendships that will last defend my thesis; I did and I was enjoying under her breath. This beyond graduation? not have a regular long- the conversation but particular moment set Unfortunately, while I distance commute. It’s also longing for the the tone for my seminary got along well with my a very pleasant, relaxing conversation to evolve education, inspiring me classmates and enjoyed train ride from Grand into a more challenging to be brave enough to their company, I doubt Central Terminal to the discussion of how to ask difficult questions I will see much of station in New Haven deal with some of the and speak up whenever them now that I have and then again from difficulties involved I had a divergent point graduated. New Haven to Hartford. in dialogue. Finally, of view. The pride my I said that while I professors expressed Hartford Seminary What did you find is do appreciate all the in my willingness to focuses on interfaith the most important similarities between our struggle with difficult dialogue. How influence on your faiths, I am distrustful issues inspired me to be important is this experience at Hartford of a moral relativism respectful but not shrink emphasis to your Seminary? Since I that glosses over the from challenges or decision to study here? enrolled at Hartford differences between controversy. As I have said before, Seminary as a newly faiths, and I wanted us Hartford Seminary’s re-affirmed Christian, I to talk about how we What disappointed emphasis on interfaith must say that the most remain grounded in our you? I really don’t dialogue is what made important influence on particular beliefs while think of anything at me choose this seminary my seminary experience still respecting others. Hartford Seminary over others. Hartford was my deepening faith The other members of as a disappointment, Seminary does more in Christ. My growing my group did not seem although there were than praise the merits of faith in Christianity particularly interested in certain things that interfaith dialogue; every was the lens through talking about differences, I thought needed course is an exercise in which I viewed all my and when all the groups improvement. Although interfaith dialogue itself. courses and relationships re-convened in the it was sometimes throughout my seminary classroom, a member disappointing when I felt How did interaction career, and it encouraged of my discussion group misunderstood by my with persons of other me to be both bold reported that she had classmates, I think one faiths influence you in witness to my own sensed fear within our of the great things about in your own faith? In faith and humble in group – fear “some” of Hartford Seminary is your daily life and how the knowledge that us had of opening minds that we generally learned you live it? Although I even if I spend the rest and hearts and fear of how to communicate am profoundly grateful of my life learning, I rendering our traditions and resolve for the many Christian can only barely begin vulnerable if we should misunderstandings mentors among my to comprehend the allow ourselves to learn respectfully. So while family and friends, I boundless love and about and appreciate I had difficulties am equally indebted wonder of the living others. I was a little bit sometimes, I didn’t to people of other God. This humility hurt by the word “fear;” have any memorable faiths who have had a in turn opens me to as the only dissenter disappointments. profound influence on learning from others, within our group, I could my life and my spiritual and I am further only assume that this What did you find most development. While humbled by the sincerity lady was talking about fulfilling spiritually or I came into Hartford of the love and devotion me. So I raised my hand in terms of service to Seminary expecting my of my Muslim brothers and explained that I others? In the spring education to prepare me and sisters who enrich believe it is important, of my first year, I took for obtaining a Ph.D. my understanding of in dialogue, to wrestle a course entitled Daily and teaching theology God. with our differences Space With God in and interfaith relations, as well as embrace our which I was required to I have since felt a call to ordained ministry. Not Please let us know similarities. I then pray the daily office (at only do I have a unique about a specific said that while some least three times daily perspective on Scripture enriching moment, in might see my struggle following the church shaped by my struggles your own words, that with difference as fear, lectionary) and keep a and experiences, but you had during your I thought it was very journal, among other I also believe I have a studies at Hartford bold of me to express things. I found that capacity for compassion Seminary. My clearest my distrust of relativism having a prayer schedule memory comes from and my need to reflect created balance and and empathy that the very beginning of upon differences as well focus in my life and has been deepened my Hartford Seminary as similarities in such a helped me to focus on by my Hartford experience, on the first pluralistic environment how I am blessed and Seminary experience. or second night of my where embracing how I am called to Learning to listen to Dialogue in a World similarities feels so reflect God’s blessing so many perspectives of Difference class. good that we may be to others. My prayer and communicate The class was divided tempted to ignore the life today is not quite as honestly, respectfully, into groups, and I was differences. I remember rigorous as it was when and constructively sitting with a Muslim, that Ian Markham I took the class, but it is has provided me another Christian, thanked me that day more regular and more with essential skills and a Unitarian. We and again a few days focused, and that is a in pastoral care and were talking about all later for my courageous great blessing to me; it counseling which I hope that we appreciated honesty, and I think helps me keep my life in proper perspective. continued on page 6

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 5 InOwnTheir Voices called to the ministry and after an event in Faith, any faith, is a way of life our garden one day, and it is a very difficult journey continued from page 5 it became clear to me on this beautiful blue-green orb. that I could keep doing to further hone when what I was doing, and Faith is the first and last frontier. I pursue a Master’s of be reasonably successful Want challenge, want to be counter- Divinity. at it; however, I would cultural, want to feel fulfilled - all at Lindsey Rebecca Paris- become increasingly Lopez lives in Queens, dissatisfied with it until the same time? Be a person of faith! New York. She is I started taking steps seeking a job in a church toward a new career in or religious education ministry. setting. She received her M.A. in Islamic Studies After the first ten minutes of my first class and Christian-Muslim students who literally at HartSem, I knew Please let us know Relations. see each other daily. that this was where about a specific I belonged despite enriching moment, in Hartford Seminary my misgivings. After your own words, that focuses on interfaith another class and the you had during your dialogue. How writing workshop, I studies at Hartford important is this decided to apply to Seminary. Answering emphasis to your Andover Newton this is a lot like asking decision to study here? Theological School me which of my It was an important (ANTS) in their Master children is my favorite! consideration at the of Divinity program. I There were many beginning; it became was accepted there and “AHA” moments. Faith, essential for me by the began taking classes via any faith, is a way of life time I graduated. the internet. I came and it is a very difficult

to loathe “distance journey on this beautiful How did interaction education.” I also knew blue-green orb. Faith is with persons of other that I could not be gone the first and last frontier. faiths influence you from my office for the Want challenge, want in your own faith? lengths of time I would to be counter-cultural, In your daily life need to attend classes at want to feel fulfilled - all and how you live ANTS. at the same time? Be a Jim Johnson person of faith! it? It broadened and deepened my faith as I Master of Arts Working with my saw the spiritual vitality United Church What disappointed of my Jewish and What drew you to of Christ in-care you? I wish that the Islamic classmates and Hartford Seminary? committee, I transferred Christians were as faculty. Initially, I came from ANTS to “together” as my Islamic because it was close HartSem - taking a classmates were. But How do you expect to and it afforded me an different path toward then this was perhaps use your degree from opportunity to try out ordination and an MA because they are on- Hartford Seminary? what I had wanted to in Biblical Studies. The campus and the rest of It is a major step in do since high school. In MA recently awarded us are commuters. what I feel is a “call” short order, it became is a major milestone to ordained ministry. the only place I wanted in my journey toward What did you find most There a few other steps to be. ordination. fulfilling spiritually or in terms of service to that I need to take as well e.g. CPE and Field How did you learn Was the commute to others? The interaction Education. A new about the Seminary? Hartford difficult or and cross feeding career beckons. I had attended some something you got used between believers public lectures at to? It was not that bad, from the Abrahamic Jim Johnson lives in Hartford Seminary especially after I found tradition. Southwick, MA. He previously. the “back way” from retired as grants and home to HartSem. Did you form Why did you choose friendships that will contract officer at Baystate Medical Center to attend this seminary What did you find is last beyond graduation? in Springfield, MA, in rather than another? the most important As an evening 2007. He received his An interesting influence on your commuter student, M.A. in Biblical Studies. question. I initially took experience at Hartford there were limited a course at HartSem Seminary? Diversity; opportunities. However, (Fall 1998) to “test inter-faith dialogue; there are a few I see the water” as it were. intelligent, articulate, going out into the I had been putting off passionate faculty. future. As a commuter, seminary ever since it is not like on-campus high school. I felt

6 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Thanks for the Memories

By Jane I. Smith, Ph.D. will be going with new faculty members To my Hartford and the leadership of Seminary friends, Ingrid Mattson. There colleagues and students, is a wonderful spirit of from Jane energy here that will Thanks for the excite new students and memories….That’s reassure our friends and the way I feel about colleagues around the Hartford Seminary, world that we remain which has provided me in the forefront of with far more wonderful interfaith relations. memories than I can It’s a bit of an irony that even remember! You all when I graduated from know that this strange Hartford Seminary so circular journey of my many years ago I had professional life began never taken advantage right here (or rather of any of the resources Jane Smith receives a farewell gift from Dean Efrain Agosto right next door) when the institution already at a staff dinner in June, before starting her new post at I was a student at the had then for learning Harvard Divinity School. Seminary in its former about Islam – no courses digs. I never imagined on the Qur’an, no that I would come with my colleagues at heard a cheery “Hi Arabic, no background the Macdonald Center Jane!” from Guat in back here to teach, or in the field that was that the school would (what in the world Singapore. I take it as a to become my lifetime would we do without great privilege to have have evolved in such endeavor. Little did I remarkable ways. Val?); editing interesting been able to interact imagine that I would (OK, not always) articles with such an amazing spend almost 13 years for The Muslim World array of people who It is the teaching at the same journal; hosting the have come here to learn students (but very different) international students how they might, in institution in classes that for picnics and fireside fact, work for change in whom I will often had more Muslim dinners; getting to whatever situation they remember than Christian students. know colleagues from return to. Many things stand out nine religions around most vividly. Connecticut in the So it is with a mixture as wonderful memories of sadness and of this time at the CCIU; and most fun of all – my 70th birthday thanksgiving that I leave Seminary: the staff who Hartford Seminary. My are always so extremely party just a year ago. After my Seminary thoughts and warmest supportive and helpful; But with all of that, it wishes are with you all experience off I went the Board of Trustees to Harvard Divinity is the students whom here. And how can I on which I sat for three I will remember most forget you when I am School, where I ended years who are quite up spending quite a few vividly. As our graduates still advising theses for remarkably dedicated walked off the platform over 10 students? You years as student, member to the well-being of the of the faculty, and with their diplomas a haven’t seen the last of institution; the fledgling few weeks ago somebody me yet! administrator. Returning PhD program that is to Harvard now at this called out “Go change now really starting to the world!” And I Jane I. Smith has been late stage of my career try its wings; the book- Professor of Islamic was never in my long- thought to myself, signing evenings that “Yes, I believe they Studies and Christian- range plans either, but David Barrett forced Muslim Relations at here I go again. will.” What an amazing me to do (I actually treat it has been to be Hartford Seminary since As July 1 approaches I enjoyed them); the great in the classroom with 1995. She served as co- know that leaving the programs we put on students from Turkey, director of the Macdonald Seminary this time (I for the Luce Forum in Ghana, Italy, Indonesia, Center for the Study of will continue to live in Abrahamic Religions; Nigeria, Bosnia, Liberia, Islam and Christian- Avon and “commute” covering for Warith Singapore, Pakistan, Muslim Relations and to Cambridge) will Deen Mohammed Lebanon, Burma, co-editor of the Muslim be a lot harder than when he failed to show America, Germany, World journal. On July 1, simply packing up my at the last minute for Korea, Palestine, Smith became Associate books. I care deeply a presentation at the Burkino Faso and many Dean for Faculty and for this institution, State House; drumming other places around the Academic Affairs at and am excited about with Jan and listening world. Harvard Divinity School. the direction the to the rhythms float She wrote this farewell in Macdonald Center up to the ceiling of the I answered the phone June. Meeting Room; working the other morning and

