The Politics of Black Religion

Barbara D. Savage

Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and Professor of History in the Department of History of the University of Pennsylvania

April 11, 2012

Grawemeyer Award in Religion Lecture

Dr. Savage received the prize for the ideas set forth in her book, Your Spirits Walk Beside Us: The Politics of Black Religion which introduces important new perspectives on the study of black religion and the political role of African American churches.

Dr. Savage explains why it is misleading to speak of ‘the black church’ given the enormous diversity among African American congregations. She also challenges the popular belief that black churches have been prophetic and politically active throughout history. Listen to the lecture.

Looking Back

Barbara Wheeler

Former President of Auburn Theological Seminary
Head of the Center for the Study of Theological Education

Presidential Inauguration
April 14, 2011
What does it take to be numbered among the great seminary presidents? Read the address in PDF.

Grawemeyer Lecture: Doing Justice by Remembering Injustice

Rev. Dr. Donald W. Shriver, Jr.

March 4, 2009

Dr. Shriver asks how and why we should remember the negative past. He suggests that this remembering is required to change our relationship to history, and to publicly repent for the sins committed by a country and its people. Dr. Sue Garrett introduces Dr. Shriver. His lecture begins at 6:45 on the recording. Listen to the lecture.