Theologian

A person who is knowledgeable concerning theology. Theologians may be members of the clergy or lay people. For example, William Stringfellow (1928-1985) was one of the best known Episcopal theologians of the twentieth century. He was a lay person without advanced academic training in theology. Stringfellow identified the power of death with the forces of injustice and oppression in society. William Porcher DuBose, an Episcopal priest who taught for many years at the School of Theology of the University of the South, is commemorated on Aug. 18 in the Episcopal calendar of the church year. DuBose's emphasis on the role of experience in the process of salvation is reflected in his spiritual autobiography, Turning Points in My Life. The Anglican theologian Richard Hooker is also commemorated in the calendar of the church year. Hooker was a priest who was Master of the Temple in London. He later served English country parishes. He wrote Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, a comprehensive defense of the Elizabethan Settlement. The collect in Lesser Feasts and Fasts for Hooker's commemoration recalls that God raised him up “in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion.” Theologians reflect the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives of the church. See Stringfellow, William; see DuBose, William Porcher; see Hooker, Richard.