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 7 up for his/her suffering God appears to Job on earth. toward the end of the For Nothing? book and answers him The book of Job makes similarly to the way God Job 1:6–12 it clear that Job is answers Bruce Nolan innocent, that his in the movie. God is By Uriah Kim suffering is not related quite upset and says, “I to what he has done. will question you, and But his wife wants him you shall answer me” to curse God and die. (Job 38:3). Surprisingly, question God’s justice, His friends who come or theodicy, a term used God does not address to console him suggest, whether God works by theologians to talk accuse, and then insist about God’s fairness. according to the that Job must have retribution principle. The book of Job is done something wrong God completely ignores in large part about to deserve his fate. For the problem that Job theodicy: if God is about thirty chapters, and his friends have just, loving, and all- Job and his friends been engaged in for powerful, then how do engage in a heated the last thirty chapters. we explain the suffering debate over why Job is Instead, God asks Job of the innocent? In suffering. His friends whether he knows other words: “How do do not compromise or what it takes to run we explain why bad modify their theology, the universe. The fact things happen to good their tradition, their that God is not like people?” This has been understanding of God in us is made very clear. a perennial problem for light of Job’s experience. God is not obligated The Question religious people who They believe that the to follow our moral of Theodicy believe in one God. human moral universe principles and is outside There have been many operates according to our theological systems. In the movie “Bruce “Retribution Theology,” Almighty,” Bruce explanations for unjust We cannot contain God suffering in Judaism a theology that says the within our moral or Nolan, played by Jim righteous are blessed Carrey, is a reporter and Christianity over theological frameworks. the years; at least five and the wicked are God seems to be saying: in a local TV station punished by God. They in Buffalo, New York, reasons are discussed or “My justice is not like derived from the book abandon their friend yours; it is beyond your who feels that he is in the name of God, being picked on by of Job: understanding; so deal maintaining that there with it!” God. The movie starts 1. Unjust suffering has is a logical connection with this line: “Why been explained as a way between human In Robert Frost’s book, do you hate me, God?” of disciplining those behavior and God’s A Masque of Reason, We learn that Bruce is whom God loves; that blessing/punishment. God thanks Job for the a genuinely nice guy, is, it has a pedagogical But Job holds on to his way in which he helped unlike his nemesis, Alan purpose. “It’s for your integrity, for he knows God make the point Baxter, played by Steve own good that you’re that his situation cannot that the old reward- Carell, who is portrayed suffering.” be explained by the punishment principle as a backstabber. Bruce principle of retribution, of retribution simply wants the news anchor 2. It is due to an and demands that God does not hold. There is position, but Alan unknown or forgotten answer him. no logical connection Baxter gets the job. sin the sufferer is not between virtue and Soon after, one bad aware of; that is, the In the movie “Bruce reward, wickedness thing follows another, sufferer deserves the Almighty” God shows and punishment, until Bruce’s life falls suffering whether he/she up to Bruce Nolan obedience and completely apart. He realizes it or not. and claims that He is blessing, unfaithfulness thinks he is being sick and tired of Bruce 3. The cause for and malediction. unfairly treated by God whining about how Apparently Job played and demands that God suffering lies not with incompetent He is at humans on earth but a significant role in answer his charges. doing His job. Then showing up the folly of with spiritual beings God endows Bruce From time to time we above the earth, like this type of theology, with God’s power and and God thanks Job also feel like Bruce evil spirits and devils. wants him to run the Nolan whenever for freeing God from 4. The suffering of the world. Bruce finds out the bind in which Job’s something bad happens that it is not easy being to us. When we think innocent is explained friends clearly wanted to as suffering for someone God after all. After place God. that we have not making a mess of the been treated fairly or else’s sin; vicarious suffering, the belief that world and his own life Job comes to a new when we believe that even worse, he finally understanding of himself our suffering is more there is some redeeming value to one’s suffering. relinquishes his will to and God through his than we deserve, we God with these words: experience and dialogue complain to God: 5. It is justified by “Not my will, but your with God, and God “Why me, O God? This believing that the will.” Bruce comes to a admonishes his friends is so unfair. Why did sufferer will be rewarded fresh understanding of for holding on to a you let this happen in the afterlife; in himself and God after dogmatic view of God to me? Why are you heaven God will make being in God’s shoes for rather than coming to picking on me?” We few days. Continued on next page

8 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Continued from preceding page that humans would lose religious even if there for who God is rather interest in God if God isn’t any benefit for us. than for what God can a fresh understanding stops rewarding them do for us. In fact God of God through Job’s for their religiosity. Gustavo Gutierrez in his became human to show experience. He argues that book On Job, which has that this can be done. The Question of “disinterested faith” or the subtitle, “To Speak Jesus at Gethsemane Gratuitous Faith gratuitous religion is not of God from the point said, “Abba, Father, possible for humans! of view of the suffering for you all things are As important as the That humans love, of the innocent,” asks, possible; remove this question of theodicy is, worship, and believe “How are the suffering cup from me; yet, not there is another question God for what God does poor of South America what I want, but what that is just as important, for them rather than for to talk about God?” you want.” Here is a if not more, in the book who God is. Gutierrez testifies that model of gratuitous of Job. It is a question it is difficult to do faith; Jesus maintained that the movie “Bruce “Why are humans theology when there the relationship with Almighty” does not deal religious anyway?” is so much suffering God even when there with; it is a question we “Why do people worship among the poor, but was nothing but seldom ask of ourselves. God?” “Why do the fact is that they suffering to gain by it. But it is a question that believers pray to God?” are talking about God has been on God’s mind “Why do people give when there seems to Finally, many Christians from the beginning of offerings?” “Why do we be no benefit that try to generate love for human religiosity. We sing praises?” “Why do comes from engaging God from the notion question God’s justice, we even believe in God and worshiping God. of gratitude in response but there is something whom we cannot see?” Surprisingly, it is the to God’s salvific action: most oppressed, the God saved your life, poor, the weak, the therefore love God. God is not obligated powerless who are This is a flawed logic to follow our moral principles talking about and with and a misguided God, who are praying to theology. If someone and is outside our God, who are praising saved my life, I would and worshiping God be very grateful to that theological systems. when their conditions person, but that person show that there is has no right to demand no benefit to their my love. Salvation is a God wants to know “Why, why, why?” God religiosity. chance at loving God from us as well: Why are wants to know! for who God is rather humans religious? Why Conclusion than loving God for Would we still be do you worship God? When God finally what God can do for faithful to God if us. For love comes In today’s text, God what occurred to Job appears to Job, rather than answering Job’s from relationship with is very proud of Job, a happened to us? Would God, from knowing and man who is honest and we still love God if we questions, God shows off His power and glory, experiencing who God faithful, who reveres lost some of our material is. God is confident God and who is mindful possessions? How all related to running the natural universe. that when we have of God in all his doing. about all of our material relationship with God, God, like a parent with possessions? Would God wants Job to see who God is, to take a when we know and a wonderful child, shows we still be faithful experience God, we off Job to the Satan to God if we lost our panoramic view of God, rather than focusing on will in fact love God for (the adversary). But health? How about if nothing. Satan responds with we found out that we what God can do for this question: “Does Job have a terminal illness? him. Prayer fear God for nothing?” You don’t need me In the end, God is O God, we pray, rather Satan makes a case that to continue with this satisfied that Job Job is faithful because interrogation and make than questioning Your somehow answered the goodness or justice God has blessed him you feel uncomfortable. question “Can humans with material wealth, I’m sure you get the whenever things don’t love God for nothing?” go well in our lives, wonderful children, point. with Yes. Perhaps it was good health, and honor. from time to time, may We may be unsure because Job maintained No wonder Job is so we ask ourselves why we whether disinterested his relationship with religious! Wouldn’t are faithful or religious religion is possible; at God, acknowledged you be faithful to God when things do go well least, we don’t want to God, continued to if you are given all that in our lives. We pray go through what Job engage with God, like Job has? Satan accuses we may learn to love went through in order the suffering poor of God of buying our love/ you not only for what to test our faith. But South America and worship with blessings; you have done for us but there is good news in other parts of the world, Satan claims that God also for nothing. Amen. the book of Job! The even when he had is giving candies to good news is that God nothing to gain by it. Uriah Kim is Professor of children because He believes that we humans Hebrew Bible at Hartford wants to be liked by us. The good news is that can have disinterested Seminary. He offered How can anyone not it is God who has or gratuitous faith, that this sermon during chapel love God who actually faith in humans, in us, we can worship, love, services on Monday, May behaves according to that we can practice and trust in God for 12. the prosperity gospel? disinterested religion, nothing; that we can be Satan challenges God that we can love God

