When US President Barak Obama was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace on October 9, he interpreted the award as a call to action. You might not know this, but students at Candler and Emory have pretty amazing access to and experiences with Nobel Laureates past and present. Here are some of the Nobel Laureates and their Candler/Emory connections that have called our students to action.

President Jimmy Carter

Nobel Prize for Peace, 2002

President Carter is Emory University Presidential Distinguished Professor, giving regular lectures around the university and hosting Town Hall meetings every fall for incoming Emory Freshman. In 2002, President Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for his and The Carter Center’s work (the Carter Center is an Emory University affiliate) in peacemaking, promoting democracy and human rights, and social and economic development.

Last fall, President Carter dropped in on Candler professor Dr. Tom Flores’ class, Sacred Ambivalence: Violence, Peacebuilding, and Interfaith Dialogue. The class was discussion how one’s religious background and faith affects dialogue and peace building. Carter spoke to the class about the signing, with President Anwar El Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, of the Camp David Accords on September 17, 1978, a milestone in Middle East peace talks.

Check out this conversation with the Jimmy and Roselynn Carter on iTunes University.

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama

Nobel Prize for Peace, 1989

Like President Carter, HH the Dalai Lama serves Emory as a Presidential Distinguished Professor.  The Dalai Lama’s 2007 professorship––the first

university appointment accepted by the 1989 Nobel Peace Laureate and leader of the Tibetan people––is an outgrowth of the Emory-Tibet Partnership, which was founded in 1998 to bring together the best of Western and Tibetan Buddhist intellectual traditions.

His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, who will return to Emory Oct. 17-19, 2010, in his role as Presidential Distinguished Profes

sor, has announced a gift of $50,000 to the Emory-Tibet Science Initiative, an historic and ambitious undertaking to develop and implement a comprehensive science education curriculum for Tibetan monastics.

Check out HH the Dalai Lama’s Introduction to Buddhism lecture on YouTube

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Photo by Benny Gool

Nobel Prize for Peace, 1984

Archbishop Tutu served Candler and Emory for two years, from 1998 – 2000, as the Robert R Woodruff Visiting Professor and then the William R Cannon Visiting Distinguished Professor. His tenure at Candler was his first academic appointment (he has subsequently taught at King’s College in London, England). In addition to public lectures, he taught two courses, a seminar on “Transfiguration, Forgiveness and Reconciliation” in the spring and fall of 1999, and a lecture class on “God and Us: Introduction to Contextual Theology and Ministry.”

Seamus Heaney

Nobel Prize for Literature, 1995

In 2003, the Woodruff Library of Emory University acquired a major portion of the archive of the Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet Seamus Heaney. The collection of personal and literary papers includes thousands of letters spanning Heaney’s entire career as well as printed materials, tape recordings and photographs. Heaney made the announcement Tuesday, Sept. 23 prior to a reading at Emory in honor of the university’s then-recently retired president, William M. Chace.

Akinwande Oluwole “Wole” Soyinka

Photo from http://www.flickr.com/people/chidianthonyopara/

Nobel Prize for Literature, 1986

Wole Soyinka (born 13 July 1934) is a Nigerian writer, poet and playwright.  He was the first African to be so honored. After fleeing his native Nigeria in 1994, Soyinka served for the spring semester of 1996 as Emory Distinguished Visiting Professor in African American Studies. Soyinka joined the faculty in the fall of 1996, teaching with a focus on personal writing and dramatic projects. At Emory, he lectured in various disciplines, including art history, drama, and political science. He also collaborated with Theater Emory, in partnership with which he directed a staged reading of his play 1994, a satire on political correctness.

A bridge is washed out during the north Georgia flooding

My life has taught me that most of the theology that average people experience is in the day-to-day struggles and victories of life, the ways in which people love or don’t love one another, and often simply by “showing up” for each other, regardless of one’s background or beliefs. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, help out the flooded (Matthew 25:31-46).

I saw this everyday theology here at Candler over the past couple of weeks. Storms in north Georgia dumped up to 20 inches of rain on Atlanta and surrounding counties last week, causing widespread flooding. Candler faculty, staff, and students were affected along with thousands of others across the community. Luckily, no one from Candler or Emory died in the flooding, though there were 8 deaths attributed to the floods in the state. Our prayers go out to all of those affected by the floods.

Immediately after the floods hit, the Candler community came together to help each other out. We created a Flood Fund, an online web page where people could both make donations and seek assistance in their time of need. Rebecca Spurrier (MDiv 09), acting director of student life and spiritual formation, reflected on the Flood Fund: “I think the community is one that believes in caring for one another. The fund provides a way to share the resources that God has given us.”

