Christian Century features Wayman article as cover story

Published: April 13, 2021

An essay by Greenville Universitys Ben Wayman 02, professor of theology, appears as the cover story in the February 24, 2021 issue ofThe Christian Century.

Imagining the future of theological educationdraws from recent conversations Wayman shared with leading theologiansRowan Williams, Justo Gonzlez, Emilie Townes, and Sam Wells.

Insome respects, this piece is the culmination of my sabbatical last spring, says Wayman, and I'm so glad to see theCenturygave the piece such a prominent place in their offerings.

Wayman interviewed the theologians individually. Earlier accounts of his conversations withJusto GonzlezandRowan Williamsappeared inChristianity Today. View them here

Rowan Williams: Theological Education Is for Everyone
Justo Gonzlez: Seminaries Need More Latinos

A DEEPENING CRISIS

Wayman describes his interview subjects as saints who have used their gifts to shape the church in faithfulness.

Their insights come at a time when theological education is steeped in crisis: Nine seminaries have closed in the last ten years, most in the last five years. Still, Wayman discovered passionate optimism among all four theologians. They share the belief that theological education is an essential work of the church, not necessarily a function of the university.

Invited to imagine possibilities, they shared vibrant examples that excited them and fueled Waymans subsequent reflections as well.

TheChristian Centuryinforms and shapes mainline Christianity. It explores what it means to believe and live out the Christian faith today. Last fall, it featured another article by Wayman,Why do Christians protest?