In the next few moments, I want to take a look at the bigger picture of which Barbara’s life reminds us, and to which it testifies. This is the good news: Barbara’s life can make us see a bigger picture and something that is happening in the world, which is bigger than us. I take this to mean that we are never alone, even if it may sometimes feel that way. This is, of course, what Christians believe, but this is also what many other faith traditions tell us. Even people who don’t embrace any particular faith often have an acute sense of something bigger at work than the individual, and many intuitively grasp that we are not alone.

Joerg Rieger, Religion, Events, Most PopularGabby LisiJanuary 15, 2024

Where There’s True Justice There Is No Poverty: Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas

Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas is Associate Professor of Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences. The following are her edited remarks at the Wendland-Cook inaugural event on April 10, 2019.

Events, Religion, EconomicsGuest UserJune 12, 2019stacey floyd-thomas

We Cannot Do It Alone: Vonda McDaniel – Vanderbilt Divinity School

Vonda McDaniel is the president of the Central Labor Council of Nashville and Middle TN, AFL-CIO and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill. The following are her edited remarks at the opening of the inaugural event on April 10, 2019.

EventsGuest UserJune 5, 2019Vonda McDaniel

6 Recommended Readings Following VDS’s Summer Institute: ‘Policy, Politics and Privilege: The Prophetic Response to Racist Governance’

Vanderbilt Divinity School played host to the Summer Institute of the Vanderbilt Divinity School Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative. Held May 20-24, attendees gathered under the theme “Policy, Politics and Privilege: The Prophetic Response to Racist Governance.” The following were common readings that framed the week. These are recommended must-reads for context to the issues explored at the institute.

Events, EconomicsGuest UserMay 29, 2019Racism

Building Economic Equality through Co-Ops: Benny Overton - Vanderbilt Divinity School

Benny Overton is the President of the UAW Local 737. Committed to the cause of social and economic equality, Benny will be leading a course at Vanderbilt Divinity on co-op ventures. The following are his edited remarks at the opening of the inaugural event on April 10, 2019.

Events, EconomicsGuest UserMay 24, 2019events, Benny Overton, co-ops

Making Up the Difference - Barbara Wendland - Vanderbilt Divinity School

Mrs. Barbara Wendland is the founding donor of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice and the author of Connections Online and the book Misfits: The Church’s Hidden Strength. The following are her edited remarks at the opening of the inaugural event on April 10, 2019, where she was the guest of honor.

EventsGuest UserMay 15, 2019Barbara Wendland

The Hidden Strength of Misfits: Dr. C. Melissa Snarr - Vanderbilt Divinity School

Dr. Snarr is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Ethics and Society. A Christian social ethicist, Dr. Snarr describes the misfits of religious traditions who are coming together for the healing and wholeness of the world. The following are her edited remarks at the opening of the inaugural event on April 10, 2019.

Events, ReligionGuest UserMay 8, 2019Melissa Snarr

Something Better is Possible: Marcus Trammell - Vanderbilt Divinity School

Marcus Trammell is the Associate Director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice. A graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School and a seasoned community organizer, Trammell shared his passion for justice and his firm belief that something better is possible.

Events, Economics, ReligionGuest UserMay 2, 2019marcus trammell, events

What We Mean When We Say 'Justice': Joerg Rieger - Vanderbilt Divinity School

When we say justice–and this is the important thing–what we're really talking about is building the community. Justice is more than a lot of things we often connect with this term. It is building relationships. It is getting involved. It's taking a stand. It's transforming the status quo.