"This Grand Errand": A Bicentennial History of Yale Divinity School

Yale Divinity School has a long history of preparing religious and civil leaders, and this book celebrates its bicentennial by highlighting its contributions to theology, religious life, and culture. The school has evolved from a regional seminary to a national and global leader in religious education, emphasizing the value of Christian tradition and critical thinking about religion. Its ethos of faith, diversity, interfaith expression, and social reform is rooted in its early history as a college for church and civic leaders.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

200th Anniversary Commemorative Publication
This comprehensive history of Yale Divinity School and its profound impact on theology, religious life, and culture over two centuries is presented in honor of the school's bicentennial. Spanning a remarkable journey, this grand endeavor chronicles the unwavering commitment of the institution to its mission of nurturing religious and civil leaders in a society constantly evolving. The school's contributions to church life and theological education in the United States are truly unparalleled, as YDS has played a pivotal role in shaping ministers, social reformers, religion scholars, deans, presidents of theological schools, denominational executives, and civic organizers who are grounded in theological knowledge.

This book showcases the remarkable achievements of faculty and alumni while documenting the transformative journey of the institution across two centuries. From its humble beginnings as a regional seminary, YDS has emerged as a national and global leader in the training of religious, scholarly, and public leaders. Throughout successive dramatic eras of national history, YDS has maintained a steadfast identity, dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting the value of Christian tradition in preparing leaders and addressing contemporary human needs, social reform, community building, reconciliation, and belonging.

At the heart of this ethos lies an unwavering adherence to Christian faith, a critical engagement with religion, a commitment to diversity and interfaith expression, and a mandate to work for divine mercy, justice, and the common good. These values trace their origins back to the early days of Yale history, when the school was established as a college for the training of church and civic leaders. Today, Yale Divinity School continues to fulfill this moral calling, shaping individuals and communities for a better world.

As we reflect on the past and celebrate the present, this commemorative publication serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Yale Divinity School. It reminds us of the profound impact that the school has had on the world and the countless lives it has touched. Let us continue to be inspired by the vision and values that have guided YDS throughout its history, as we strive to build a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society.

Weight: 1380g
Dimension: 258 x 293 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300263466