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Vanderbilt University Divinity School Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Vanderbilt Divinity School: History, Faculty, and Awards

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Vanderbilt Divinity School: History, Faculty, and Awards Study Guide

Founding and Historical Development

Vanderbilt Divinity School maintains an exclusive affiliation with the United Methodist Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: The institution transitioned to an interdenominational status in 1914, severing its formal ties with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is now recognized as one of the few university-based divinity schools without a denominational affiliation.

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Vanderbilt Divinity School was originally established as the Biblical Department in 1875.

Answer: True

Explanation: The institution commenced operations in 1875 under the designation of the Biblical Department.

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The physical plant known as the "quadrangle" was completed in 1956.

Answer: False

Explanation: The school's physical plant, referred to as the "quadrangle" or "quad," was completed in 1960.

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The school is one of the few university-based divinity schools without a denominational affiliation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vanderbilt Divinity School is distinguished as one of a limited number of university-based divinity schools that operate without a formal denominational affiliation.

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What was the original name of Vanderbilt Divinity School upon its establishment in 1875?

Answer: Biblical Department

Explanation: Upon its founding in 1875, Vanderbilt Divinity School was initially named the Biblical Department.

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What is the significance of the "quadrangle" at Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: It refers to the school's physical plant completed in 1960.

Explanation: The term "quadrangle" or "quad" refers to the school's physical plant, the construction of which was completed in 1960.

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Which of the following is true about the Vanderbilt Divinity School's location?

Answer: Its address is 411 21st Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee.

Explanation: Vanderbilt Divinity School is located at 411 21st Avenue South in Nashville, Tennessee.

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What was the initial sponsorship of Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: The Methodist Episcopal Church, South

Explanation: Vanderbilt Divinity School was initially sponsored by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

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Interdenominational Transition and Mergers

The school transitioned to an interdenominational status in 1966.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vanderbilt Divinity School achieved interdenominational and ecumenical status in 1914, not 1966.

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The United Church of Christ has direct legal ties to Vanderbilt Divinity School due to historical mergers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vanderbilt Divinity School maintains a historical relationship with the United Church of Christ, but not direct legal ties, stemming from earlier institutional mergers.

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The merger with Oberlin College's Graduate School of Theology primarily benefited its library holdings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1966 merger with Oberlin College's Graduate School of Theology enhanced faculty resources for both the Divinity School and the Graduate Department of Religion, as well as expanding the University Library's holdings.

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Vanderbilt Divinity School ended its formal association with Methodism in 1914.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1914, Vanderbilt Divinity School formally severed its ties with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, marking its transition to an interdenominational status.

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In what year did Vanderbilt Divinity School officially sever ties with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and transition to an interdenominational status?

Answer: 1914

Explanation: The school officially ended its formal association with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1914, thereby transitioning to an interdenominational status.

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Which university's Graduate School of Theology merged with Vanderbilt's in 1966, enhancing faculty resources and library holdings?

Answer: Oberlin College

Explanation: In 1966, the Graduate School of Theology from Oberlin College merged with Vanderbilt's, which served to augment faculty resources and library collections.

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Despite its interdenominational status, which denomination remains the largest beneficiary of graduates from Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: United Methodist Church

Explanation: The United Methodist Church continues to be the largest recipient of graduates from Vanderbilt Divinity School, notwithstanding the school's interdenominational nature.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a denomination with a significant number of graduates from Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: Roman Catholic Church

Explanation: While the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Presbyterian Church (USA), and various African-American Methodist groups are noted for having significant numbers of graduates, the Roman Catholic Church is not listed among them.

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What was the historical significance of the merger with Oberlin College's Graduate School of Theology in 1966?

Answer: It enhanced faculty resources and library holdings.

Explanation: The 1966 merger with Oberlin College's Graduate School of Theology significantly enhanced faculty resources for both the Divinity School and the Graduate Department of Religion, and also expanded the university library's collections.

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What historical relationship does Vanderbilt Divinity School maintain with the United Church of Christ?

Answer: A historical relationship, but not legal ties.

