James F. Lawrence
Dean of the Swedenborgian House of Studies
Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Historical Studies
Academic Credentials:
BA, University of Texas, 1978; Diploma (MDiv equiv.), Swedenborg School of Religion, 1984; DMin, Graduate Theological Foundation, 1991; PhD, Graduate Theological Union, 2011
Quote:
“I help students understand and develop the resources for an engaged spirituality in the practice of ministry. Both vertical and horizontal extensions are required for spiritual leadership in tomorrow’s world, and these can be developed by engaging the stories of transformative faith: the communities that shape it, the theologies that nourish it, the practices that sustain it, and the moral life that embodies it.”
Profile:
During 17 years in parish ministry in rural, suburban and urban settings, Dr. Jim Lawrence helped three congregations re-energize, and he continues to have a special interest in the renewal of traditional ministries. In addition to Swedenborgian Studies, he teaches in the field of spirituality and has special interest in the varieties of Protestant religious experience, the radical margins of Protestant history, the dialogue between science and religion, and biblical spirituality. He has contributed as publisher, editor and author to more than 30 works.
