2008 Woodie Awards
Vibrant Jewish life in a Lutheran context
Dr. Franklin Sherman, Founding Director, Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding
Issue date: 12/9/04 Section: Focus
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One of the striking things about the College is that it is related to the Lutheran church. Lutheranism is generally considered one of the more conservative Protestant denominations, and yet has been remarkably open to persons of all faiths. Particularly, there is a thriving Jewish community here, as shown not only by the large number of Jewish students but also the remarkable vitality of Jewish life on campus, and I have decided to explore what accounts for this phenomenon.
Although I have never done any formal research on the subject, my theory-based on observations dating back to my own student days--is that it was the excellence of the College's pre-med program that first attracted Jewish students here. One thing led to another; Jewish families learned of the College's other fine programs and, equally as important, of its hospitality to Jews. This was in contrast to many other institutions at that time, including some in the Lehigh Valley.
There was a natural symbiosis between the Jewish love of learning--whether expressed in study of Torah and Talmud or of the modern arts and sciences--and the similar love engendered by the Christian humanist tradition that the College's founders represented. "Humanism" is used here in the sense not of a denial of the divine, but rather an affirmation of the human. The opportunity to explore God's creation in all its marvelous diversity (which is what a liberal arts college does) is felt in this tradition to be both a privilege and a sacred calling.
One shouldn't overlook, either, the contribution of particular persons, such as the late Jonathan Messerli, President of the College when both the program in Jewish Studies and the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding were established (1988-89). Messerli had many Jewish friends and he gladly lent his support to both those projects. Also significant was Dr. Darrell Jodock, Head of the Religion Department for many years. As a Lutheran theologian, Jodock believed that Lutheranism had much to answer for in its historical record vis-a-vis Jews, especially in Germany, but also much to build upon in establishing a new relationship of mutual affirmation and appreciation.
Lutheranism was born on a college campus, so to speak; Martin Luther was a young professor at the University of Wittenberg when the Reformation began, and continued to teach there throughout his career. Luther's successors in subsequent generations, including those who brought the College into being, have prized not only a "learned ministry" but a learned laity as well. We can be glad for the breadth of vision, openness of spirit and respect for academic integrity that they infused into the College, and that has characterized it from its inception down to the present day.
Although I have never done any formal research on the subject, my theory-based on observations dating back to my own student days--is that it was the excellence of the College's pre-med program that first attracted Jewish students here. One thing led to another; Jewish families learned of the College's other fine programs and, equally as important, of its hospitality to Jews. This was in contrast to many other institutions at that time, including some in the Lehigh Valley.
There was a natural symbiosis between the Jewish love of learning--whether expressed in study of Torah and Talmud or of the modern arts and sciences--and the similar love engendered by the Christian humanist tradition that the College's founders represented. "Humanism" is used here in the sense not of a denial of the divine, but rather an affirmation of the human. The opportunity to explore God's creation in all its marvelous diversity (which is what a liberal arts college does) is felt in this tradition to be both a privilege and a sacred calling.
One shouldn't overlook, either, the contribution of particular persons, such as the late Jonathan Messerli, President of the College when both the program in Jewish Studies and the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding were established (1988-89). Messerli had many Jewish friends and he gladly lent his support to both those projects. Also significant was Dr. Darrell Jodock, Head of the Religion Department for many years. As a Lutheran theologian, Jodock believed that Lutheranism had much to answer for in its historical record vis-a-vis Jews, especially in Germany, but also much to build upon in establishing a new relationship of mutual affirmation and appreciation.
Lutheranism was born on a college campus, so to speak; Martin Luther was a young professor at the University of Wittenberg when the Reformation began, and continued to teach there throughout his career. Luther's successors in subsequent generations, including those who brought the College into being, have prized not only a "learned ministry" but a learned laity as well. We can be glad for the breadth of vision, openness of spirit and respect for academic integrity that they infused into the College, and that has characterized it from its inception down to the present day.