Explanation: Vanderbilt Divinity School holds a historical relationship with the United Church of Christ, stemming from earlier institutional mergers, but does not maintain direct legal ties.

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Civil Rights Era and Institutional Response

The Nashville Banner's reporting influenced the expulsion of James Lawson from Vanderbilt University.

Answer: True

Explanation: Misleading reports published in The Nashville Banner, owned by a Vanderbilt trustee, contributed significantly to the decision to expel James Lawson.

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Dean J. Robert Nelson resigned from his position after supporting James Lawson's actions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dean J. Robert Nelson resigned in protest after initially believing misleading reports about James Lawson's actions, but later supported Lawson.

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Following the Civil Rights era events, Vanderbilt Divinity School was placed on probation by the American Association of Theological Schools.

Answer: True

Explanation: The American Association of Theological Schools placed the Divinity School on probation for one year and curtailed the authority of its trustees in the aftermath of the James Lawson incident.

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James Lawson was arrested on charges of conspiracy to violate state laws the day after his expulsion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his expulsion from Vanderbilt, James Lawson was arrested on charges related to conspiracy to violate state laws.

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What was the primary reason cited for the expulsion of James Lawson from Vanderbilt University in 1960?

Answer: Involvement in Civil Rights activism

Explanation: James Lawson was expelled from Vanderbilt University in 1960 primarily due to his active involvement in Civil Rights activism.

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Which newspaper, owned by a Vanderbilt trustee, published misleading stories contributing to James Lawson's expulsion?

Answer: The Nashville Banner

Explanation: The Nashville Banner, a newspaper owned by a Vanderbilt trustee, published misleading reports that played a role in James Lawson's expulsion.

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What was the consequence imposed on Vanderbilt Divinity School by the American Association of Theological Schools following the James Lawson incident?

Answer: A one-year probation and curtailment of trustee authority

Explanation: In response to the events surrounding James Lawson's expulsion, the American Association of Theological Schools placed Vanderbilt Divinity School on probation for one year and curtailed the authority of its trustees.

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Faculty and Scholarly Contributions

Yolanda Pierce is identified as the former Dean of Howard University School of Divinity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The current Dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School, Yolanda Pierce, previously served as the dean of Howard University School of Divinity.

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George Arthur Buttrick served as the Minister of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Arthur Buttrick, an English preacher, held the position of Minister at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church.

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Nels F. S. Ferré specialized in Old Testament studies during his tenure at Vanderbilt.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nels F. S. Ferré, a Swedish-born theologian, was a Professor of Philosophical and Systematic Theology, not Old Testament studies.

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Amy-Jill Levine holds a professorial chair related to New Testament Studies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Amy-Jill Levine occupies the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies chair at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

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Jack M. Sasson was known for his work in Christian Ethics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jack M. Sasson held the Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies and Hebrew Bible position, rather than focusing on Christian Ethics.

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Yung Suk Kim is an editor for the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Religion.

Answer: True

Explanation: Yung Suk Kim serves as an editor for both the Journal of Bible and Human Transformation and the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Religion.

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Mitch Pacwa is distinguished for celebrating liturgy exclusively in the Roman rite.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mitch Pacwa, a Jesuit priest and alumnus, is noted for celebrating liturgy in both the Roman and Maronite rites, not exclusively the Roman rite.

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James L. Crenshaw is a recognized scholar in the field of New Testament textual criticism.

Answer: False

Explanation: James L. Crenshaw is recognized as a leading scholar in Old Testament Wisdom literature, not New Testament textual criticism.

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Ken Stone won a Lambda Literary Award and chairs a section within the Society of Biblical Literature.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ken Stone is recognized for winning a Lambda Literary Award and for chairing the Reading, Theory and the Bible Section of the Society of Biblical Literature.

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Sharon D. Welch formerly served as an Associate Professor at Harvard Divinity School.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sharon D. Welch, a social ethicist and author, previously held the position of Associate Professor at Harvard Divinity School.

