A comprehensive history of Yale Divinity School and its impact on theology, religious life, and culture across two centuries, published for the school's bicentennial

"This Grand Errand" is the chronicle of a theological institution through 200 years of commitment to its mission of producing religious and civil leaders amid a society ever in flux. The school's contributions to church life and theological education in U.S. history are perhaps unparalleled-YDS has played a critical role in preparing ministers, social reformers, religion scholars, deans and presidents of theological schools, denominational executives, and civic organizers who are grounded in theological education.

This book features achievements by faculty and alums while documenting institutional transformation across two centuries. Over this period, the school has evolved from a regional seminary to a national and global pacesetter for the training of religious, scholarly, and public leaders. Throughout successive dramatic eras of national history, YDS has been remarkably steady in its identity, which is to preserve and restate, in an ecumenical setting, the value of Christian tradition in preparing leaders and speaking to contemporary human need, social reform, community building, reconciliation, and belonging. This ethos-an adherence to Christian faith, the value of critical thinking about religion, a commitment to diversity and interfaith expression, and a mandate to work for divine mercy, justice, and the common good-has its origins in early Yale history, which began as a college for the training of church and civic leaders. That moral calling is served by Yale Divinity School.

Distributed for Yale Divinity School

About the Author
Ray Waddle is the editor of Yale Divinity School's award-winning Reflections, a journal that explores theological dimensions in current social issues. He is the author of Undistorted God.

Reviews
"[A] thorough history of Yale Divinity School. . . . The book is well conceived, richly illustrated. . . . Ray Waddle has told [YDS's] story well."-Justus D. Doenecke, Anglican and Episcopal History





Book Information
ISBN 9780300263466
Author Ray Waddle
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press