This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on Union Theological Seminary. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Union Theological Seminary

A Legacy of Progressive Thought and Theological Education in the Heart of New York City.

Explore History 📜 Meet Faculty 👨‍🏫

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

An Overview

Foundational Institution

The Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York (UTS) stands as a private, ecumenical, and liberal Christian seminary located in the vibrant Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Established in 1836, it holds the distinction of being the oldest independent seminary in the United States. Since 1928, UTS has maintained a significant affiliation with Columbia University, enriching the academic landscape of both institutions.

Hub of Progressive Thought

Renowned as a bastion of progressive Christian scholarship, Union Theological Seminary has been a crucible for influential theological movements. It is recognized as the birthplace of critical theological frameworks such as Black theology and womanist theology. The seminary's commitment to intellectual rigor and social engagement continues to shape contemporary theological discourse.

Rich Academic Resources

UTS houses the Burke Library, one of the most extensive theological libraries in the Western Hemisphere. This invaluable resource, now integrated with the Columbia University Libraries system, provides access to over 700,000 items, including significant special collections and archives, supporting advanced research and study in theological fields.

Historical Trajectory

Early Foundations and Independence

Founded in 1836 by members of the Presbyterian Church in the USA, Union Theological Seminary was conceived with an open door to students of all denominations. A pivotal moment occurred in 1893 when the seminary asserted its independence by rescinding the Presbyterian General Assembly's right to veto faculty appointments. This move solidified its identity as a center for liberal theological inquiry, particularly following Charles A. Briggs' controversial inaugural address questioning the verbal inspiration of Scripture.

Campus Evolution

The seminary's original campus, located on Park Avenue, was replaced by its current site in Morningside Heights in 1910. The architectural design, executed by Allen & Collens, features English Gothic revival style, incorporating elements reminiscent of Durham Cathedral's crossing tower. This historic campus is situated amidst other prominent academic institutions, fostering a collaborative intellectual environment.

The current campus, completed in 1910, is characterized by its distinctive brick and limestone English Gothic revival architecture, designed by Allen & Collens. Its location places it adjacent to Teachers College, Barnard College, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and the Manhattan School of Music, facilitating cross-registration and shared library access.

The campus itself has landmark status, designated as a New York City Landmark in 1965, with specific sections like the Brown Memorial Tower, James Tower, and James Memorial Chapel recognized for their architectural significance. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 23, 1980.

20th Century and Beyond

The mid-20th century saw Union Theological Seminary become a focal point for both liberal and neo-orthodox Protestant thought, with influential figures like Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich shaping its academic identity. Despite facing financial challenges and a declining student base in later decades, strategic partnerships, including leasing space to Columbia University and transferring library responsibilities, helped stabilize the institution. The appointment of Serene Jones as the first female president in 2008 marked a significant milestone. More recently, UTS has taken stances on social and environmental issues, notably endorsing divestment from the fossil fuel industry and companies profiting from conflict.

Campus and Landmarks

Architectural Significance

The Union Theological Seminary campus is a notable example of English Gothic revival architecture, designed by the firm Allen & Collens and completed in 1910. The ensemble includes the prominent Brown Memorial Tower, which draws inspiration from the crossing tower of Durham Cathedral. The campus's architectural integrity has been recognized through its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places and designation as a New York City Landmark.

Strategic Location

Situated in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, the campus occupies a prime location bordered by Claremont Avenue, Broadway, and West 120th and 122nd Streets. This placement fosters academic synergy through established cross-registration and library access agreements with neighboring institutions like Columbia University, Teachers College, Barnard College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

The Burke Library

A Premier Theological Collection

The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary stands as one of North America's largest and most significant theological libraries, holding over 700,000 items. Its collections encompass a vast array of materials, including rare manuscripts, historical archives, and specialized collections focusing on women in theological scholarship and the history of missions.

Integration and Access

Since 2004, the Burke Library has been fully integrated into the Columbia University Libraries system, granting users access to an even broader collection of over 14 million volumes. Named in honor of benefactor Walter Burke, the library continues its mission to support theological research and education at the highest academic level.

Distinguished Faculty

Influential Scholars

Union Theological Seminary has been home to numerous influential theologians and scholars who have significantly shaped religious thought and practice. Figures such as Reinhold Niebuhr and Paul Tillich were central to the seminary's intellectual life during the 20th century. More recently, scholars like Cornel West have contributed to its vibrant academic community.

Notable Current Faculty

The current faculty comprises leading experts across various theological disciplines. Notable professors include Mary C. Boys (Practical Theology), David M. Carr (Old Testament), Pamela Cooper-White (Psychology and Religion), Kelly Brown Douglas (Dean and Canon Theologian), Gary Dorrien (Social Ethics), and Cornel West (Religious Philosophy and Christian Practice), among others.