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Jean Bethke Elshtain was recognized as a political philosopher and public intellectual.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jean Bethke Elshtain, a Centennial Professor at Vanderbilt, was widely recognized for her contributions as an ethicist, political philosopher, and public intellectual.

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Choon-Leong Seow holds a chair related to Hebrew Bible studies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Choon-Leong Seow holds the Vanderbilt, Buffington, Cupples Chair in Divinity and serves as a Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible.

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Who is the current Dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School as mentioned in the source?

Answer: Yolanda Pierce

Explanation: Yolanda Pierce, who previously served as the dean of Howard University School of Divinity, is identified as the current Dean of Vanderbilt Divinity School.

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Jean Bethke Elshtain was recognized at Vanderbilt Divinity School primarily for her work in which field?

Answer: Ethics and Political Philosophy

Explanation: Jean Bethke Elshtain was primarily recognized for her significant contributions in the fields of ethics and political philosophy during her time at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

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Which professor is noted for holding the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies chair?

Answer: Amy-Jill Levine

Explanation: Amy-Jill Levine holds the distinguished E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies chair at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

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Which professor is identified as the Vanderbilt, Buffington, Cupples Chair in Divinity and Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible?

Answer: Choon-Leong Seow

Explanation: Choon-Leong Seow holds the Vanderbilt, Buffington, Cupples Chair in Divinity and is recognized as a Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible.

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What was the specific role of Thomas Osmond Summers at Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: Professor of Systematic Theology and former Dean

Explanation: Thomas Osmond Summers served as a Professor of Systematic Theology and also held the position of former Dean at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

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What is Renita J. Weems known for in her academic work?

Answer: Work on religion and race, and as a Professor of the Hebrew Bible

Explanation: Renita J. Weems is recognized for her scholarship on religion and race, and she holds the position of Professor of the Hebrew Bible.

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What distinction does Mitch Pacwa hold regarding liturgical celebrations?

Answer: He celebrates liturgy in both the Roman and Maronite rites.

Explanation: Mitch Pacwa, a Jesuit priest and alumnus, is distinguished by his practice of celebrating liturgy in both the Roman and Maronite rites.

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Carroll D. Osburn is recognized for his expertise in which area of New Testament studies?

Answer: New Testament textual criticism

Explanation: Carroll D. Osburn is recognized as a leading scholar in North America concerning New Testament textual criticism and is also noted as a prominent Christian egalitarian.

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What area of study does James L. Crenshaw specialize in?

Answer: Old Testament Wisdom literature

Explanation: James L. Crenshaw's specialization lies in the field of Old Testament Wisdom literature.

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What academic field does Amy-Jill Levine specialize in as a professor at Vanderbilt?

Answer: New Testament Studies

Explanation: Amy-Jill Levine's academic specialization as a professor at Vanderbilt is in New Testament Studies.

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Which of the following professors is known for being a Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible?

Answer: Choon-Leong Seow

Explanation: Choon-Leong Seow is recognized as a Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

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What is Sharon D. Welch's field of expertise?

Answer: Social Ethics

Explanation: Sharon D. Welch's primary field of expertise is Social Ethics.

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Alumni and Notable Figures

T. C. Chao earned both his M.A. and B.D. degrees from Vanderbilt.

Answer: True

Explanation: T. C. Chao, a significant figure in Chinese Christian theological thought, completed his M.A. and B.D. degrees at Vanderbilt University.

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Al Gore served as a Rockefeller Scholar at Vanderbilt Divinity School before becoming Vice President.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to his tenure as Vice President of the United States, Al Gore was a Rockefeller Scholar at Vanderbilt Divinity School from 1971-1972.

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Musa Dube, a feminist theologian, received the Humboldt Prize in 2011.

Answer: True

Explanation: Musa Dube, a distinguished alumna and feminist theologian from Botswana, was honored with the Humboldt Prize in 2011.

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Robert W. Funk is known for founding the Society of Biblical Literature.

Answer: False

Explanation: Robert W. Funk, an alumnus, is recognized for founding the Jesus Seminar and the Westar Institute, not the Society of Biblical Literature.