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 9 have gained a renewed Strengthening Faith and Friendship appreciation for the foundation of our American way of life. I have also become sensitized to the fact that not all Americans enjoy the same freedom and possibilities that our constitution promised. Religious prejudice and social injustice remain national challenges to our own culturally diverse and religiously plural country. This moment in history is particularly ripe for realizing the great advantage to be gained by bringing together peace-seeking people of faith around a common vision for Left to right, Sharra Jazzar, Jacklevyn Manuputty, and Lily Kadoe justice and peace. Hartford Seminary is By Kim Weiner DeMichele course she will model home four weeks ago in a unique position after Hartford Seminary’s just days after violence to help congregations The school year at Women’s Leadership erupted on the streets of and individuals Hartford Seminary has Institute. Beirut. Our third CRP faithfully respond to come to an end. Tears student was Jacklevyn such challenges and of joy were shed on The Congregational Manuputty, a dynamic opportunities. graduation day; tears Relations Program (CRP), minister and social of sadness then fell as which underwrote activist from Indonesia. I look forward to the friends departed for Lily’s year at Hartford Jacky lived through a year ahead when the hones near and far. Seminary, is designed to house fire set by Muslim CRP will welcome four Throughout the year, teach religious leaders vandals four years ago. new ambassadors of friendships and faith and social activists Before departing for peace. The students we were deepened and from overseas how to Hartford last fall he saw anticipate meeting in challenged. Indeed, live faithfully in the the grassroots Christian/ Semptember and about formative leaning midst of inter-religious Muslim peace talks he whom you will learn took place across the conflict while engaging helped coordinate result more in the next edition Seminary community in productive interfaith in reconciliation in his of Praxis have significant while acts of nature dialogue. The program village, and an apology work experience in changed lands around recruits students from the youths who inter-religious program the world. from countries where were responsible for the development. Building there is inter-religious upon the students’ skills The Seminary arson. discord. They spend and Hartford Seminary’s community was touched, one academic year at The participation of resources, we hope to in particular, by the the Seminary on a full CRP students with facilitate meaningful impact of cyclone Nargis scholarship studying congregations in greater inter-cultural and in Myanmar. You see, interfaith dialogue Hartford helps make the inter-faith engagement one of our students this and Christian-Muslim far reaches of the world, opportunities year was Lily Kadoe, relations. During their and the challenges of our with participating a Congregational year at the Seminary, brothers and sisters who congregations. I welcome Relations Program they become involved live there, more relevant ideas and involvement (CRP) scholarship with local congregations and accessible. These from individuals in the recipient, grandmother, where they experience connections provide Seminary community and Dean of Students at American religious an impetus to stretch who wish to realize these the Myanmar Institute practices and they share and grow spiritually in objectives in your own of Theology (MIT). Lily their personal stories relation to others with community of faith. returned home to her and pastoral wisdom. an unfamiliar culture, devastated village and Upon completion of language and religious Kim Weiner DeMichele damaged school. She ([email protected]) their year in Hartford, practice. is Congregational Relations left energized by her these students return year in Hartford eager My personal experience Program Coordinator. The home with the skills and Congregational Relations to revive hopefulness knowledge to promote with the CRP has been Program is made possible in her village. By next productive interfaith transformative. As I through the support of fall, when her seminary dialogue. learn about the strife participating churches, and re-opens for classes, and and limited opportunity The E. Rhodes and Leona B. at the behest of MIT’s This year, in addition in places around the Carpenter Foundation and The president, Lily intends to to Lily, we met Sharra world due to the lack of David E. A. Carson and Sara open an Islamic Research Jazzar, a young Lebanese religious freedom and F. Carson Fund. Institute and teach a sociologist, who returned democratic process, I

10 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s An Interview with What brought you to Hartford Seminary? Jane and Bill Inderstrodt After graduating from American University, I was asked by my church to become a parish worker which included quite a bit of religious education. I realized that if I were going to be a professional religious educator, I would need more education. It seemed that Hartford was the best school from which to receive a graduate degree in religious education. I discovered at Hartford that the focus was not only on Christian education but also Jane and Bill Inderstrodt (seated, center) hosted an April 2007 gathering of New England- on the educational based alumni/ae at their home in Maine. traditions of other religions. I’m glad I went Jane was elected to the Jane and Bill, like many in the Christian to Hartford. couples of their generation, Education division United Church Board met at Hartford Seminary. of the Washington for World Ministries. What are your fondest Bud Heckman, Chief Federation of Churches, She worked on the memories of Hartford Development Officer, hosting a television Middle East Committee Seminary? recently interviewed them, series for children and later became The wonderful thing having heard so much lore and participating in Chair of the Board of about Hartford Seminary about their generation leadership education Directors. It was there was the fellowship that at Hartford Seminary. conferences and seasonal that she worked closely existed among all four What follows is a series workshops. with Dale Bishop who schools. Though diverse of excerpts from that later taught at Hartford with many different conversation. After two years they Seminary. She also cultures and interests it moved to Washington, received a call to do was a great experience to Jane Sattler Inderstrodt CT. Jane then was part time teaching in be a part of the Hartford came from Washington, invited to return to religious education at Seminary family. We D.C. to Hartford the Seminary on a part Berkley Divinity School have through the years Seminary in 1949 and time basis, working on at Yale, and was an kept in contact with so received her M.A. in educational activities. educational consultant many of our Hartford Religious Education in While in Washington, in several churches in friends. 1951. Since Professor she was elected to the the New Haven area. Helen Edick was Board of Education What are the most returning to Union and became Chair Bill continued his important things you Seminary to work on of the Board during interest in elderly learned through your her doctorate, Jane the regionalization housing when they educational experience was asked to stay and of the high school moved to Danbury. at Hartford Seminary? be on the faculty to with the adjoining Jane became a program One of the most teach several courses towns of Roxbury and director at a 100-unit important is that and be responsible for Bridgewater. elderly community in people learn through some of the fieldwork Fairfield. She enjoyed doing – being involved supervision. After two While working with the the work because it was a in activities that are years she returned to Connecticut Council form of adult education. meaningful to them and Washington, D.C., to of Churches, Jane and They both had been that will enrich their accept a call from the Bill edited a series of involved in the Elderly lives. To be aware of the Baltimore Conference devotional booklets Housing Management needs of others and to be of the United Methodist for children titled programs of the New able to respond to those Church, working with “Thoughts of God for Samaritan Corporation needs is an important 500 churches in the Boys and Girls.” She also of the Connecticut factor. Also diversity is areas of childhood and served on the committee Conference. important in our lives junior high education. of the Ministry to and we should accept When they moved Persons of Special Need it in the lives of those to York, Maine, Jane Bill Inderstrodt and did some teaching around us. was working in at Southbury Training was involved with the the Westmoreland School. They lived in Maine Conference of How did your time at Congregational Church Washington, CT, for the United Church of Hartford Seminary in the D.C. area. One sixteen years. Christ. After serving on prepare you for your thing led to another several committees of career? and they were engaged While living in North the Board, she became All of the courses in and then married in Haven, when Bill was President of the Maine the Religious Education on the Conference staff, 1954. She was active Conference. Continued on page 12

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 11 Continued from page 11 and graduated from Church UCC in York, from all over the world. Maine. After nine years What fellowship we had! School were excellent Earlham College. He there, he and Jane in preparing a student attended Hartford retired. You said you met a for future work in the Seminary from 1949 to 1952 and graduated young student who church. The professors What drew you to became a friend and were exceptional and with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He Hartford Seminary? later became famous? the “learn by doing” I went to Hartford I’m sure that young emphasis invaluable. began his ministry as a Minister of Education Seminary because the student, now famous, Old and New Testament would verify this In my first year of at Westmoreland departments were experience. It was fieldwork I was involved Congregational Church chaired by Quaker September and the in teaching a second in Washington, D. C. scholars, one of whom opening of a new year at grade class in the first and after four years graduated from Earlham seminary. It was one of hour of Church School became Pastor of the College and the other at those gorgeous autumn and a ninth grade class First Congregational one time taught there. Connecticut days and in the second hour Church in Washington, My first day at Seminary the new students were at the West Hartford CT. His Dean at the was almost my last. I was arriving. My roommate Congregational Church. Seminary, Tertius van Dyke, had served that assigned as my advisor a and I were standing on In my second year of church years before new bright young New the steps of the men’s fieldwork I worked and had retired to Testament professor dorm. (That was back with several Methodist Washington. Tertius was straight out of Scotland, in the dark ages when churches in the Hartford named the part time whose orthodox theology there were men and area, meeting with Associate Minister and was thicker than his women dormitories.) A the Church School worked with Bill a little brogue. handsome young man superintendents and came across the campus over a year before his In my initial interview education committees with two suitcases in tow. untimely death. with him his first to assist them in their We introduced ourselves question was: “You’re planning. One summer Bill served as did he. I then said to Christ Church of the going to be a minister, him, “Are you here to What kind of things Church of Scotland aren’t you?” My answer get a wife or escape the changed at the in Bermuda. While in was simply, “I’m not sure, draft?” (The draft was Seminary since you Washington, through Sir.” (Note the use of still in effect and those were there? the generosity of a “Sir” when addressing a studying for the ministry I think when the parishioner, one of Presbyterian.) His next were exempt from the subject of changing the two other Hoosiers in comment was, “Then, draft.) “I’m not here Seminary’s focus in the town, Jane and Bill what are you doing here to go to seminary,” he ‘70s first came up, some received a grant to travel at Seminary?” I excused responded firmly, “I’m of us questioned what abroad. They traveled myself and returned to studying to be a social would be lost, such as the extensively in the my room to pack and go worker.” Social Work component Middle East, visiting the back home to Indiana. and the emphasis on missions of the American It was obvious to me The next day he went Religious Education. We Board of Commissioners that Hartford was not and registered as a were asking, “how are for Foreign Mission; the place for me. My student in the seminary. all these things going studied at Oxford and roommate intervened I guess my humorous to be continued?” As it then traveled behind the and suggested that I go questions indicated to has developed over time Iron Curtain. talk to Moses Bailey, the him that all theological I think the Seminary Quaker Old Testament students are not overly is doing well with the In 1972 Bill went Professor. I made an serious and pious. That new emphasis. It has on the Connecticut appointment and went young man who became responded to changes in Conference staff as to see Professor Bailey. a minister rather than society. Minister to Business After hearing my tale of a social worker was and Government where my encounter with my Andrew Young. What advice would you among other ministries advisor, Moses Bailey give to people who are he built and managed set back in his chair What were the most entering the ministry? senior housing for those and said, “William, thee important things you I would say that it is a with moderate income. needs to pack up and learned through your challenge but do it! Be He then, under loan go home because thee educational experiences sure to go to a seminary from the Connecticut learned the first day here at Hartford Seminary? that will provide Conference, became at seminary the most The great thing about differing opportunities Interim Deputy important truth this Hartford Seminary was for learning, Director of the Office institution has to teach its ecumenism. You of Communication of and that is we don’t all lived and studied with Hartford Seminary students from every really prepared us for the United Church of think alike or believe the Christ in New York same things.” I stayed. Christian denomination our professions and that and students from is why we are glad to City. Bill then became Senior Pastor of the First What memories do other world religions. support it in its effort you have regarding the If you wanted to have a to prepare people for Congregational Church in Danbury, CT. And Seminary? theological or biblical various kinds of ministry My fondest memory is fight you didn’t have to today. with a summer home on the coast of Maine he that the Seminary was a go to another seminary. was delighted to accept family; a diverse family All you had to do is of staff, students and go down the hall and Bill Inderstrodt grew a call to be Pastor of dialogue with a student. up a Quaker in Indiana the historic First Parish faculty with students Continued on next page

