Dr. Michael Turner, associate professor of the history of Christianity at Hood Theological Seminary, recently returned from attending the National Endowment for Humanities Scholars Seminar Program. The National Endowment for the Humanities offers a select number of grants each year for a diverse group of scholars chosen to participate in special seminars they offer. Turner was one of 16 scholars chosen from universities, seminaries and liberal arts colleges around the country to attend this year’s seminar, “Understanding Buddhism Through its Classic Text.”
Turner said, “The study program provided a time for scholars to read classic Buddhist texts and do independent research under the guidance of two premiere scholars in the field — Luis Gomez (University of Mexico, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan) and Paramil Patil (Harvard University). In my independent research, I looked at the intersection of Buddhism with other esoteric religions in late 19th and early 20th century America.”
Prior to joining Hood’s faculty in 2012, Turner served as a faculty member in religious studies at Misericordia University in northeast Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University (2009), a M.Div. from Emory University, and a B.A. from Emory and Henry College. His teaching interests include the history of Christianity, global religions and death and after-life beliefs. Much of his current research is focused on understanding religion and cultural change in Victorian America.
Hood Theological Seminary, at 1810 Lutheran Synod Drive, is a graduate and professional school where intellectual discourse and ministerial preparation occur in tandem within the framework of a community of faith. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, the seminary is sponsored by the AME Zion Church and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. Its student body includes persons from many different denominations. As a theological seminary, it provides for the church an educational community in which Christian maturity and ministerial preparation take place together.