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Mark Noll held a professorship at the University of Notre Dame after his Ph.D. studies at Vanderbilt.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his doctoral studies at Vanderbilt, Mark Noll pursued a distinguished career in history, including a professorship at the University of Notre Dame.

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William Powlas Peery was a key figure in East African Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: William Powlas Peery was a significant figure in South Indian Christianity, serving as Pastor of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church.

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Amy Welborn is primarily known as a historian of early Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Amy Welborn is known as a Roman Catholic author, columnist, activist, academic, and public speaker, rather than primarily as a historian of early Christianity.

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Don West was a prominent figure in labor organizing and civil rights activism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Don West was recognized as a civil rights activist, labor organizer, poet, and educator.

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Shelli Yoder's public recognition includes being crowned Miss America in 1992.

Answer: False

Explanation: Shelli Yoder was recognized as Miss Indiana in 1992, not Miss America.

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Willard Uphaus was known for his work in systematic theology and church administration.

Answer: False

Explanation: Willard Uphaus was recognized as a theologian and pacifist who directed the World Fellowship Center, rather than for work in systematic theology and church administration.

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Which alumnus founded the Jesus Seminar and the Westar Institute?

Answer: Robert W. Funk

Explanation: Alumnus Robert W. Funk is credited with founding both the Jesus Seminar and the Westar Institute.

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What significant role did Howard Kester play in social reform movements?

Answer: Organized the Southern Tenant Farmers Union

Explanation: Howard Kester, an alumnus and clergyman, played a significant role in social reform by organizing the Southern Tenant Farmers Union.

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Which of the following individuals was a Rockefeller Scholar at Vanderbilt Divinity School before holding the office of Vice President of the United States?

Answer: Al Gore

Explanation: Al Gore was a Rockefeller Scholar at Vanderbilt Divinity School prior to his election as Vice President of the United States.

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Musa Dube, an alumna recognized for her work as a feminist theologian, received which prestigious award in 2011?

Answer: The Humboldt Prize

Explanation: In 2011, Musa Dube, a feminist theologian and alumna, was honored with the Humboldt Prize.

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Which alumnus is recognized as a leading scholar in Old Testament Wisdom literature?

Answer: James L. Crenshaw

Explanation: James L. Crenshaw is recognized as a leading scholar specializing in Old Testament Wisdom literature.

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What is Amy Welborn known for in her public life?

Answer: Being a Roman Catholic author, columnist, and public speaker

Explanation: Amy Welborn is publicly recognized as a Roman Catholic author, columnist, activist, academic, and public speaker.

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Which of the following individuals was a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement and also an alumnus of Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: James Lawson

Explanation: James Lawson, an alumnus of Vanderbilt Divinity School, was a notable pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement.

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Which alumnus is known for founding the Commission on Interracial Cooperation?

Answer: Will W. Alexander

Explanation: Will W. Alexander, a Methodist pastor and alumnus, founded the Commission on Interracial Cooperation.

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What is Shelli Yoder known for besides her academic pursuits?

Answer: Being Miss Indiana in 1992

Explanation: Beyond her academic endeavors, Shelli Yoder gained public recognition as Miss Indiana in 1992.

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What is the significance of T. C. Chao's connection to Vanderbilt?

Answer: He was a significant figure in Chinese Christian thought who earned degrees from Vanderbilt.

Explanation: T. C. Chao's connection to Vanderbilt is significant as he was a key figure in Chinese Christian thought and earned both his M.A. and B.D. degrees from the university.

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Awards and Honors

The Founder's Medal is awarded for outstanding achievement in Biblical studies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Founder's Medal is awarded to the top-graduating student from each undergraduate and professional school within Vanderbilt University, not specifically for Biblical studies.

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The Florence Conwell Prize specifically recognizes excellence in preaching.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Florence Conwell Prize is designated for a degree candidate who has demonstrated outstanding work in the discipline of preaching.

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The Umphrey Lee Dean's Award is given for the composition of the most outstanding sermon.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Umphrey Lee Dean's Award recognizes a student who embodies the vision and mission of the Divinity School, not specifically for sermon composition.

