Biography

Dr. Reggie Williams book Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance (Baylor University Press, 2014) was selected as a Choice Outstanding Title in 2015, in the field of religion. The book is an analysis of exposure to Harlem Renaissance intellectuals, and worship at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist on the German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, during his year of post-doctoral study at Union Seminary in New York, 1930-31.

Dr. Williams’ research interests include Christological ethics, theological anthropology, Christian social ethics, the Harlem Renaissance, race, politics and black church life. His current book project includes a religious critique of whiteness in the Harlem Renaissance. In addition, he is working on a book analyzing the reception of Bonhoeffer by liberation activists in apartheid South Africa.

Dr. Williams received his Ph.D. in Christian ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in 2011. He earned a Master’s degree in Theology from Fuller in 2006 and a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Westmont College in 1995. He is a member of the board of directors for the Society for Christian Ethics, as well as the International Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society. He is also a member of the American Academy of Religion and Society for the Study of Black Religion.

Schedule

Wednesday March 16
Wednesday morning (10:00 am-10:50 am) Chapel – Gym on the St. Davids campus &
New CORE conversation on race (11:00 am -11:50 am)

Chapel is streamed live at 10 AM EST here: https://www.eastern.edu/student-life/faith-practice/chapel

Thursday March 17
Thursday morning (10:00 am-10:50 am): McInnis Auditorium (~40 minute presentation with Q & A)

Thursday evening (6:00 pm – 6:45 pm) Chapel & Chew with Palmer Seminary students in McInnis Classroom 251

Thursday evening (7:00 pm-8:30 pm): Baird Library (Walton Hall): Conversations That Matter A discussion with the author by students (Templeton Honors College and Campolo Scholars) on Dr. Williams’ Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance (Baylor University Press, 2014)

Friday March 18
Friday morning (10:00 am-10:50 am): Windows on the World – McInnis Auditorium (~40 minute presentation with Q & A)

Lunch with Q & A (11:30 am -12:45 pm) Walton Hall/Baird Library—Informal lunch with Q & A. All are welcome

Friday afternoon Templeton Honors Forum (Gough Hall Great Room): 3:00 pm -4:30 pm with Q & A