Nurturing the Next Generation of Scholars

Reggie Williams

Ph.D. Candidate in Christian Ethics, Fuller Theological Seminary
FTE Doctoral Fellow ('10)

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June 13, 2010

Good Christian Leadership

Live from the 2010 FTE Leaders in the Academy Conference: Theological Education and African American Religious Leadership: New Paradigms, Perspectives, and Paradoxes

Over the past two days, I have been inspired to reflect on my contribution to the academy, in relation to a gifted and talented group of colleagues, in the context of a significant historical shift. We are African American leaders. What does that mean? What does that mean today amidst the current political climate? Whatever it means, it is not separate from the theological work that we are pursuing for the academy and the church. To be an African American theological leader today is to stand on the shoulders of leadership that has made this weekend of inspiration possible. That fact has been made apparent to me this weekend.

Yesterday I heard the term “intellectual violence” used in reference to leadership that used their academic position to enact oppression against helpless victims. Today I heard that Scripture comes from the Bible for the purpose of human flourishing. Harm is not a part of the role of Scripture. There is an important distinction here; the Bible can be used in the practice of intellectual violence and harm by reading something into the text that supports dehumanization of a targeted group, or by leaving people out who are there in order to silence them in our communities. But the Bible becomes inspired Scripture when it is interpreted with careful attention to the will of God for our neighbor. God’s Word and will are healing and building, not wounding and destroying. Leadership—good leadership—advocates not  opposes human flourishing. As an African American today, this weekend has inspired me to imagine good, God honoring, academic work.