12 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Three Hartford Seminary Students Named Muslim Chaplains

support services for Studies and Christian- the Yale religious and Muslim Relations and a spiritual communities. graduate Certificate in Islamic Chaplaincy from Sohaib Sultan has been Hartford Seminary. He named Muslim Chaplain currently is a Doctor of and Muslim Life Ministry student at the Coordinator at Princeton Seminary. University, starting in Omer Bajwa Sohaib Sultan Abdullah T. Antepli the 2008-2009 academic At Duke, Antepli will year. provide services ranging Hartford Seminary has from pastoral care to Chaplain at Cornell Sultan is an Islamic teaching about Islam. had three of its Islamic University and holds Chaplaincy student at Chaplaincy students He will focus on three two Masters from Hartford Seminary, and is primary areas: religious named to new positions Cornell as well, in Near scheduled to graduate in as Muslim leaders at leadership for Duke’s Eastern Studies and Spring 2009. Muslim community; prestigious universities Communications. this spring and summer. Duke University has pastoral care and Bajwa will be working named Abdullah T. counseling for persons At Yale University, closely with the Muslim Antepli, associate of any faith, or of no Omer Bajwa will be Students Association, director of Hartford ascribed faith; and intra- Coordinator for Muslim Muslim faculty and staff Seminary’s Islamic and interfaith work. Life. This newly created and be a full participant Chaplaincy Program, as Antepli will also teach full-time position began on the chaplaincy team the school’s first Muslim two introductory courses on August 15. helping to foster the chaplain, effective July 1. on Islam. Bajwa previously served vision of an inclusive scope of programs and Antepli, an imam, has a as the Interim Muslim Master of Arts in Islamic

Continued from previous page from a great library such initial interview, stated of the other seminaries as the Seminary’s. that we would get along. in being relevant and Did that shape your When I asked him why providing needed leadership experience Do you remember some he answered, “I have ministries in a changing as a minister: that is, of the places you had been at the church for world. being with different fieldwork? only four years and have faith traditions in the In my senior year I gone through three What advice would you same place of study? worked at South Church, associates. Members of give to people entering One learns to appreciate New Britain, and upon the congregation were the ministry today? other faith traditions and graduating was invited beginning to say that the I think those planning to cultures when you live to become the Associate senior minister was the enter the ministry should together, study together, Minister. I appreciated real problem and not the be aware of the limited worship together and the invitation and the associates.” opportunities in parish play together; when confidence but did not ministry. It also would you’re a family. That’s accept the call. One Four years later he came be helpful for them what Hartford Seminary summer I worked at the to me and suggested to have a secondary was: a diversified family. Hartford YMCA camp that I go back to profession or craft since Isn’t that what a parish in New Hampshire, and Connecticut, and get more and more pastoral is? Isn’t that what a one year in a church a church and learn ministries are part time. neighborhood needs to along the canals of my craft, preaching On the other hand be and a community? Holyoke served by an every Sunday. He said, there are many forms It makes life more eighty-four year old “More members of of ministries yet to be interesting and exciting. minister. our congregation are developed. Ministry is beginning to like you more of a challenge with How did your time at I accepted a call to than they like me.” I limitless opportunities seminary prepare you a recently relocated followed his sage advice. for experimenting in new for your calling? church in the No one could have had a forms and expression of There was a good Washington D.C. area. finer relation than I had ministry. balance between the It was a time when with him. academic and the churches were desperate Has the nature of practical. Of course, to find a minister, What do you think of ministry changed? the academic study especially one who was the ways that Hartford No, the nature of the didn’t quit when we left interested in being an Seminary has changed church and the world seminary. I was always Associate who wanted to since you studied there? has. We need to develop impressed with the focus on education and The changes have ministries to meet those purpose of the Baldwin youth work. been good, despite our needs of our times. And Boot Fund that provided unhappiness about it appears that more and I recall well the reason each graduate of the many of them when more of those ministries I chose Westmoreland seminary with funding they happened. It’s are being met by lay over several other to purchase basic books responding to the needs ministers rather than invitations I received. for his/her library. Many and conditions of these ordained ministers. The minister, in my of us served churches far times. And it’s far ahead

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 13 me numerous times since that evening how much Schellsburg Meets the World more understanding and appreciation he has for other faiths since our encounter. He came expecting to ask questions and found himself answering as many or more questions in a true conversation about the importance of faith. For Joe, the importance of knowing and claiming his own faith while respecting the faith of others has become a priority after hearing from both Muslim and Christian students Hartford Seminary students gather with members of the United Church of Schellsburg, how confidence and during a visit in May. knowledge has led to good relations between people who practice By The Rev. Ruth E. Shaver this part of west-central led immediately to one different faiths in their Pennsylvania, we have common practice of countries. It is easier The world met few opportunities Judaism, Christianity, to find common ground Schellsburg, PA, back for interreligious and Islam: charity. From when you know the in 1964 when the relationships – we just there, we moved to such ground around you well town’s four churches, do not have many topics as the treatment enough to recognize each a mainline representatives of of women, tolerance for similar ground around Protestant congregation religious traditions divergent believes and others. that shared pastors, other than Christianity practices, political uses In a perfect world, this merged to create a new in our area, so we have of religious organizations congregation. Time would be an annual few chances to meet and beliefs, violence, event. Ignorance is and Redbook covered the religious world in and even the First and the story, as did several not bliss when it comes personal ways. Second Amendments to to the similarities and of the church-related the Constitution. publications of the day. I had no idea when I differences between The United Church visited the Hartford While we are envied religions in the world of Schellsburg, United Seminary campus back broadly for our freedoms today; when I found out Church of Christ, in April that within six of religious practice, how much I don’t know, began life as a grand weeks I would have the speech, and assembly, I particularly about the experiment in Christian opportunity to bring the could not help but hear role of women in many unity with support world to Schellsburg to genuine bewilderment Islamic cultures, I felt from the National have the interreligious as we were asked to humbled. It helped me Council of Churches. conversation of a explain how our society to realize that any hope As a congregation, we lifetime. Thanks to manages to have so we have for long-term continue to learn how to Vanessa Avery-Wall and much freedom of speech peace in the world will live together for mission, Nevzet Celik, a group of as to allow both insults come from this kind of service, and worship international students and blatant untruths small group interaction despite the diverse made the 375 mile trek to go unchecked. As where questions can be theological, social, and to our little corner of to our laws about gun asked and answers can be political beliefs of our paradise to help us put ownership…well, this given with candor and in members. names, faces, and facts is hunting country safety. It is the only way to what we thought we and we take the to make the “other” into Because of its history, knew about Islam in Second Amendment “friend” – and we do not the United Church general and Christianity very seriously. Even go to war with friends. of Schellsburg is in other parts of the so, as a hunter in my much more like an Thanks to Hartford world. Members of congregation said, we Seminary, Schellsburg urban or suburban the United Church of need to acknowledge church in its attitude has met the world and Schellsburg and several that the right to made friends. toward ecumenism other churches in our own lethal weapons and interreligious area gathered on a should probably not be The Reverend Ruth E. relationships than many beautiful spring night absolute, but finding the Shaver is the Pastor and rural churches. As the in May to learn – and, appropriate balance has Teacher of the United pastor I appreciate surprisingly, to teach. been and will be difficult Church of Schellsburg this outward and for many years to come. UCC, with ministerial forward vision. Our We used the story of the standing in the Juniata many ecumenical Good Samaritan from Joe Puleo, who is pastor Association of the Penn relationships are long- Luke 10 as the basis for of another UCC church West Conference. standing. However, in our conversation, which in the area, has said to

14 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hafid Abbas, noted international peacemaker, awarded honorary degree

Prof. Dr. Hafid Abbas received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree at Hartford Seminary’s graduation ceremonies on May 30. Dr. Abbas is Director General of Research and Development in the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (HRRDA), in Indonesia. In this role, Dr. Abbas serves as coordinator of research and development for the numerous governmental ministries in Indonesia. In these photos, Efrain Agosto, academic dean of Hartford Seminary, places a doctoral hood on Dr. Abbas and Heidi Hadsell, president of the Seminary, congratulates him.

