Monday, 26 November 2012

Early Evangelicalism: A Reader "In Press"

I am happy to report that today I sent Oxford University Press the manuscript for Early Evangelicalism: A Reader. The manuscript consists of 170,000 words, forty-six images, and sixty-two excerpts and introductions from a variety of eighteenth-century evangelical authors. The authors represent a variety of denominations (Anglican, Baptist, Congregational, Presbyterian, Methodists, and Moravians), genres (conversion narratives, devotionals, diaries, history, hymns, journals, politics, revival accounts, satire, sermons, and theology), gender and race. It will be unquestionably the most comprehensive anthology of its kind.

My hope is that scholars and laypeople will use it for courses in religious history and the history of evangelicalism at churches, colleges/universities, and seminaries.

The most significant question I have at this point is: will a second book with OUP secure a good tenure-track job! Stay tuned.

Friday, 23 November 2012

Enlightened Evangelicalism on Sale for $25!

Happy Thanksgiving !

Today, I received a special holiday catalog from Oxford University Press in which the firm is offering Enlightened Evangelicalism: The Life and Thought of John Erskine for $25.90 (it retails for $74.00). If you are interested in the transatlantic revivals, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, and George Whitefield, allow me to suggest that you take a look at my book, which highlights Erskine's connections with dozens of early evangelical leaders in America, Britain, and Europe.

If you are interested, go to www.oup.com/us/Holidaysale or call 800-451-7556.

Friday, 16 November 2012

Faculty Job

Wilfrid Laurier University, Department of Religion and Culture

Christianity in a Global Context - TENURE-TRACK POSITION

The Department of Religion and Culture invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in Christianity in a Global Context at the rank of Assistant Professor commencing July 1, 2013, subject to budgetary approval. Preference will be given to candidates with training in methods of textual interpretation and who are able to support the undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Laurier-Waterloo Joint PhD in Religious Diversity in North America. The successful candidate will be expected to teach four courses per year, to maintain an active research agenda and to engage in academic service. A completed PhD in religious studies or related disciplines is required at the time of appointment.
Applicants may apply by email to rcrecruit@wlu.ca, but are also required to forward a hard copy of their cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, sample publications, teaching dossier (course evaluations and outlines, etc.), and the names, addresses and contact information for three professional references, to:
Dr. Carol B. Duncan
Chair of the Search Committee
Department of Religion and Culture
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5 Canada
Questions may be directed to cduncan@wlu.ca, or 519-884-0710, ext. 3692.
Information about the Department of Religion and Culture can be found at: http://www.wlu.ca/arts/religionandculture.
The deadline for receipt of materials is: January 7, 2013.
Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to employment equity and values diversity. We welcome applications from qualified women and men, including persons of all genders and sexual orientations, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons, and persons of a visible minority. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Members of the designated groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. Candidates may self-identify, in confidence, to the Acting Dean of Arts, Dr. Michel Desjardins (mdesjardins@wlu.ca). Further information on the equity policy can be found at https://www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=2465&p=10545.

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Faculty Jobs

Indiana Wesleyan University

Historical Theology

The School of Theology and Ministry in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Historical Theology. The primary focus of this faculty position is the teaching of Church History and Theology courses that form students in a theologically rich historical consciousness.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven record of innovative teaching that engages students in meaningful learning, significant scholarship and ministry experience, and a creative approach to undergraduate ministry education. He or she must also embrace a collaborative learning environment. The candidate must be a committed Christian who embraces a Christ-centered approach to undergraduate liberal arts education and operates from an evangelical Wesleyan theological perspective.

Responsibilities include teaching in the area of historical theology, church history, and an additional secondary area of expertise. Candidate must be an active member of a church in the broader Wesleyan tradition. A Ph.D. in a field related in church history, historical theology, or related fields is required. Preference will be given to members/clergy of The Wesleyan Church.
Especially welcome are applications from those who bring diverse ethnic, racial, and international perspectives to their teaching, scholarship, and Christian faith.
Interested candidates must complete the online application on the university website, www.indwes.edu/hr. Questions may be addressed to Darlene Bressler, Vice President and Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences via tammy.mclaughlin@indwes.edu
Pending budget approval, the position will be open for fall of 2013. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The final candidate(s) selected must have the ability to pass a comprehensive background screen.
Indiana Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse learning community of committed evangelical Christians from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Application Information

Contact: Human Resources
Indiana Wesleyan University
Online App. Form: https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH15/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INDIANAWESLEY AN&cws=1&rid=2102

 

 