First-year MDiv student Patrick McLaughlin is also planning a Chili Cook-Off for mid-October, with proceeds to benefit flood victims from Candler and the larger Emory community.

Read more about the Candler community supporting each other in the Emory Wheel.

Evangelical. What does it mean to be Evangelical? How do Evangelicals view the world, humanity, and salvation through Jesus Christ? Are there “liberal” Evangelicals versus “conservative” Evangelicals? And what’s the difference? So many good questions!

Wrestling with what is means to be Evangelical and how this relates to all one’s relationships and work in the world is a big part of the work of the Candler Evangelical Society (CES). In the United States, there are positive connotations to the “E word,” evangelical.

Ben Gosden is a second-year MDiv Student at Candler and the President of CES. About the CES, Ben writes,

In and through our involvement at Candler we desire to reach out to the community and, hopefully, work to change the skewed view of what being evangelical means. Our view is one of love for ALL people, recognition of all human equality under God, and that salvation through Jesus Christ not only includes us with God in the world to come, but also that we are to work, in and through the Holy Spirit, to establish that world right where we are.

The term “evangelical” is a fairly new invention, considering the 2000 year history of the Christian faith. The term showed up in the middle ages, and only appeared in English in 1531. Given it’s short history, the term has had many definitions and permutations.

Today, Evangelicals are not monolithic, but are multi-faceted. For instance, among other things, the Candler Evangelical Society is committed to challenging the notion that Evangelicals are inactive in the world in terms of works of love and justice. Last week, students from the CES made over 500 sandwiches for the Open Door Community, a Christian ministry to homeless people in Atlanta.

CES has also been active in promoting a panel discussion about people of faith and health care reform that includes professors from Theology, Public Health, and other Emory departments. CES is also set to host Bishop Will Willimon (Candler grad ‘73) for a talk in November.

There’s a lot going on at the CES–check out their Facebook Page (search for “Candler Evangelical Society”) and the video below, from their Kickoff Lunch.

So what does “evangelical” mean to you?

Preacher Rev. Dr. E. Brooks Holifield, Professor of American Church History

Candler is back in full swing. Students have returned to Atlanta from their summer vacations, internships, travels, studies, and work in churches, businesses, and non-profits across the US and the world.Here are some of the highlights of Candler student summers:

The Beatitudes Society

Three students served as Summer Fellows with the Beatitudes Society—one each in Washington, DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.  Candler students furthered the mission of the organization’s mission to challenge the Church to return to the teachings of Jesus, particularly as they concern justice, compassion, and peacemaking.

International Relief and Development, Inc.

Candler received a grant from International Relief and Development, Inc. to send seven student interns to service sites in the Republic of Georgia, Mozambique, Indonesia, and IRD headquarters in Washington, D.C. this summer. Six Candler students and one student from Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health will be assessing a broad range of issues, including democracy and governance, HIV/AIDS, and community development.

National Capital Semester for Seminarians (NCSS)

Several Candler students returned from a spring semester in Washington DC through NCSS, a semester-long, intensive program of study in ethics, theology and public policy. Candler students got first-hand exposure to the world Inside the Beltway, with a combination of classroom experience, field visits, and internships.

South Africa Evangelism Seminar

Candler professor Wesley de Souza led a team of Candler students to Johannesburg, South Africa for the week-long South Africa Evangelism Seminar, sponsored by the World Methodist Evangelism Institute. In addition to the conference and lectures, students visited churches and preached to congregations in and around Johannesburg.

Kirchentag

Ever had the itch to hang out with three-hundred thousand of your closest Christian friends? That exactly what Candler professors Jonathan Strom and Brooks Holifield along with a cohort of Candler students did in Bremmen, Germany this summer. The biennial Kirchentag (”Church Conference,” in German) is one of the largest gatherings of Christians in the world, with literally hundreds of worship services, Bible studies, speakers, prayer groups, spiritual practices opportunities, panel discussions and more. The theme this year was, “Mensch, Wo Bist Du?”, “Mortal, Where Are You?” from God’s question to Adam and Even in Genesis.

(Check out this YouTube video. It’s in German, for those who speak German, but wonderful images and music for the rest of us as well)

Sunset over Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo by Gretchen Van Ess

This summer, six Candler students have spread across the globe as interns funded with a grant from International Relief and Development, Inc. Students are serving in the Republic of Georgia, Mozambique, Indonesia, and IRD headquarters in Washington, D.C. this summer. During their internships, students will be assessing a broad range of issues, including democracy and governance, HIV/AIDS, and community development.

