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Henry Luce Foundation Theology Scholarship USA

Henry Luce Foundation Theology Scholarship USA
Henry Luce Foundation Theology Scholarship USA

The Henry Luce Foundation Theology Scholarship supports innovative, excellent PhD research in theology and related fields. The scholarship aims to nurture influential scholars whose work explores the rich relationships between theology and contemporary life. 

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Background on the Henry Luce Foundation

The Henry Luce Foundation was founded in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time Inc., the multimedia company behind magazines and media brands like Time, Fortune, Sports Illustrated, and People. Based in New York City, the foundation supports institutions and individuals in Asia, especially those related to policy and religion.

The foundation pursues its mission through three main program areas – higher education, religion, and international programs in Asia. Within religion, the foundation aims to foster understanding between religious traditions and support innovative scholarship on theology and ethics. The theology scholarship program falls under this religion program area.

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Over the decades, the Henry Luce Foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants to top institutions like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and many others for groundbreaking research projects across Asia and in the fields of theology, religion, and ethics. Past recipients of the theology scholarship have gone on to highly influential careers as respected theologians, professors, and thought leaders.

Overview of the Theology Scholarship

The Henry Luce Foundation Theology Scholarship is a prestigious award that provides multi-year funding for outstanding Ph.D. students pursuing innovative research at the intersection of theology and contemporary life. Each year, up to four scholarships of up to $90,000 over three years are awarded.

The core goals of the scholarship program are:

  • To support innovative research in theology and related fields that explore the intersections between religious tradition and questions arising from contemporary life;
  • To nurture emerging scholars whose work promises to make meaningful contributions to both theological disciplines and public discourse;
  • To encourage interdisciplinary and cross-tradition approaches in theological scholarship.

Key eligibility requirements include:

  • Candidates must be nominated by the theology department or divinity school of an accredited US institution;
  • Nominees must be engaged in PhD research with a clear theological component; multi- or interdisciplinary projects are ideal;
  • Candidates should show promise of becoming influential scholars and teachers.

The application process is competitive, and selection is extremely selective. Past recipients have had outstanding academic records, strong letters of recommendation, and research proposals pushing theological boundaries in innovative ways. The next application deadline is January 15, 2023.

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Potential Research Areas of Focus

Theology is a broad field encompassing many religious traditions and perspectives. Here are some potential areas nominees have explored through their PhD research with support from the Luce Foundation scholarship:

Ethics and Public Policy

Examining theological perspectives on contemporary ethical issues facing society like climate change, racism, inequality, war, and conflict resolution. How can religious traditions shape public debates and policy solutions in these areas?

Science and Religion

Interrogating the relationships and tensions between theology, faith, and scientific worldviews. Topics may include evolution, genetics, artificial intelligence, and transhumanism from theological lenses.

Feminist/Womanist/Queer Theologies

Developing inclusive theologies that advocate for marginalized genders and sexually diverse communities. In what ways can religious traditions modernize to promote social justice?

Interreligious Dialogue

Studying intersections between theological disciplines like Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, etc., and exploring models for interfaith cooperation and understanding in a religiously plural world.

Postcolonial/Liberation Theologies

Applying theological frameworks and scriptural hermeneutics to issues facing postcolonial and developing societies. How can religious traditions empower local communities and advocate for structural change?

Spirituality and Popular Culture

Investigating expressions of faith, questions of meaning/purpose, and portrayals of religion in arts, entertainment, and social media. In what ways do cultural products reflect and shape spiritual worldviews?

This covers just a sample of compelling topics Luce scholars have researched. The scholarship encourages novel perspectives that push theological boundaries.

Success Stories from Past Recipients

The Henry Luce Foundation theology scholarship has supported some outstanding emerging scholars over the decades who have gone on to highly influential careers:

Kelly Brown Douglas

One of the first African American women to earn a Ph.D. in theology. She used her Luce scholarship to research ‘The Black Church and the Black University’ and went on to become Dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary.

Miguel De La Torre

His scholarship examined ‘Latin American Liberation Theologies’. He is now the Iliff Professor of Social Ethics at the Iliff School of Theology and a prominent voice advocating for justice from theological perspectives.

Willie James Jennings

His Luce-funded research addressed ‘African American Theologies of Exile’. He later became a professor at Yale Divinity School, shaping postcolonial and African American theologies.

Amanda Alexander Bennet

Her dissertation explored ‘Feminist Liturgy and Performance Art’. She currently directs The Episcopal Network for Economic Justice and creates multidisciplinary worship experiences.

Tobias Winright

His scholarship proposal on ‘Just War and Terrorism from Christian Perspectives’ led to pioneering work on jus post bellum and limiting harm in modern warfare. He teaches at Saint Louis University.

These are just a handful of examples demonstrating the high caliber of emerging scholars supported by the Luce Foundation and the significant contributions they go on to make. Selection as a Luce scholar represents a remarkable opportunity to pursue groundbreaking research with prestigious multi-year funding support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?

To be eligible, candidates must be nominated by the theology department or divinity school of an accredited graduate institution in the United States. Nominees must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program with a clear theological component to their planned dissertation research. The nominee’s research should push boundaries and have the potential to impact both theological scholarship as well as broader public discourse.

What are the key selection criteria?

Successful candidates will demonstrate outstanding academic performance, have clearly defined innovative research proposals and strong faculty recommendations, and show promise to become influential scholars and teachers through their work. An interdisciplinary approach that brings together theology with other fields is ideal.

How competitive is the selection process?

The Henry Luce Foundation Theology Scholarship is extremely competitive, with typically only around four awards granted each year out of dozens of qualified applicants. Selection is highly selective. On average, the success rate is estimated to be around 5-10%. Candidates must have truly exceptional records and research visions to be selected in this competitive process.

What are the requirements as a recipient?

Scholars receive up to $90,000 of funding over three years to support their PhD research and dissertation work. There are no work or payback requirements. However, scholars are expected to keep the foundation apprised of their progress and may be asked to present their research at Luce conferences or events in future years. Maintaining high academic standards is also expected throughout their PhD program.

Does religious affiliation matter?

No, religious affiliation is not a factor in selection. Candidates from any faith tradition or none are welcome to apply. The scholarship aims to support innovative research at the intersection of theology and public life regardless of the scholar’s personal beliefs. The focus is on academic excellence and pushing boundaries in the field of theology.

How do I get started with the application process?

Interested students should first discuss applying with their department and dissertation supervisor to receive a nomination. They can then access the full application guidelines on the Henry Luce Foundation website. Key elements include transcripts, research proposals, recommendation letters, and writing samples. Direct any other questions to the foundation’s grants staff well in advance of the deadline. Thorough preparation is essential for this competitive process.

Apply Now

If this prestigious scholarship aligns with your research interests and goals, I encourage you to explore applying. Here are the key application links:

Be sure to start the process early by discussing it with your advisors. Thoroughly research the foundation and craft a compelling research proposal pushing theological boundaries. With strong letters of recommendation highlighting your promise as a scholar, there is an opportunity for excellent students to receive this prestigious support. Best of luck as you consider this opportunity.

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Conclusion

The Henry Luce Foundation Theology Scholarship provides an invaluable opportunity for emerging scholars to pursue groundbreaking Ph.D. research at the intersections of theology and public life. As this extensive post detailed, the scholarship has a long history of nurturing researchers who go on to become influential theologians, professors, and thought leaders across multiple faith traditions.

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