Under the Baobab Tree

October 19, 2006

The Difference Duke Divinity School Makes

“What drew you to Duke Divinity School, and what keeps drawing you here?” I asked this question of several groups over the past month, wondering whether common themes would emerge from the diversity of responses by first- and second-year students, faculty and staff, as well as our Board of Visitors. I was heartened and inspired by the discussions, especially because the common themes point to strengths of Duke Divinity School as well as emphases I believe are crucial for theological education. What were those common themes?

The first one was aptly summarized by the comment by a faculty colleague: “I would re-phrase the popular image to say that, at Duke Divinity School, ‘It's about God, stupid.'” In one sense that should be to state the obvious, that a theological school should be focused on God—the knowledge of God, the love of God, the desire for God. Yet too often seminaries can be occupied only with professional education, or academic credibility, or the current debates in the churches. We forget that their primary focus ought to be on the Triune God. We are called to be centered in Christ and animated by the power of the Holy Spirit.

A second common theme was passion—the energy people feel in the hallways, in the classrooms, in worship services and spiritual formation groups, in the overall mood of the school. It is a passion for the gospel, a belief that the God whom we worship and study calls us to be excited about Christian ministry. One person noted that our theme for prospective students and faculty and donors should be, “Come and see”—for they observed that after you spend time on campus, in the life of the school, you draw energy from the passion found here.

Third, and closely related, is an emphasis on transformation—an acknowledgment that if we are focused on God as revealed in Christ by the power of the Spirit, and cultivate passion, we also will be open to the ways in which we are transformed in our commitments, our ideas, our emotions, and our hopes for life. Such transformation can occur only through rigorous education, spiritual disciplines, and involvement in the church and world through field education and other service. The students in particular commented on how much they appreciate the fact that our courses are demanding, and that we are equally insistent on the importance of spiritual formation and field education.

I wasn't surprised to hear this theme of transformation emerge, since I regularly tell our new students during orientation that their time in divinity school ought to turn their worlds upside-down and inside-out, albeit (so we hope) in constructive, gospel-shaped ways. But what I did find surprising was how life-giving and exciting this emphasis on transformation proves for students, faculty and staff, and friends and supporters alike.

The fourth common theme that has emerged is leadership. Again, it is a theme we have emphasized in programs, in our recruitment of students and faculty, and in our strategic planning. Yet what seems so important is that, rather than seeing these as disparate strategies, people have focused on the role Duke Divinity School can, does and should play in raising up leaders for the church, the academy, and the world—through our youth academy, our degree programs, our new Doctor of Theology program, and our lifelong learning programs for laity, clergy and judicatory leaders.

As I have reflected on these themes and their interrelations, I recognize these as important emphases for any theological school: a focus on God, the importance of passion for the gospel, a commitment to transformation, and a recognition that there is no substitute for gifted leadership. I am delighted that many people find these themes embodied distinctively in our life at Duke Divinity School .

One administrator, reflecting on recent discussion with the Board of Visitors, summarized appreciation for Duke Divinity School by putting it this way: “ Duke Divinity School is a place committed to forming leaders through rigorous education, spiritual disciplines, and transformative witness in service to God as a way of life…for life.” I can live with that—and I hope we can live up to that.

As always, if you have stories about Duke Divinity School to share, please be in touch by emailing Chris Brady, special assistant to the dean.

The baobab tree serves as a meeting place for many villages to discuss community matters, relate the news of the day, or tell stories. Baobabs are a protected tree in South Africa, and they are said to be “World Trees” or “Trees of Life” by many of the cultures on the African continent.