Sage M. Crary of Broad Brook is the new Recruitment Associate, working with David Barrett, director of public and institutional affairs. Sage, who has completed two years in the Cooperative Master of New Staff Divinity program at Hartford Seminary, has spent the past eight years in a variety of management positions, including a bank, jewelry store and restaurant. She earned a B.S. in Cytopathology and Oncology, with a minor in Judaic Studies from the University of Connecticut. She is an active member of Center Congregational Church in Manchester, CT, and was accepted In Care of the Hartford East Association in May of 2007. Sage will be seeking ordination in the UCC upon completion of her Master of Divinity degree. She co-facilitates the Youth Ministries program at Center Congregational and also is involved with the Praise & Worship team. For the 2007-08 academic year, she was the Hartford Seminary representative on the Council for Global Ministries for the UCC. In her spare time, she rides horses, hikes, plays the viola and enjoys time with her two cats Ashton and Foster.

Yvette Law of West Hartford is the new Administrative Assistant in the Communications Office, working with David Barrett, director of public and institutional affairs. Yvette is a licensed massage therapist with a private practice in West Hartford and spent the past seven years working in the Admissions Department at the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy (CCMT) where she graduated in 2000. She has a B.A. in Accounting from Western Connecticut State University. She is an active member of the Buddhist Faith Fellowship of Connecticut that meets at Wesleyan University in Middletown. In addition to her study of Buddhism, she enjoys reading, biking, hiking and spending time with friends and family.

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 15 from the Hartranft Scholarship Fund Carpenter Students Win for demonstrating “excellence in Awards Scholarships written expression.” Fischer won for Four Hartford Seminary students have her paper, “Toward a Contemporary $100,000 won 2007-08 Merit Scholarships. Understanding of Original Sin.” To Hartford Jan Youga, a Master of Arts student, Sandra Fischer, a Master of Arts will receive a scholarship from student, and Lydia Ford, a Black Seminary the William Thompson Fund, as a Ministries Program student, will receive degree program student who “has scholarships from the Bennett Tyler The E. Rhodes and Scholarship Fund for excellence in Leona B. Carpenter demonstrated notable proficiency or interest in the field of biblical studies.” written expression. Fischer won the Foundation has award for her paper, “An Analysis of S. awarded Hartford She won the award for her paper, “The Journey to Be Among Them: Mark Heim’s Theory of Atonement in Seminary $100,000 Light of the Book Proverbs of Ashes for an additional three How John’s Gospel Went from Heresy to Canon.” by Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca years to continue Ann Parker.” Ford won for her paper, the Congregational Karen Fischer, a Master of Arts “Exegesis of II Samuel 11.” Relations Program. student, will receive a scholarship Students enrolled in the program have been Christian leaders Seminary Receives Grant To Fund Faculty Position from overseas settings in which there is The Alavi Foundation has agreed to give Hartford Seminary a total of interreligious conflict. $175,000 over five years to fund a faculty position at the Seminary that They spend an intensive will promote a better understanding of Shi’ite Islam. year studying interfaith dialogue, and leave with Mahmoud Ayoub, a pre-eminent scholar in Islam and interfaith the skills and knowledge dialogue in the United States and around the world, has been named to engage in productive Faculty Associate in Shi‘ite Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at interfaith dialogue at Hartford Seminary, starting July 1, to fill the position. home. This year the At the Seminary’s Macdonald Center, Dr. Ayoub will teach, advise Seminary has expanded students in the international Ph.D. program, and continue his research the program to include projects. In the fall semester, he will teach a course on Shi‘ite Islam. Muslim leaders.

Gehman Graduation 2008 Receives Ra’ufa Tuell and Grant For Lina Stas, Wom- Curriculum en’s Leadership Development Institute gradu- ates, participate Hartford Seminary’s unique interfaith in the procession- environment caught al during Hartford the eye of the Seminary’s gradu- Religious Coalition for ation ceremony Reproductive Choice on May 30. After as it sought proposals the ceremony, from institutions best Tubanur Yesil- suited to develop curriculum on hark and Zalman reproductive justice Putra Ahmad Ali, in Western and Non- both Master of Western religious Arts graduates, traditions. receive con- Heidi Gehman, faculty gratulations from associate in theology Professor Jane I. and ethics, has been Smith. awarded $9,000 to develop and teach a course on Global Perspectives on Reproductive Justice. This course will be taught at Hartford Seminary during the summer session of 2009.

16 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s at Yale’s Interdisciplinary Center for With Virginia Swain, M.A., Co- Bioethics. He is the co-founder of Founder and Director of the Center the Forum on Religion and Ecology. for Global Community and World Wednesday, September 24 Law and the Institute of Global 4 p.m. to 9 p .m. Leadership, and Sarah Sayeed, Co-Sponsor: Interreligious Ph.D., Program Associate at the Coming Up Eco-Justice Network Interfaith Center of New York, and Location: First Church of Christ, formerly an assistant professor at Congregational, West Hartford Baruch College, School of Public Affairs Corintios: ¿Modelo para Thursday, October 30 Hartford Seminary will iglesia y liderasgo hoy? 6:30 p.m. present lectures, seminars, [Corinthians: Appropriate workshops and special events Model for Church and Miriam Therese Winter for people of all faiths, starting Leadership Today?] Celebrates With Efrain Agosto, Academic the publication of new editions of in September. For more three of her best-selling books information or to register Dean of Hartford Seminary and Professor of New Testament • The Gospel According to for any of the programs, Tuesday, September 30 Mary: A New Testament for please call the Public and 7 p.m. Women Institutional Affairs Office • The Chronicles of Noah and at 860-509-9555 or send an Know Where You Preach: Her Sisters: Genesis & Exodus email message to events@ How Sermons Connect with for Women hartsem.edu. Register online Contexts • WomanPrayer, WomanSong: at www.hartsem.edu. A workshop with James Nieman, Resources for Ritual Professor of Practical Theology at Miriam Therese Winter is Professor God’s Word in Greek: Hartford Seminary and author of of Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality Reading The Gospel of “Knowing the Context: Frames, at Hartford Seminary and director Matthew Tools, and Signs for Preaching” of the Women’s Leadership Institute With The Rev. Edward F. Duffy, Wednesday, October 8 Wednesday, November 19 Minister of the First Presbyterian 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 7 p.m. Church of Fairfield, CT, and Adjunct Professor of New Testament Inter-religious Abrahamic InterActive Faith: Inter- Greek at Hartford Seminary Dialogue: A Tool of religious Community Tuesdays, September 9, October Transformation in the Local Building 14, November 11, December 9 Church With the Rev. Dr. Francis V. Tiso, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. With The Rev. Dr. Mark Heilshorn, Associate Director of Interreligious pastor of the First Congregational Relations at the Secretariat for The Bible Institute: Church of Woodbury (UCC) Ecumenical and Interreligious Understanding the Bible Monday-Friday, October 13-17, Affairs of the United States With Uriah Kim, Professor of ONLINE Conference of Catholic Bishops. Hebrew Bible at Hartford Seminary, Responses by The Rev. Bud and Efrain Agosto, Academic Dean An Islamic “Theology”? Heckman, Chief Development of Hartford Seminary and Professor Why? Officer at Hartford Seminary, of New Testament With Yahya Michot, Professor and Rori Picker Neiss, program Friday, September 12, 6 p.m. - 9 of Islamic Studies and Christian- coordinator for the Jewish Orthodox p.m., and Saturday, September 13, Muslim Relations at Hartford Feminist Alliance. 9 a.m. – noon Seminary Wednesday, December 3 & 7 p.m. A Drumming Circle Towards a Framework With Jan Gregory, owner of the for Interfaith Dialogue: The Basics of Christian Renaissance Center: A Conservatory Globalism or Pluralism Education: of Music in Southbury, and Director With Mahmoud Ayoub, Faculty A Continuing Education of Music Ministry, Congregational Associate in Shi‘ite Islam and Course for Church Church of Easton, UCC Christian-Muslim Relations at Educators Mondays, September 22, October Hartford Seminary With The Rev. Charles H. 13 and 27, and November 10 and Monday, October 20 Ericson, pastor of the Bolton 24 7 p.m. Congregational Church UCC, Basics: 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. on and director of the “Associates Sept. 22 and 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. in Sacred Compass: The Way in Christian Education” (ACE) October and November of Spiritual Discernment program which is co-sponsored Beyond Basics: 7 - 8:30 p.m. With J. Brent Bill, Executive Vice by Hartford Seminary and the President of the Indianapolis Center Connecticut Conference of the A Sa c r e d Tr u s t : A Fa l l for Congregations and previously UCC Fo r u m o n Re l i g i o n a n d t h e a local church pastor, seminary Monday through Wednesday, En v i r o n m e n t instructor, book review editor, and January 5 – 7, 2009 Religion and Ecology: The denominational executive 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Problems and the Promise Tuesday, October 21 Keynote Address: John Grim, 7 p.m. Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar at Yale University and The Practice of Environmental Ethicist-in-Residence Reconciliation Leadership

