What inspired you to pursue an advanced degree in theology?
Before coming to UVA, I spent about three years leading the Jesuit Volunteer Corps where I became fascinated with the intersection of faith and justice. When I was ready to return to the classroom, I decided the best way to further pursue that curiosity would be a joint degree in religious studies and law. UVA's religious studies department gave me the flexibility to pursue these degrees together and it offered a wealth of professors conducting research in this area, too.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
Currently, I am completing my degree in religious studies while in my second year of law school. So, I still have some time in school on the horizon. When I finish, I hope to pursue civil rights law. My paper chronicled the theological work of civil rights hero, Fannie Lou Hamer. So much of what she struggled for half a century ago— voting rights, economic justice, racial justice—still needs to be struggled for today.
Where do you see connections between your personal faith, your intellectual work and the other aspects of your life?
I loved writing on Fannie Lou Hamer because she is, for me, both a fascinating subject for scholarship and a personally inspiring example of faith in action. Pouring over her words and listening to the recordings of her speeches and songs simultaneously constituted prayer and research. My master's thesis, which I wrote six months after this paper, further focused on her uniquely theological leadership and the role of anger in her witness. Her anger and how she channeled it was a pressing intellectual issue given the overwhelming anger in our society and the need to find models who can guide us through anger. But it also was a personal teacher to me as I struggle with what to do with my own anger at the brokenness of the world. So, that's just one example of how my research on Hamer bridged the gap between my personal faith life and my intellectual work.
How would you summarize your paper for someone without a theological background?
If you've heard of Fannie Lou Hamer, you probably know her as a fearless civil rights leader. And while most people understand that the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was grounded in the Black Church, far less attention has been given to the specific theology of various leaders, and particularly to Hamer. Using her songs, speeches, and the unexpected parallel of 14th century Christian mystic Julian of Norwich, I argue that Hamer's informal but robust theological training gave her a unique capacity to syncretize seemingly contradictory notions of defeat and victory, pain and joy, death and birth. And I conclude that her unique theological contributions and expression demand that she be remembered not just as an activist but as a great contemplative of the Christian tradition.
How might this award make a difference in your life?
This award has encouraged me to make time to write more and to consider further research and scholarship. It has also reminded me why I pursued a joint degree and why my religious studies graduate work is so important to me. In the rush of law school, it can be easy to forget!
How do you spend your time when you are not studying?
I spend most of my time with my wife, Tamara, my two-year-old son, Francis, and our dog, Finn. We try to spend as much time outdoors as we possibly can, enjoying the natural wonders of the greater Charlottesville area.
Any other comments?
Thank you to the Theological Horizons community for this award and for all the work you do to invite us all into a life of faith in action.