Bethany Theological Seminary

Brethren Studies

  
Bethany Theological Seminary invites applications for a full-time, potential tenure-track faculty position in Brethren studies, beginning fall 2013. Rank: open. PhD preferred; ABD considered. The appointee will be expected to develop and teach the equivalent of an average of five graduate courses per year, including at least one online course per year, and offer one Academy-level course biennially. Some of these courses may include introductory offerings in the history of Christianity or theological reflection. Other duties will include: student advising, supervision of MA theses in the area of Brethren studies as needed, serving on at least one major institutional committee annually, participating in the recruitment of new students through interviews and informal contacts, and regular participation in faculty meetings. The area of expertise and research may come from a variety of fields, such as: historical studies, theological studies, Brethren heritage, or sociology and religion. Commitment to the values and theological emphases within the Church of the Brethren is essential. We specifically encourage applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Application deadline: January 1, 2013. The appointment will begin on or before July 1, 2013. Send a letter of application, CV, and names and contact information for three references to:
Brethren Studies Search
Attn: Dean’s Office
Bethany Theological Seminary
615 National Road West
Richmond, IN 47374
deansoffice@bethanyseminary.edu

Bethany Theological Seminary

Reconciliation Studies

  
Bethany Theological Seminary invites applications for a half-time faculty position in reconciliation studies, beginning fall 2013. Rank: open. PhD preferred; ABD considered. The appointee will be expected to develop and teach two graduate courses per year (one in conflict transformation offered annually), including at least one online course per year, and offer one Academy-level course biennially. Other duties will include: student advising, supervision of MA theses in the area of reconciliation studies as needed, serving on at least one major institutional committee annually, participating in the recruitment of new students through interviews and informal contacts, and regular participation in faculty meetings. Commitment to the values and theological emphases within the Church of the Brethren is essential. We specifically encourage applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Application deadline: January 1, 2013. The appointment will begin on July 1, 2013. Send a letter of application, CV, and names and contact information for three references to:
Reconciliation Studies Search
Attn: Dean’s Office
Bethany Theological Seminary
615 National Road West
Richmond, IN 47374
deansoffice@bethanyseminary.edu

Gannon University

Theology Faculty

Theology Faculty

Join Gannon University, a Catholic university, and collaborate with a dynamic faculty that prepares motivated students intellectually, professionally and personally for leadership roles in their careers, society and church. Gannon is a comprehensive Masters L institution that is committed to student-centered learning, with an emphasis on professional education integrated with liberal-learning student outcomes, and interactive and collaborative teaching and learning styles. The University’s excellent faculty also advises students and engages in creative scholarly activities and in professional, University and community service activities and partnerships.

Gannon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks excellence through inclusiveness and invites women and members of underrepresented groups to apply.

The College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciencesinvites applications for a nine-month, tenure track position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Theology to begin August 2013. To be considered, candidates must provide evidence of effective teaching methods and productive scholarship in their respective fields. Qualified candidates will be expected to engage in scholarly activities in keeping with the Boyer Model of Scholarship as is appropriate to the application and receipt of tenure and promotion at Gannon. Appropriate terminal degree is required and must be completed prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Ideally, candidates will have experience using course management systems for purposes of instruction and advising. Candidates must be able to support and promote the University’s inclusive Mission, its Catholic identity, and its liberal arts and professional education traditions.

Requirements include an earned doctorate in Theology and/or Religious Studies and demonstrated teaching excellence in higher education. Scholarly and teaching interest in world religions is preferred. The successful candidate should possess a thorough knowledge of Roman Catholic Theological tradition from its inception to the present day; and be able to contribute to teaching General Moral Theology, Sacred Scriptures, Foundational Theology, Christology, Ecclesiology, and Sacraments. Additional responsibilities may include teaching graduate courses in the fields listed above in the Department’s Master’s program in Pastoral Studies.

Gannon University, located near Lake Erie in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers ready access to a variety of cultural and exciting seasonal activities and is within a two-hour drive of Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo.

For more information about what Erie has to offer visit www.visiteriepa.com.

Application Procedure: Submit a cover letter, C.V., and the names and contact information of three professional references to www.gannon.edu/employment.

Review of applications will begin immediately and this position will remain open until filled. The finalist will be required to submit an original transcript from the institution awarding his/her terminal degree. References will not be contacted without prior notification to the applicants.

For more information about Gannon visit www.gannon.edu.

Friday, 9 November 2012

America as "Conceived in Doubt"

Last night Amanda Porterfield, Robert A. Spivey Professor of Religion at Florida State University, wrapped up our series on religion and politics for the LeRoy Martin Distinguished Lecture Series at UTC. It was a very interesting lecture that was based on her most recent book, Conceived in Doubt: Religion and Politics in the New American Nation.