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 17 We have been notified by in Sweden. In 1976, received a Master’s Mr. Stanley L. Hoskins he founded the Centre of Sacred Theology that his wife, Mrs. for the Study of Islam at Oberlin Graduate Shirley H. Hoskins,’42 and Christian-Muslim School of Theology BRE, passed away on Relations at the Selly Oak and doctorates from April 2. After Mrs. Colleges in Birmingham. Vanderbilt University In Memoriam Hoskins obtained her Generations of students, in 1974 and the Bachelor of Religious both Christian and University of Pittsburgh Education from the Muslim, have been a year later. In 1960, Hartford Theological grateful for his unbounded Dr. Shannon became The Hartford Seminary Seminary in 1942, she commitment to his pastor at Ebenezer Baptist community has lost earned her advanced students and his capacity Church in Richmond the following beloved certificate in occupational to draw out of them until leaving to become members. Our thoughts therapy from Columbia much more than they East Coast director of and prayers go out to their University, New York, realized was there. His higher education services friends and families. in 1945. She worked for commitment to teaching of the American Baptist more than 50 years as an limited his output of Convention in 1969. The Rev. Dr. Eleanor occupational therapist, publications, but extended Prior to returning to Seaton Ebersole, ’51 including many years his range of sympathy VUU as the university’s M.A. and ’53 B.D.,died on in Syracuse, N.Y. She and understanding of eighth president in April 29 of complications was listed in the “Who’s the way in which other 1979, Dr. Shannon from Parkinson’s Disease. Who of American minds work. After a was a biblical scholar She was 83. Women,” 1977-1978. first degree in Arabic at Hartford Seminary, Mrs. Hoskins was always and Islamic Studies in known then as Hartford The Rev. Alvar W. involved in music and London, Dr. Kerr read Seminary Foundation. Gustafson, ’82 D.Min., her church — from her theology at Oxford, and He led Virginia Union passed away on April 9 junior/senior high school took the ordination until 1985, when he from injuries received years in orchestra, band, course for URC ministers resigned his post to in an accident. He was chorus and the church at Mansfield College, become vice president 87. Rev. Gustafson was a choir to directing the although he was never for academic affairs at member of the Seminary’s church handbell choirs ordained, having the Interdenominational President’s Council and in Syracuse and Orlando eventually found his Theological Seminary in a former member of the and as a Presbyterian vocation in teaching. Atlanta. Dr. Shannon Board of Trustees. He was elder and deacon. She is After his Ph.D., he retired in 1997 as a native of Worthington, survived by: her husband worked in the Arabic president of Allen MN, received his B.A. of 60 years, Stanley; son, service of the BBC. At University in Columbia, Degree from Gustavus David and wife Carol, Edinburgh, he was the SC. He remained active, Adolphus College in Orlando, Fla.; daughter, first Professor in the giving lectures across St. Peter, MN, and was Susan, Elmira, NY; and Study of Non-Western the country, and was ordained from Augustana five grandchildren. Christianity. Almost researching and writing Lutheran Seminary immediately after his a book on George Liele, in Rock Island, IL. In Dr. Kazuyoshi Kawata arrival in Sweden, he was a former slave who is addition to Hartford recently informed us that diagnosed with motor considered to be Georgia’s Seminary, he also studied his wife, Mrs. Marion J. neuron disease, and he first African-American at the University of Kawata, passed away on was still supervising preacher. In addition to Chicago and at Union June 8, 2007. Dr. and doctoral theses, using a his wife, Averett Powell Theological Seminary Mrs. Kawata are both ’51 voice-activated computer Shannon, Dr. Shannon’s in New York City. He alumni/ae of the Kennedy because his hands would survivors include two served on the Board at School of Missions. no longer work, when daughters, Vernitia Gettysburg Seminary. he passed away.He is Shannon and Dr. Davine Rev. Gustafson served at Professor David A. Kerr survived by his wife Gun Sparks; a son, David Trinity Lutheran Church passed away on April 13 Holmström, a Swedish- Thomas Shannon Jr.; and and Concordia Lutheran at the age of 63. Dr. Kerr served as the Director speaking nurse from six grandchildren. Church in Chicago and Finland. They had two he was Senior Pastor at of Hartford Seminary’s The Rev. Dr. Donald Duncan Black Macdonald children, Simeon and First Lutheran Church Anna. A. Simpson, ’47 B.D., in New Britain for 29 Center for the Study passed away on February years, retiring in 1985. of Islam and Christian- Former faculty member, 27 at the University of He then served as Interim Muslim Relations Dr. David Thomas Massachusetts Memorial Pastor and Associate from 1989 to 1996. He Shannon, Sr., passed Healthcare. He was 88. Pastor at Gloria Dei was one of the most away in March in Atlanta No further details were Lutheran Church in significant figures in the after a period of declining provided. Dr. Simpson Forestville for five years contemporary encounter health. He was 74. Dr. was predeceased by his and was a member there. between Christianity Shannon began preaching wife, Mrs. Elizabeth He was a member of the and the world of Islam. when he was 12 and was “Betty” Willard (Brown) New Britain Museum of After initial work with licensed as a preacher Simpson, who passed American Art, the New the BBC, he became at 16 by Fifth Baptist away on October 18, Britain Art League, and an academic, and Church in Richmond. He 2007 at the age of 87. the New Britain Camera taught in Birmingham, completed several degrees, The Simpsons resided in Club. He also served on Hartford, and Edinburgh, starting with a Bachelor’s Worcester, MA. the New Britain Zoning before his final post as degree from Virginia Board of Appeals under Professor of Mission at Union University. He three mayors. the University of Lund,

18 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s A l u m n i /a e Notes faculty and community HSF as we did for the friends.” Luncheon at the 50th Annual Fund Friend of the Seminary, Anniversary of the 2008 Update John P. Breasted from The following note was UCC. Great friends Great Barrington, received along with and staff!” Thank you! We would MA, recently a generous gift to the like to offer a heartfelt wrote, “Enclosed is Annual Fund: “Corrie Mrs. Kathleen S. thank you to everyone a small donation in (H. Corinna Hillman) Johnston, ’50 SRE, who contributed to appreciation for my graduated from Hartford writes, “I am 95 years the 2007-2008 Annual receiving Praxis. I Seminary Foundation old and in a retirement Fund. A few highlights lived in Hartford for 19 in 1952. We were home.” for the year include: years and often came to married in 1953. I Dr. Kazuyoshi Kawata, public programs at the graduated from Hartford ’51 KSM, recently wrote • 80 of our 650+ donors Seminary; I never have Seminary Foundation that he and his late gave gifts to the Annual taken a course there. in 1954. The Hartford wife Marion J. Kawata Fund for the first time I read several pieces experience will always spent one year in the (68 individuals, 5 in the April issue last be with us!” From The Kennedy School of faith communities, night, finding them very Rev. Hugh E. Gackle Missions in preparation 3 businesses, 2 non- interesting.” The Rev. Dr. David for missionary service profit organizations, and 2 matching gift Ms. Joan L. Carlton, H. Graham, B.D. ’67, in India. He has been a companies). M.A. ’83 and WLI ’97, recently wrote along professor at The Johns has retired after 40 years with his gift to the Hopkins University for • 52 Corporators in Religious Studies Annual Fund, “... I love 23 years after returning contributed $15,047, at Bishop Miege High that place for how it from missionary service. compared to $8,580 School; 20 years as shaped my life in ways Chris Seethaler-Tobis, contributed by 45 the Department Chair. that no other Seminary did for some of my WLI ’07, writes, “My year before. The Rev. Dr. Jay F. colleagues.” studies at Hartford Ebersole, ’53 B.D., Seminary have opened • 100% of our faculty, notified us that his wife, With a recent Annual up broader roads for staff, and trustees The Rev. Dr. Eleanor Fund gift, Marie T. my spirit, intellect, and contributed to the Seaton Ebersole, ’51 Hilliard, Ph.D., ’93 heart; I’m very thankful 2007-2008 Annual M.A. and ’53 B.D., M.A., wrote, “Thank for you!” Fund. passed away in April. you for my education!” The Rev. Oliver N. Dr. Ebersole wrote, “Our • Donors who The Rev. James Thomas, ’55 B.D., Hartford Seminary days contributed at the $300 Humphrey, ’63 B.D. writes, “In the early 50’s introduced us to each level will be invited to and ’64 M.A., and Andy Young and I were other, and we always a Donor Appreciation his wife Faye recently room mates. We really rejoiced in our frequent Reception, scheduled for wrote, “We encourage had a good time there. memories of those days Thursday, October 23, Alumni to return to Carol sends her regards, with our classmates, 2008, as will those who too.” give to the 2008-2009 Annual Fund at that level between now and then. Hartford Thank you in advance Seminary is for your gift to the pleased to 2008-2009 Annual welcome these Fund, which runs from July 1, 2008 to June new corporators: 30, 2009. Questions about the Annual • The Rev. Dr. Fund can be directed Dean C. Ahlberg, to the Institutional Redding, CT Advancement Office at [email protected] or (860) 509-9520. • Mr. Sajjad B. Chowdhry, Valley Stream, NY • Mrs. Harriet H. Gardner, West Hartford, CT Trustee Honored The Rev. Dr. Barbara Headley retired from the Board of Trustees in May after a decade of service. In this photo, President Heidi Hadsell congratulates Headley and awards her a commemorative plaque in appreciation of her contribution to Hartford Seminary.