A shy schoolboy in Maputo, Mozambique. Photo by Aquarius Gilmer

Father David (right), with Emory's 22nd President James Wagner (referred by undergrads, affectionately, as "J Wag.")

Our Guest Blogger this week is Father David Glassmire. Fr. Glassmire is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, New York. He is also a chaplain serving on active duty in the United States Navy. After completion of his studies at Emory, he will be assigned to the First Marine Division, First Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, CA. Fr. David is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Glassmire of Kenmore, NY , and the elder brother of Cathleen Mroz and Lynn Wyland. He currently lives in the Woodland Hills section of Atlanta with his “spoiled rotten” Vizsla, Rye. He is a graduate of Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY (MDiv) and the University of Notre Dame (MAT in Liturgical Studies). He was designated a Student Marshal for Commencement 2009 and graduated first in this year’s ThM class.

Reflections on the Eve of Graduation 2009

I am Candler, I am Emory, and I am the Spirit of Dooley! Although not the Holy Trinity, this is as good as it gets in a School of Theology of Methodist leanings—for a Catholic priest, that is!

Commencement and graduation offer an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Often in life we take things for granted. At Candler I gained insight: “I did not learn my theology all at once, but had to search deeper for it, where my temptations took me” (appropriated from Karl Rahner). And some of my theological insights were gained at the High Museum or the Georgia Aquarium rather than the study carrels at Pitts (appropriated from Martin Luther). And in the end emerged a ThM thesis of my own.

My ThM year provided theology writ large, painted on a canvas of international proportions. Coming together with diverse backgrounds—“would-be theologians” us all—we studied, worked, and shared together, seeking to find what God placed in our midst.

Candler shaped this experience, helped to make it happen using words rife with intent, purpose, and profound meaning, and we have all grown because of our experience in this place. So it is time to unleash a new generation of theologians on the four corners of the universe, heaven help us all! This has been one of the best years of my life. Thank You.

What can a Catholic learn from a Methodist? As it turns out, more than I ever thought I would know. Therefore, I invite you to take the Candler Challenge.

Candler MDiv ‘09 grad James Clark is happy

On Monday, May 11, 2009, Candler School of Theology graduated its 94th class of students. Below are photos of the day, which included a commencement speech by former Mexican President Vincente Fox (pictured left) and Candler’s graduation ceremony in Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church.

Special thanks to Cindy Brown (www.cbrownphoto.com), Candler MDiv ‘09, for use of many of her pictures. Check out her amazing slideshow of the day below.

Lauren Lobenhoeffer, MDiv 09, with Professor Rex Matthews (photo by Michelle Levan)

Yong Sil Choi, MDiv 09

Scott Wilks, MDiv 09, and Jan McCoy, MDiv 09

Kelsey Grissom Johnson, MDiv 09

Julia Buckner, MDiv 09, with Professor David Petersen (photo by Michelle Levan)

Kim Wagner, MDiv 09 (photo by Lauren Lobenhoeffer)

Amanda Garvin, MDiv 09, with her dad

Saul Burleson (right), MDiv 09, with Myron McGhee, MDiv 95

Brandon Wason, MTS 09, with Professor Steve Kraftchick (photo by Wendy Wason)

Estelle Archibold, MDiv 09

Evita Smith, MDiv 09, with Dean Jan Love

Rodney Mason, MDiv 09!!!

Two weeks ago, Emory and Candler celebrated Earth Day along with millions of people across the globe. You may not know this, but Emory University is one of the leading universities in the country in terms of environmental consciousness and sustainability.

One of the student leaders on Candler’s campus in terms of Greening the seminary and sustainability issues is Alison Amyx (pictured right). In honor of her green activities on campus, Alison, a first-year Master of Theological Studies student, won the Myki Mobley Memorial award at the 2009 Candler Honors Day awards. The Mobley award is given to an MTS student who “demonstrates both academic excellence and significant social concern.”

Alison hosted two events on campus on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22 featuring Dr. Katy Hinman, a 2006 Candler MDiv grad who also holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from SUNY Stony Brook. Dr. Hinman is the Executive Director of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), a non-profit group in Atlanta working with faith communities (churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, and other centers) on issues of Creation care and energy conservation.

Earth Day also included a screening of “RENEWAL,” a documentary film about the efforts that faith groups of all stripes around the world working are taking to combat climate change. Click on the image to the left to watch a short clip.