Porterfield has analyzed colonial American history and determined that much of the nation's Christian heritage was forged in skepticism. Throughout her lecture, she demonstrated a number of ironical twists in American religious history. Jefferson, for instance, although raised as an Anglican, grew suspicious of organized, elite religion. Furthermore, Jefferson--tarnished as an atheist by many American Christians--was ironically supported by evangelicals within the burgeoning Methodist and Baptist denominations. Even more intriguing, she posited that the best-selling pamphlet, The Age of Reason, by Thomas Paine, ironically led to the galvanization of evangelicalism in America. Ministers outraged by the heterodoxy of the pamphlet doubled their efforts to preach to the masses about the need to embrace orthodoxy and reject the deism espoused by Paine and other iconoclasts. But even here, in this push to preach the gospel, Porterfield shows the presence of doubt and skepticism. The revivalists who urged Americans to have a conversion experiences embraced the sentiments of doubt in order to help guide their converts to an authentic, born-again experience. The presence of doubt within a potential convert was viewed by many evangelical preachers as a necessary part of the process that led to complete confidence in one's eternal state. All in all, a very intellectually stimulating lecture.

Thursday, 8 November 2012

Too Many Books to Read!

Today, a new shipment of books arrived at my office: Mark David Hall's Roger Sherman and the Creation of the American Republic, Les Standiford's Desperate Sons: Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, and the Secret Bands of Radicals Who Led the Colonies to War, and an older book edited by Peter Isaac and Barry McKay entitled, The Human Face of the Book Trade: Print Culture and Its Creators. Two days ago James Raven's The Business of Books: Booksellers and the English Book Trade, Robert Arner's Dobson's Encyclopaedia: The Publisher, Text, and Publication of America's First Britannica, 1789-1803, Richard Beeman's The Varieties of Political Experience in Eighteenth-Century America came by post, and on its way is Lisa Smith's The First Great Awakening in Colonial American Newspapers: A Shifting Story.

As much I would like to read these books, I just started a book that I will be reviewing for Books & Culture. I had been hoping to write a review of Paul Gutjahr's Charles Hodge: Guardian of American Orthodoxy on ESRH, but I can't seem to find the time to finish the book. I started it on my day of travel to the Conference on Faith and History meeting at Wenham a few weeks ago, and have read about 75% of the book, but had to put it down in order to complete my other tasks. Now, I'm not sure when I can get to it since my first priority is to finish the manuscript of Early Evangelicalism: A Reader and my forthcoming review article. I don't want to complain too much about the pile of books accumulating in my office. Being paid to read and write is a wonderful blessing!

           

Wednesday, 7 November 2012

The Many Faces of Evangelicalism

Today, I received the last images for my forthcoming book with Oxford University Press: Early Evangelicalism: A Reader. The book will consist of sixty-two excerpts and introductions from well known and lesser-known figures in the transatlantic evangelical world of the eighteenth century.

I have collected forty-seven portraits to include in the book. Thankfully, nearly all these images came gratis or cost a minimal amount to secure the rights to reproduce in the book.

The pictures below are NOT the ones that will be used in the book (they came off the web), but will give you a taste of the kind of images that will be placed next to each introduction to the excerpt.

My intent in editing Early Evangelicalism: A Reader is to produce the most comprehensive sourcebook available for people interested in reading about early transatlantic evangelicalism.



Friday, 2 November 2012

Faculty Job

The School of Religion at Belmont University is seeking applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning Fall 2013.

Job responsibilities include teaching general education religion classes in areas related to biblical studies, theology, and hermeneutics. Successful applicants should have academic preparation in at least one of these areas. Additional responsibilities include academic advising, student mentoring, scholarly activity, and college and university service.  Ph.D. or progress toward a terminal degree is required; teaching experience strongly preferred.  As all Belmont undergraduates complete an innovative general education program with significant interdisciplinary components, Belmont University is particularly seeking applicants who can demonstrate the interest and ability to work collaboratively in course design and to teach interdisciplinary and topical courses in this program.  For additional information about the position and to complete the online application, candidates are directed to https://jobs.belmont.edu. An electronic version of a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, teaching evaluations, and List of References with contact information must be attached in order to complete the online application.

The university seeks a person of Christian faith, a commitment to the mission of the university, and active involvement in a local church.  During the application process, applicants will be asked to respond to Belmonts mission, vision, and values statements, articulating how the candidates knowledge, experience, and beliefs have prepared him/her to contribute to a Christian community of learning and service and give a brief statement of teaching philosophy.

Belmont seeks to attract an active, culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber skilled in the scholarship of teaching, discovery, application, and integration of faith. Belmont is among the fastest growing universities in the nation. Ranked No. 7 in the Regional Universities South category and named for the fourth consecutive year as one of the top Up-and-Comer universities by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University consists of approximately 6,700 students who come from every state and 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The universitys purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the worlds needs. With more than 75 areas of study, 20 masters programs and four doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon.  A comprehensive, coeducational university located in Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont is a student-centered Christian university focusing on academic excellence. Belmont University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse learning community of committed Christians from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin December 1, 2012 and continue until the position is filled.

The selected candidate for this position will be required to complete a background check satisfactory to the University.