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 19 Faculty Notes

Efrain Agosto Hartford Seminary the Religious Coalition During April, Landau completed his year as and Georgetown for Reproductive co-led a Jewish-Muslim interim dean on June University. Blackburn’s Choice to develop dialogue on Israel/ 30 and began officially lecture topics included and teach a course on Palestine sponsored as academic dean of the Qur’an and its Global Perspectives on by the Connecticut the seminary on July Interpretation, the Reproductive Justice. Council for Interreligious 1. In May, his second Qur’an and Its Place This course will be Understanding; gave a book, Corintios, a in Muslim Societies, taught at Hartford joint presentation with Spanish-language lay the Early History of Seminary during the Abdullah Antepli on commentary on Paul’s Islam (the foregoing for summer session of 2009. “Can Jews and Muslims Corinthian letters was Christian participants) This July, Gehman Get Along?” at the Chai published by Fortress and the Reformation, taught a one-week adult Center in Avon, CT; Press in their Know Contemporary education course on spoke at Manhattanville Your Bible Series. In Christian Thought, Augustine’s Confessions College, Purchase, April, he delivered and Christianity in at Holden Village, an NY, on “Peacebuilding a talk on interfaith America (the final three ecumenical Lutheran in Israel/Palestine: A perspectives on health topics for a Muslim camp on Lake Chelan in 30-Year Retrospective”; care for the statewide audience). Blackburn Washington State. was a guest on the “Live Interfaith Fellowship for continues to lead book with Lisa Wexler” radio Universal Health Care. discussion groups for the Heidi Hadsell was on program on WYBC in On May 27, Agosto Connecticut Humanities sabbatical in the spring New Haven, CT; and traveled to Boston to Council, the most recent semester. She taught spoke on “Israel at 60” deliver a lecture on being at the Granby a course on Christian to the students at the Latino Christology for Public Library on the Social Ethics in the Chase Collegiate School a conference on Global topic of Orhan Pamuk’s Master of Arts program in Waterbury, CT. In Christologies sponsored Istanbul. In the field of of the Department of May, Landau joined by Gordon College teaching, Blackburn is Religious Studies at the Harvey Cox and Reza and Eastern Nazarene currently engaged in an Federal University of Aslan for an interfaith College. In June, he evaluation of the Arabic Juiz de Fora in Brazil. panel on “Religion and conferred the Doctor language program at She also did research Human Rights” at a of Ministry Degree on Wesleyan University in on Public Theology in Nieman Foundation Beverly Prestwood- Middletown, CT. He Brazil. conference for journalists Taylor at North Hadley is the new teacher of at Harvard University; Congregational Church Prayerbook Hebrew at In May, Uriah Kim delivered the keynote in Massachusetts (June the Reconstructionist preached twice at the address at a conference 15) and attended synagogue in Winsted, Monday morning chapel of Reform rabbis and the Biennium of CT. Blackburn was of Hartford Seminary lay leaders in Baltimore the Association of named the new and completed the on “How to Speak to Theological Schools in Treasurer for the manuscript of his Christians and Muslims Atlanta (June 20-23). Council of Connecticut second book entitled A about Israel”; joined He also traveled to Academic Library Postcolonial Reading of Sandy Tolan, author Yale Divinity School Directors as of July 1. the David Story. From of the book The Lemon for a conference May 22 to June 1, Kim Tree, for a dialogue in sponsored by the Capitol Kelton Cobb continues visited Korea for the Northampton, MA, Region Conference to serve as editor of the first time in 32 years. He on the Middle East of Churches, to give a journal Conversations in gave lectures at Yonsei and the Open House talk entitled “Prophetic Religion and Theology, University, one of which Peace Center in Ramle, Rumblings in the Public and has recently he will revise and publish Israel; co-facilitated an Square” to a group of written the entry on as “David of Theology, interfaith educational faith-based community “Paul Tillich” in the History, and Postcolonial event at St. Patrick’s workers. At the Blackwell Encyclopedia Imagination.” Kim and St. Anthony’s end of July, Agosto of Theologians. With his also wrote several book Catholic Church in traveled to Indiana for wife, Heidi Gehman, reviews and one editorial Hartford, part of the a Colloquy on Latino/a he spent two weeks for Reviews in Religion “House of Abraham” Theological Pedagogy at at Holden Village, an and Theology and, in project of Habitat for the Wabash Center for ecumenical Lutheran July, wrote an article Humanity; co-led two Teaching and Learning camp in Washington entitled “Barack Obama study sessions on Jewish- in Theology. state, teaching a and King/David” for The Christian relations workshop on “Theology Progressive Christian. for seminarians and Steven Blackburn and Popular Culture.” rabbinical students at presented a series of In April and May, Sacred Heart University lectures and led a Heidi Gehman has been Yehezkel Landau in Fairfield, CT; and number of Bible studies appointed as Faculty taught a four-week Beit lectured on “Grass- for Muslims, as well Associate of Theology Midrash course entitled Roots Peacemaking in as Qur’an studies for and Ethics, effective “A Debate for the Sake Israel/Palestine” at the Christians, at the fourth July 1. She will continue of Heaven: Jewish Duncaster Retirement annual Pastors’ Institute as Associate Director Sources on Land and Community in for Muslim-Christian of the PhD Program. Peace” for the Greater Bloomfield, CT. On May Understanding, In April, Gehman Hartford Institute of 11, Landau’s interfaith co-sponsored by received a grant from Adult Jewish Studies. peacebuilding work in Continued on next page

20 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Continued from preceding page

Israel/Palestine was the Valparaiso University. Later that month, he Indianapolis Center subject of a front-page Under the Institute met in Chicago with for Congregations article in the Hartford theme of “Worship a coalition of Muslim and before 75 church Courant devoted to and the Public groups to finalize leaders. He recently Israel’s 60th anniversary. Square,” he focused planning for the first consulted with four In June, Landau spoke on congregations and ever census of all megachurch pastors, on “God the Bedrock preaching in relation Masjids in America. participated in a panel for Overcoming to various publics. The census was at the Association Oppression” as part of a During May, Nieman conducted this summer, for Sociology of Muslim-Jewish dialogue interviewed all of and our research Religion conference at the Mohammed the applicants for the institute is one of the in Boston and gave Islamic Center in Doctor of Ministry sponsoring partners. a research report Hartford. program and is happy to On June 20 Roozen at the Cooperative report that a new cohort attended an initial Congregations Ingrid Mattson was of fourteen students meeting hosted by Study Partnership in appointed Director of will begin in the fall of Intersections to create a Chicago, in addition the Macdonald Center 2008. In June, he led partnership for the first to teaching a summer for the Study of Islam a two-day Educational ever national survey of course on growing and Christian-Muslim Outreach conference American attitudes and healthy congregations. Relations, effective July entitled “Church predispositions toward Thumma spent the 1. In June, Mattson Challenges.” The interfaith issues. Two summer writing 12 taught a summer first day of the event follow-up studies were individual reports to class, “Contemporary involved a panel of also discussed – one a the 12 megachurches Islamic Ethics.” Earlier, seven denominational survey of clergy capacity that participated in in April, Mattson judicatory leaders to address interfaith the national study and participated in the addressing issues they issues with their releasing the findings “Seeds of Compassion” face with congregations congregations’ members; from both his sabbatical event in Seattle, and church leadership, the second, a survey of projects. speaking in workshops while the second day related seminary and and on a panel with included presentations other clergy training In April, Miriam His Holiness the Dalai by two renowned opportunities. On Therese Winter led an Lama and Archbishop scholars of ecclesiology, June 27 he finalized evening of reflection Desmond Tutu, among Dr. Roger Haight of arrangements for the and celebration at St. others. Later that Union Seminary, New REVEAL research team Matthias Church in East month, she spoke at York, and Dr. Nicholas of Willow Creek Church Lyme, CT, to benefit the New Hampshire Healy of St. John’s to discuss their spiritual “A Sacred Place,” the Humanities Council. University, New York. life survey process non-profit organization In May she gave a At the end of July, with the Cooperative that works to support keynote address at the Nieman joined the rest Congregational Studies women incarcerated in Lubar Institute at the of the Congregational Partnership/Faith Niantic. They surprised University of Wisconsin Studies Project Team for Communities Today her by naming her a (Madison), gave a their summer meeting annual meeting in recipient of The Sister sermon at Beth Hillel on Cape Cod. For August. CCSP/FACT Patty Cook Prison in South Windsor, over twenty-five years, are not-for-profit entities Ministry Award for her CT and represented the Team has been of Hartford Seminary twenty years of “faithful, Hartford Seminary at a national leader in and the Hartford passionate, and tireless the launch of the Tony exploring congregations, Institute for Religion devotion to the women Blair Faith Foundation and now is involved in Research. and men of God who in New York City. In mentoring pre-tenure are in prison.” In June, June, Mattson returned scholars interested in Scott Thumma was on Winter celebrated to work with the learning how better sabbatical until June. the Golden Jubilee Leadership Group to understand faith Along with colleagues of her vowed life as a of the U.S.-Muslim communities. from Leadership Medical Mission Sister World Engagement Network, he was in a special liturgy Project to finalize their In April, David Roozen engaged in another at the community’s report which will be met in Cleveland national study of motherhouse in released to the public with the Evaluation megachurches in North Philadelphia. At the on September 24, 2008. & Policy Committee America. In addition to end of June she led At the end of July, of the Executive this, he did field studies a day-long reflection Mattson presented a Council of the United of 12 megachurches on “Spirituality in a paper at the “Common Church of Christ to around the country. Quantum Universe” at Word” international review his report on Thumma is working a conference entitled conference at Yale the 50th Anniversary, on a book about what “Women’s Voices University. State of the Church churches of all sizes can Rising,” an annual National survey of learn from large church event sponsored by the James Nieman UCC Congregations, success. Thumma also Center for Spiritual presented several conducted by our gave major presentations Development in workshops in early research institute in on megachurches at an Orange, California. April at the Institute partnership with the international missions for Liturgical Studies at UCC research office. conference, at the

