Some years ago I served on a regional credentialing board of my denomination. Our primary task was interviewing candidates for ordained ministry, and I actually had the audacity to think we were interested in theologically astute talent. Yet when one exceedingly bright young seminary graduate presented herself, the board responded in an odd manner. Instead of expressing appreciation for her gifts, veterans wondered aloud if we could keep someone so well qualified! In fact, her intellect was considered a liability.
Another time, I participated in a conference at one of our nation’s premier seminaries. The gathering was devoted to the history of theology during America’s founding. Academic papers revolved around the ideas of past church leaders. I assumed that at least some of the presenters would identify with the traditions examined. Instead, very few practitioners of faith attended the conference. I presented a paper but was met with suspicion. One colleague hinted that my church affiliation diminished the quality of my scholarship. He saw no irony in the fact that his secularized guild was all but obsessed with the church’s academic legacy.
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