One of the reasons I love working at Emory is its institutional commitment to put energy (no pun intended) and resources into sustainability. Due to the work of Alison and other Emory faculty, staff, and students, Emory has the following green distinctions:

• Earned one of only 11 spots on the Princeton Review’s “2009 Green Rating Honor Roll.”
• More LEED certified building space than any other university in the nation (including the Theology Building, which is in the process of LEED certification)
• Named “2008 Distinguished Conservationist of the Year” by The Georgia Conservancy.
• Offered 129 courses with a sustainability component or focus, including 13 in Theology, Religion, or Philosophy.
• Featured on CNN and CNNU for our green initiatives (see below)

CNN piece, April 22, 2009,on sustainability at Emory

(4 minutes, 24 seconds run time)

CNNU project, April 29, 2009 on student involvement in environmentalism

at Emory. Look for Alison Amyx’s nine- seconds of fame from 1:59-2:08. (3 minutes, 20 seconds run time)

Spring Banqueteers, from left to right, Becca Storace (MTS ‘10),

Cody Case (MDiv ‘10), and Justice Schunior (MDiv ‘09). They might have been

rocking out to Bon Jovi. Livin’ on a Prayer??? Tough to tell.

Spring is a time of joy, celebration, and transition at Candler. Last Friday, April 24, Candler held its annual Spring Banquet, AKA “The Candler Prom,” an outward expression of all of these for students, faculty, and staff. There is joy in fellowship and dancing with friends, classmates, coworkers, and professors. Though Finals still remain for some, everyone celebrates the end of a rigorous academic year or an entire degree program. And the school begins a transition, as students graduate, classmates move across town and around the world, and faculty and staff retire and follow life on to further adventures.

Here are some photos of and thoughts about the Spring Banquet, from some of our students and faculty.

Above, from left to right, Scott Wilks (MDiv ‘09) and Khalif Smith (MDiv ‘11)

Scott Wilks, MDiv ‘09,

The Candler Prom is that last chance to unwind with friends, to raise a glass and salute good times, and to get that hug or handshake from someone who has shared the laughter and the tears. The Candler Prom included all the fun parts of a wedding reception, except that instead of celebrating just one couple, we were celebrating ALL of us. Friends like Khalif who remind me that my brothers (and sisters), whether in friendship or in Christ, enrich our lives by walking with me and sharing who they are.

During my time at Candler, I built some real friendships which have sustained and enriched the educational component of the academy. Some will remind me of God’s love for all when I hear people say stupid or hateful things. Some will give me hope that God’s work, which is entrusted into human hands and hearts, will be pursued with diligence and purpose.

Above, from left to right, Haemin Lee (ThM ‘07, Emory PhD ‘13) and Candy Benson (MDiv ‘11)

Diane Kenaston, MDiv ‘11 (not pictured)

Best parts about Candler Prom:

• relaxing after a stressful last week of class (and gearing up for finals)
• being with friends who feel more like family
• hanging out with the third-years one last time (officially!)
• watching the choir pose as Calendar Girls
• the Colbert-Report-styled Candler video
• and (my personal favorite) seeing professors break it down on the dance floor (especially Dr. Brooks Holifield, below)

Professor Brooks Holifield, with his wife Vicky, doing an old school Swing.

Above, from left to right, Nancy Gerhart, Sarah Glidewell, Maria Presley,

and Christina Repoley, all from the MDiv class of 2011

Nancy Gerhart, MDiv ‘11

I had a great time at Candler Prom! I was so fun to watch the videos, eat, and dance with my fellow students, professors, and Candler staff. At Candler you feel like you are part of a community anyway, but it became very evident at the Spring Banquet that we all love each other and are here to support each other and have fun!

Sarah Glidewell, MDiv ‘11

Spring Banquet provides an opportunity for the Candler community to come together outside of the classroom. Spending time with classmates, professors, and especially those about to graduate is a great way to end the year!

Maria Presley, MDiv ‘11

The highlight of Candler prom for me was celebrating the last day of my first year of classes with the friends who have filled my first year of memories.

Above, from left to right, Susan Evans (MTS ‘10) and Nathan Skinner (MTS ‘10)

Above, from left to right, Jenna Strizak (MDiv ‘11) and Lea Harrison (MTS ‘10)

Jenna Strizak, MDiv ‘11

Spring Banquet was a great chance to decompress from finals, visit with old friends and new, and celebrate (and poke fun at ourselves!) as a community.

Above, from left to right, Kim Jackson (MDiv ‘09), Khalif Smith (MDiv ‘11) and Trina Jackson (MTS ‘09)

Kim Jackson, MDiv ‘09

I missed the Candler Spring banquet my first year, and after seeing the pictures, I vowed to never miss it again during my time at Candler. The “Prom” is such a fun experience, and a great time to share laughs and good food with the Candler community. I especially enjoyed seeing faculty and staff getting on the dance floor with us!