  • Mary C. Boys – Skinner and McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology
  • David M. Carr – Professor of Old Testament
  • Euan Cameron – Professor of Reformation Church History
  • Alan Cooper – Professor of Bible (joint appointment with JTSA)
  • Pamela Cooper-White – Professor of Psychology and Religion
  • Kelly Brown Douglas – Dean; Professor of Theology
  • Gary Dorrien – Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics
  • Roger Haight – Visiting Professor of Theology
  • Esther J. Hamori – Professor of Hebrew Bible
  • Brigitte Kahl – Professor of New Testament
  • Chung Hyun Kyung – Associate Professor of Ecumenical Theology
  • Aliou C. Niang – Associate Professor of New Testament
  • Jerusha T. Rhodes – Associate Professor of Islam and Interreligious Engagement
  • Kosen Greg Snyder – Senior Director and Assistant Professor of Buddhist Studies
  • John J. Thatamanil – Professor of Theology and World Religions
  • Cornel West – Professor of Religious Philosophy and Christian Practice
  • Andrea C. White – Associate Professor of Theology and Culture

Esteemed Former Faculty

The seminary's history is enriched by a distinguished roster of former faculty members. Key figures include Charles Augustus Briggs, a pioneer of Modernist Christianity; Reinhold Niebuhr, known for his work in Christian social ethics; Paul Tillich, a prominent existentialist philosopher; James H. Cone, a founder of Black theology; and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the theologian and anti-Nazi activist who briefly taught at Union.

  • Michelle Alexander – Visiting Professor; author of "The New Jim Crow"
  • Charles Augustus Briggs – Professor of Hebrew and Biblical Theology
  • Raymond E. Brown – Professor of New Testament
  • Henry Sloane Coffin – President; influential theological liberal
  • James Cone – Charles Augustus Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology; founder of Black theology
  • W. D. Davies – Edward Robinson Professor of Biblical Theology
  • Harrison S. Elliot – Leader in YMCA and Religious Education
  • Harry Emerson Fosdick – Professor of Homiletics; first minister of Riverside Church
  • Beverly Wildung Harrison – Professor of Ethics; Christian feminist ethicist
  • Paul F. Knitter – Professor of Theology
  • John Macquarrie – Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Reinhold Niebuhr – Professor of Applied Christianity; author of "The Nature and Destiny of Man"
  • Edward Robinson – Biblical scholar
  • Philip Schaff – Theologian and Church Historian
  • William Greenough Thayer Shedd – Professor of Systematic Theology
  • Dorothee Soelle – Socially engaged German theologian
  • Paul Tillich – German-American theologian and philosopher
  • Phyllis Trible – Feminist biblical scholar
  • Walter Wink – Biblical scholar and activist

Notable Alumni

Shaping Society and Thought

Union Theological Seminary boasts a distinguished alumni network that has made significant contributions across various fields, including theology, academia, social justice, and public service. Graduates have become influential leaders, thinkers, and activists, impacting both religious communities and broader societal progress.

Key Figures

Among its notable alumni are:

  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer – German theologian and anti-Nazi resistance leader.
  • Oliver Crane – Clergyman, educator, and hymnologist.
  • David Dellinger – Prominent American peace activist.
  • Conrad Tillard – Baptist minister, activist, and politician.
  • Raphael Warnock – U.S. Senator and senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.
  • Rubem Alves – Brazilian theologian and writer.
  • Marcus Borg – Influential biblical scholar.
  • Malcolm Boyd – Episcopal priest and author, known for LGBTQ+ advocacy.
  • Walter Brueggemann – Esteemed Old Testament scholar.
  • Frederick Buechner – Celebrated novelist and theologian.
  • James Hal Cone – Founder of Black theology.
  • Myles Horton – Co-founder of the Highlander Center for social activism.
  • George R. Lunn – Mayor of Schenectady and Lieutenant Governor of New York.
  • Rollo May – Pioneering existential psychologist.
  • Norman Thomas – Socialist leader and perennial presidential candidate.
  • William Scott Ament – Missionary to China
  • Frederic Mayer Bird – Clergyman, educator, hymnologist
  • J. Seelye Bixler – President of Colby College
  • Anton Boisen – Founder of Clinical Pastoral Education
  • Malcolm Boyd – Episcopal priest, author, activist
  • Walter Brueggemann – Old Testament scholar
  • Frederick Buechner – Novelist, theologian
  • David Budbill – Poet
  • Edwin Otway Burnham – Missionary, frontiersman
  • Calvin Otis Butts III – Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church
  • W. Sterling Cary – President of the National Council of Churches
  • Gladwyn M. Childs – Anthropologist, missionary
  • Grigor Cilka – Albanian Protestant pioneer
  • Joseph Gallup Cochran – Missionary, educator
  • Oliver Crane – Clergyman, missionary, scholar
  • Nelson Cruikshank – Labor activist, instrumental in Medicare's passage
  • Claudia De la Cruz – Socialist activist, organizer
  • David Dellinger – Peace activist
  • Lynn de Silva – Sri Lankan theologian, interfaith pioneer
  • John R. Everett – University administrator
  • Helen Flanders Dunbar – Psychosomatic medicine pioneer
  • Franklin I. Gamwell – Professor of Ethics
  • Francis L. Garrett – Chief of Chaplains, U.S. Navy
  • Beverly Roberts Gaventa – New Testament scholar
  • Jeffrey Grant – Minister, co-founder of Progressive Prison Ministries
  • J. T. Gulick – Evolutionary biologist
  • Susan E. Goff – Episcopal bishop
  • David P. Gushee – Professor of Christian Ethics
  • Douglas John Hall – Theologian of the cross
  • Mark Hanson – Presiding Bishop, ELCA
  • Edler Garnet Hawkins – Moderator, United Presbyterian Church
  • Carter Heyward – Feminist theologian, priest
  • Richard Holloway – Scottish writer, broadcaster
  • Dwight Hopkins – Professor of Theology
  • Myles Horton – Co-founder, Highlander Center
  • William H. Hudnut III – Former Mayor of Indianapolis
  • Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz – Professor of Ethics and Theology
  • Suzan Johnson Cook – Former Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
  • Mark Juergensmeyer – Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies
  • Norman J. Kansfield – Seminary President
  • Mineo Katagiri – Minister, social activist
  • James Franklin Kay – Professor of Homiletics
  • George R. Lunn – Mayor, Lieutenant Governor of New York
  • Ernest Lyon – Ambassador to Liberia, educator
  • Reuben H. Markham – Missionary educator, journalist
  • Rollo May – Existential psychologist
  • Rachel Kollock McDowell – Religion editor, New York Times
  • Andrew McLellan – Moderator, Church of Scotland
  • James David Manning – Pastor in Harlem
  • Bruce McLeod – Moderator, United Church of Canada
  • William P. Merrill – Writer, hymnologist
  • Frederick Buckley Newell – Bishop, The Methodist Church
  • Henry F. C. Nichols – Wisconsin State Assembly member
  • Lisa Oz – Author, media personality
  • Eunice Blanchard Poethig – Presbyterian leader, educator
  • Paul Raushenbush – Minister, Religion Editor for The Huffington Post
  • John Bunyan Reeve – First Black student, Howard University theology department founder
  • Scott Rennie – Minister, Church of Scotland
  • Joseph L. Roberts Jr. – Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • James Herman Robinson – Founder of Operation Crossroads Africa
  • Carl Rogers – Pioneering psychologist
  • Leroy S. Rouner – Professor of Philosophy and Religion
  • Fleming Rutledge – Episcopal priest, author
  • V.C. Samuel – Indian Christian theologian
  • E. P. Sanders – Scholar of Pauline theology
  • Nathan A. Scott, Jr. – Scholar of religion and literature
  • William Gayley Simpson – ACLU associate director
  • Andrea Smith – Indigenous intellectual, activist
  • John Sung – Chinese evangelist
  • John Stoltenberg – Feminist writer
  • Juhanon Mar Thoma – Metropolitan of Marthoma Syrian Church
  • Norman Thomas – Socialist leader
  • Conrad Tillard – Baptist minister, activist
  • K. H. Ting – President, Three-Self Patriotic Movement
  • Phyllis Trible – Feminist biblical scholar
  • Constance Cochnower Virtue – Composer
  • Raphael Warnock – U.S. Senator, Pastor
  • George W. Webber – President, New York Theological Seminary
  • Floyd Wilcox – President of Shimer College
  • Delores S. Williams – Womanist theologian
  • Walter Wink – Biblical scholar, activist
  • Clemis Abraham – Former head of Malankara Syriac Knanaya Archdiocese

Related Topics

Publications and Resources

The seminary publishes the Union Seminary Quarterly Review, a journal dedicated to theological scholarship and discussion. Additionally, Union Theological Seminary maintains a presence on Wikimedia Commons, offering a repository of related media files.

Institutional Affiliations

UTS maintains significant affiliations with other academic institutions, notably Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. These partnerships facilitate resource sharing and interdisciplinary academic engagement.

References

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Union Theological Seminary" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about union_theological_seminary while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

national fascist party
    
washington's 33rd legislative district
    
visalia rawhide
    
faridkot state
    
cormac mccarthy
    
digital terrestrial television
    
trois morceaux en forme de poire
    
victor davis hanson
    
ryan wingo
    
kami
    

References

References

  1.  McGiffert first served as acting president after the death of Francis Brown from 1916 to 1917.[46]
A full list of references for this article are available at the Union Theological Seminary Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on data sourced from Wikipedia and may not reflect the most current information or nuances of the subject matter. The information provided is not a substitute for professional academic or theological consultation.

This is not professional advice. The content herein should not be considered a definitive guide or used as a basis for making academic, professional, or personal decisions. Always consult primary sources and qualified experts for accurate and up-to-date information.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.