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 21 F a l l Semester 2008 in a pluralistic world through dialogical listening and cross-cultural conversations in a context of diversity. Heidi Hadsell, Professor of Social Ethics and President of the Seminary; Ingrid Mattson, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations; and David Roozen, Hartford Seminary’s Fall Semester will begin Monday, Professor of Religion and Society September 8 and continue through Thursday, December 18. The Seminary’s courses are open to ETHICS members of the public and carry three graduate level credits. Individuals who do not wish to take courses The Theology and Ethics of for credit may apply to take courses as an auditor. Many classes fill up quickly, so participants are urged the Niebuhr Brothers to register early to ensure a place in their courses of Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 10 choice. For those enrolled in a three-credit course, This course will examine the works of Reinhold the cost is $1,630. The non-credit audit fee is $575. Niebuhr and H. Richard Niebuhr, arguably the most A special audit fee of $385 is available for those who influential American Protestant theologians over the are age 62 and older, graduates of Hartford Seminary last hundred years. Their impact continues to be felt degree programs or the Certificate of Professional in theology, social ethics, and sociology of religion. Ministry (cooperative M.Div.), donors of $250 a year Having been formed under nearly identical personal, or more, Hartford Seminary Adjunct Faculty; and up historical, and religious conditions, but embarking to three specially designated members of churches upon divergent paths in their theological and ethical that participate in the Congregational Relations reflections, differences that occasionally erupted into Program of the Seminary. There is a limit of one public debates, studying the two of them in tandem is course per academic year to receive the special rate an opportunity to think through the complexities of except persons 62 and older, for whom there is no the church and its role in society over the course of limit. the 20th century. Heidi Gehman, Faculty Associate in Theology and Ethics To register, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (860) 509-9511. Her e-mail is [email protected]. History To see specific course syllabi prior to the semester or The Early Church learn more about Hartford Seminary and its faculty, Thursdays from 7 to 9:20 p.m., beginning Sept. 11 visit our website: www.hartsem.edu. This course will trace the growth and development of Christianity from its earliest beginnings in the first ARTS OF MINISTRY century to the great councils of the fourth and fifth centuries, stopping en route to examine selected texts Mental Health: from the New Testament, early Christian and Roman An Islamic Perspective documents, the writings of the Fathers and the earliest ONLINE creeds, ranging from the Gospels and St. Paul to This course will familiarize students with the Ignatius, Justin, Origen, Basil, Augustine, and Nicea. basic concepts of mental illness to facilitate Wayne Rollins, Adjunct Professor of Scripture their communication with multidisciplinary teams including both health and mental health Writing Congregational Histories professionals, and help them to gain an awareness Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 and 9 a.m. of the cultural factors particular to the Muslim to 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 28, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 community. Students will obtain skills including Many who are members of religious communities when to make referrals and how to approach have discovered what interesting histories they individuals in a mental health treatment context. possess. But many congregations have neither an Hamada Hamid, Adjunct Professor of Arts of Ministry intentionally written history nor one that is available and Fellow, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. and up to date. This course will offer concrete help to those who are either interested in writing the DIALOGUE history of their congregation or those engaged in that process. Individual projects will be discussed and Understanding Christianity: building blocks and critical questions necessary to Rumor and Reality the completion of any project will be offered. Writing Thursdays from 1:15 to 4:15 p.m., beginning Sept. 11 congregational histories can be a daunting task, but (10 weeks) the rewards are great. The Rev. Dr. Ralph Ahlberg, This course is an introduction to the Christian faith, Adjunct Professor of History and Minister Emeritus, intended for those from other traditions. While global Round Hill Community Church, Greenwich, CT Christianity through the centuries has been expressed in many institutional forms and with diverse beliefs, Shi’i Islam there are also many beliefs, doctrines and practices Tuesdays from 7 to 9:20 p.m. beginning Sept. 9 that are shared throughout the Christian tradition. This course will be based on the assumption that The course will focus on those shared elements and Islam is both a belief system and a world civilization. enter into the world of Christianity through texts, Therefore, all movements, sects and schools of audio-visual materials, discussion, reflection and thought will be treated as an integral part of Islam, analysis. The Rev. Molly F. James, Adjunct Instructor broadly understood. We will study Shi’ism in Muslim of Theology and Ethics and Associate Pastor, St. John’s history from its beginning to the present. Mahmoud Episcopal Church, Essex Ayoub, Faculty Associate in Shi’ite Islam and Christian- Muslim Relations Dialogue in a World of Difference Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning Sept. 15 (10 Islam in Modern Europe weeks) Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:50 p.m. beginning Sept. 9 Students and faculty in a collegial setting will explore This course considers historical and current realities in depth the principles and the practice of dialogue of Muslims in the West, including the development Continued on next page

22 Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Continued from preceding page Theology of Islamic institutions and forms of leadership, Muslim worship and devotional life, Islamic education and the Introduction to Black Theology Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:50 p.m., beginning Sept. 9 range of issues involved in living as Muslims in western This course will examine the human condition in society. Davide Tacchini, Adjunct Professor of Islamic light of God’s liberating activity. Liberation theology, Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations womanist theology, and the theologies of oppressed peoples will be explored as a method of investigating, Scripture explicating, and critiquing religious thought. Benjamin Hebrew Bible Survey I K. Watts, Faculty Associate in the Arts of Ministry and Wednesdays from 7 to 9:20 p.m., beginning Sept. 10 Senior Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, New London An introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures, this course will apply historical-critical methods of study to develop Introduction to Islamic Theology a framework for understanding the origins of the Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m., beginning Oct. 1 (10 texts and the relationship of the texts to one another. weeks) Attention will be given to contemporary theories of This course explores the content and structure of biblical interpretation. Survey I will cover the materials Islamic belief, as elaborated by Muslim classical in the Torah and Prophets (Genesis-Kings). Uriah Kim, thinkers (7th-15th centuries), in relation to a selection Professor of Hebrew Bible of representative texts. Yahya Michot, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations Reading the New Testament Through the Eyes of the Oppressed Pluralistic Monotheism and the Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:50 p.m., beginning Sept. 11 Abrahamic Faiths This course in New Testament hermeneutics - the art Mondays from 6 to 8:20 p.m., beginning Sept. 15 of interpretation - will focus on recent developments This course will explore theological questions posed in African American, Latino and feminist readings of by religious plurality, especially the diversity among the Bible. In particular, we will explore how Black and Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The primary lens for Latin American liberation theology movements have this exploration will be Jewish tradition, with readings read the New Testament as well as feminist, womanist from the Hebrew Bible, Rabbinic and medieval texts, (African American women’s) and mujerista (Latina) and contemporary writers examined for insights. Guest perspectives. Efrain Agosto, Professor of New Testament facilitators will be invited to address these questions, drawing on perspectives from Christianity and Islam. Reading the Story of David for Our Yehezkel Landau, Faculty Associate in Interfaith Relations Time Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beginning Sept. Theology of Popular Culture 10 (10 weeks) Thursdays from 7 to 9:20 p.m., beginning Sept. 11 King David as depicted in the David story (I Samuel This course will explore various theological and 16 to I Kings 2) invokes awe and adoration on one religious meanings that are carried in popular culture, hand and profound sympathy on the other and has and specifically in phenomena that are not ordinarily captured the imagination and heart of a countless thought of as religious. Through reading several number of people over the years. But David was also a “theologians of culture,” we will examine contemporary Machiavellian man of “loyalty” and sword who utilized novels, films, music, television, and tourism with the his men, his wives and even God to achieve his goals. intent of developing ways to discern transcendent This course will not try to validate one image over longings, anxieties, and visions of good and evil that the other; instead it will examine some features in operate below the surface of our common cultural life in David that are relevant and worthy to be imagined the U.S. Kelton Cobb, Professor of Theology and Ethics and practiced by individuals and communities of our time. The course material will be organized into twelve Theology of the Wesleys and its episodes or lessons so that the students can adapt it for Wider Religious Impact bible study lessons and sermons. Uriah Kim, Professor of ONLINE Hebrew Bible John and Charles Wesley were theologians and religious leaders who expressed their convictions by creating a The Relevance of Biblical Women vibrant popular movement – Wesleyan Methodism. Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning Sept. 10 (10 This course will examine some of the sermons of John weeks) Wesley and the theologically rich hymns penned by Women of the Bible seem so remote – mired in Charles Wesley, in order to understand the theological anonymity, buried in a text – yet their relevance significance and enduring appeal of their work.Brian is astonishing when seen through a different lens. Clark, Adjunct Professor of Theology Step inside their stories to receive fresh insights into issues we wrestle with today. You will be surprised at WORSHIP & SPIRITUALITY how much we can learn from an ancient sisterhood. Miriam Therese Winter, Professor of Liturgy, Worship and Fundamentals of Worship: Practice Spirituality and Theology Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:50 p.m., beginning Sept. 10 Readings in Pauline Theology What is Christian worship, and how is it effectively and Ministry and meaningfully led? This course will explore the Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on September 16 and 9 theological underpinnings of the community gathered a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 28, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 for worship, study the elements of regular and special This advanced course in Pauline studies will explore services (including baptism, marriage and funeral), recent scholarship in Pauline theology and its and provide practical guidance for developing worship implication for ministry and religious leadership today. experiences appropriate to both congregation and Efrain Agosto, Professor of New Testament leader. The Revs. Jonathan Lee and Donna Manocchio, Adjunct Professors of Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality and Pastors at Rocky Hill Congregational Church

Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s Hartford Seminary • Pr a x i s 23 Oc t o b e r 18-26 • 175t h An n i v e r s a r y w e e k • Thursday, October 23 … President Heidi Hadsell moderates a panel presentation on the nature of theological education, featuring past presidents of Hartford Seminary. How does theological education address the needs and issues of our time? The Faithful discussion continues over desserts following the Traditions panel presentation. • Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 in Dialogue: … A two-day opportunity to explore the topics and expertise available at the Seminary during our Hartford Seminary Sampler. Workshops, lectures, Preparing and tours, open to the public, fill both Friday and Saturday afternoons along with special gatherings for Peacemakers our alumni/ae and donors. We invite you to sample a drumming circle, walk a Labyrinth, and let the for 175 Years spirit move you in a doll-making workshop. Interact with our faculty following presentations on such • Saturday, October 19 …. Our anniversary week begins topics as Creation, Interfaith Dialogue, Religion and by honoring our roots in the Congregational tradition. the New Science, and many others. We are honored First Church, Simsbury, joins with us to present a bus tour to present The Rev. Dr. James Deotis Roberts as a of historically significant sites, with our tour guide, Ken featured alumni speaker. Author of the book, “King Minkema, Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale and Bonhoffer: Speaking Truth to Power,” Dr. School of Divinity. The tour concludes with tea time at Roberts is, and has long been, one of the foremost Hartford Seminary. American voices in Black Theology.

• Monday, October 20 … The work of the Macdonald • Sunday, October 26 … An Interfaith Service of Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Celebration is a fitting finale for this historic week. Relations is featured as we welcome and introduce our two Immanuel Congregational Church, Woodland new faculty members to the Center, Mahmoud Ayoub and Street, offers up its magnificent sanctuary for this Yahya Michot. Dr. Ayoub will present a lecture entitled special service. Voices from Muslim, Christian “Towards a Framework for Interfaith Dialogue: Globalism or and Jewish traditions provide inspiration as we Pluralism” followed by Dr. Michot speaking on “An Islamic gather together for this final offering of the 175th Theology? Why?”. The evening will include a reception Anniversary Week, an uplifting and memorable honoring the contributions of outgoing Center Co-Director experience to send us all forward with renewed and Alumna, Dr. Jane Smith. courage and commitment.

• Tuesday, October 21 … Author Brent Bill visits the In a world divided by differences, Hartford Seminary Seminary for a reading and signing of his new book, “Sacred makes a difference. We invite you to join us as we Compass: the Path of Spiritual Discernment.” Meet the commemorate 175 years of faithful, innovative author at a reception. traditions in dialogue.

• Wednesday, October 22 … Jazz in the Stacks. Mix and Be a part of our Anniversary Celebration: interact mingle with music while you discover and discuss the with our world-class faculty dedicated to preparing intriguing and unusual in an exhibit of artifacts from our peacemakers and promoting vital faith communities, archives. Portraits of prominent leaders from our past are on explore new ways to meet the needs of our display for the first time in our Library. pluralistic, multi-faith world, join the conversation.

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