Above, from left to right, Keri Olsen (MDiv ‘11), and Duncan Teague (MDiv ‘11)

Keri Olsen, MDiv ‘11

As a first year student, Spring Banquet seemed like the last of our initiation into the Candler community. It was a witness to the fact that we really were a part of a fun and trusting community composed of professors and students, but most importantly friends.

Duncan Teague, MDiv ‘11

The evening was a pleasant distraction from our finals and papers. Everyone cleaned up so nice. It was fun to do the Electric Slide with half of my fellow students from Preaching Class.

(music from the Atlanta Dogwood Festival)

There is nothing like springtime gardening and festivals in Atlanta. Winter (well, whatever winter we have—I’m from Chicago. I’m just sayin’). Everything is green, the rains have come, the flowers, dogwoods, and azaleas are blooming, and there is so much to do outside and inside around the city. Last weekend for me was about two great festivals –the Dogwood Festival and the Atlanta Film Festival– and some gardening.

Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was the 73rd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. The Dogwood (pictured left in pink, though most dogwood flowers are white) is the unofficial state flower of Georgia (the Cherokee Rose is the Official State Flower; the State Seashell, in case you were wondering, is the Knobbed Whelk). The Festival was back in Piedmont Park this year, after a drought-induced hiatus to the Lenox Mall Parking Lot last year. The weather was gorgeous! I went on Friday, played Frisbee, and walked around to some of the more than 250 artist booths, which were really spectacular. I’m a woodworker, and I was very impressed with the number and quality of wood turning, carving, and furniture booths. I might have to get one for next year…. In 2006, the Artist Market was ranked #16 out of the Top 200 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist’s Magazine.

Last weekend was the best weekend so far this year for gardening. On Saturday, before the Atlanta Film Festival, I went to pick up a pick-up truck-full of horse manure! I know, it might sound kinda gross, but this stuff is all natural, totally organic, and better than gold to gardeners and farmers! You can use manure as a top-dressing, mixed into soil directly (do this at least 2-4 months ahead of any planting), or thrown in your compost bin. And it was FREE!

I went to Vogt Riding Academy, located about a mile from the Emory campus. My friend Colin and I had the truck filled in 20 minutes, and they had TONS of free manure. Just go by anytime they’re open (8-5 M-F; 8-3ish on Sat), and they’re happy to help out. They’ll even load your truck for you for free (you should tip the guy five bucks, in my opinion) if you go earlier in the day. Loaded up with horse apples, Colin and I grabbed a cup of coffee at a coffee shop, where they gave us free used coffee grounds for the garden.

We saw Farmer D’s organic garden shop across the street, so we went over and bought some vegetables and herbs to go into the ground. The workers there were friendly and knowledgeable and Farmer D’s website is fantastic. For instance, they’ve got a great video on the process and benefits of composting.

Lastly, The Atlanta Film Festival (AFF) was fantastic. I only caught the Drama Shorts, but there were 183 films total being screened between April 16-25. Since 1977 the AFF has screened early films from directors such as Steven Spielberg, Victor Nunez, Spike Lee, Julie Dash and Robert Rodriguez. The Drama Shorts that I saw were all good, and several were great. They were between 12 and 19 minutes long. I can say that I had previously seen less than five short films in my life. But the shorts were powerful and unlike most Hollywood movies. Three of the six were filmed in Atlanta, with many of the actors, directors, and production people sitting in the theater with me! I particularly like Magellan, the story of a bright and awkward young boy living in a smokestack in Atlanta with his artist father. The festival website says:

Magellan, a scrawny seventh-grade outcast, has a precarious friendship with the popular but insecure girl he walks to and from school with everyday, but that friendship ends at the school boundaries until one day Magellan gathers the courage to ask her to the Spring Dance.

Check out the trailer on the website and go see the movie! It was fantastic! The rest of the The AFF website is very interactive, and most of the films have trailers and/or comments sections. Check out the rest of the Drama Shorts below for descriptions, reviews, and trailers.

Between You And Me | Micah Stansell

Flying Lessons | Janet Grillo

Magellan | Sebastian Davis

Miracle Fish | Luke Doolan

The Capgras Tide | Adam Hutchings

Wheels | Tracy Martin

So the festivals, gardening, and spring have arrived in Atlanta. Sometimes all on the same weekend. You can see why it’s my favorite time of the year!!!