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The W. Kendrick Grobel Award honors outstanding achievement in Biblical studies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The W. Kendrick Grobel Award is presented to acknowledge outstanding achievement within the field of Biblical studies.

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Vanderbilt Divinity School confers two annual awards in honor of Frederick Buechner for writing and theological research.

Answer: True

Explanation: The school bestows two annual awards named in honor of Frederick Buechner: one recognizing excellence in writing and the other for the best master's thesis in Theological Studies.

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The Robert Lewis Butler Award recognizes service and ministry within the Catholic Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Robert Lewis Butler Award specifically recognizes service and ministry within the African-American Church, not the Catholic Church.

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The Disciples Divinity House Scholar award is presented for distinction in pastoral theology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Disciples Divinity House Scholar award recognizes academic distinction, not specifically pastoral theology.

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The Liston O. Mills award recognizes students for outstanding coursework in a Biblical field.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Liston O. Mills award is given for distinction in the study of pastoral theology, religion, psychology, and culture, not solely coursework in a Biblical field.

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The J.D. Owen Prize is awarded for excellence in preaching.

Answer: False

Explanation: The J.D. Owen Prize is awarded for outstanding coursework in a Biblical field, not for excellence in preaching.

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The Academic Achievement Award is given for outstanding work in the discipline of preaching.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Academic Achievement Award recognizes a student for excellence in pursuing a master of divinity degree, not specifically for work in preaching.

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The McTyeire Award recognizes students for upholding the school's values and commitments to Wesleyan ideals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The McTyeire Award honors students who exemplify the school's values and commitments to Wesleyan ideals, including servant leadership, student service, and contributions to the Divinity School community.

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Which award is given to a degree candidate recognized for outstanding work in the discipline of preaching?

Answer: The Florence Conwell Prize

Explanation: The Florence Conwell Prize is awarded to a degree candidate who has distinguished themselves through outstanding work in the discipline of preaching.

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The W. Kendrick Grobel Award specifically honors achievement in which academic area?

Answer: Biblical Studies

Explanation: The W. Kendrick Grobel Award is presented to recognize outstanding achievement specifically within the field of Biblical Studies.

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What is the primary focus of the Robert Lewis Butler Award at Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: Service and ministry within the African-American Church

Explanation: The Robert Lewis Butler Award is designated to recognize service and ministry specifically within the African-American Church.

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What does the St. James Academy Award recognize?

Answer: The most outstanding sermon composition

Explanation: The St. James Academy Award is presented to acknowledge the composition of the most outstanding sermon.

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What area of study does the Liston O. Mills award recognize?

Answer: Pastoral Theology, Religion, Psychology, and Culture

Explanation: The Liston O. Mills award is presented to a student who has achieved distinction in the study of pastoral theology, religion, psychology, and culture.

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Which award recognizes students for upholding the school's values and commitments to Wesleyan ideals?

Answer: The McTyeire Award

Explanation: The McTyeire Award is presented to students who have upheld the school's values and commitments to Wesleyan ideals, including servant leadership and service to the community.

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What is the purpose of the Founder's Medal at Vanderbilt Divinity School?

Answer: To award the top-graduating student from each school.

Explanation: The Founder's Medal is awarded to the top-graduating student from each of Vanderbilt University's undergraduate and professional schools.

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What is the J.D. Owen Prize awarded for?

Answer: Outstanding coursework in a Biblical field

Explanation: The J.D. Owen Prize is awarded to recognize outstanding coursework completed within a Biblical field.

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What is the significance of the Frederick Buechner awards?

Answer: One award for excellence in writing, one for the best master's thesis.

Explanation: Vanderbilt Divinity School confers two annual awards in honor of Frederick Buechner: one recognizing excellence in writing and the other for the best master's thesis in Theological Studies.

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What was the stated purpose of the Umphrey Lee Dean's Award?

Answer: To recognize a student embodying the school's vision and mission.

Explanation: The Umphrey Lee Dean's Award is presented to a student who exemplifies the Divinity School's vision and mission.

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