Named “The Best Theologian in America” by Time magazine in 2001, Stanley Hauerwas has an outsized influence on American Christianity, despite being an outspoken critic of America. From his faculty position at United Methodist-affiliated Duke Divinity School, Hauerwas popularized the neo-Anabaptist pacifist teachings of the less known Mennonite theologian and ethicist John Howard Yoder.
At Duke, Hauerwas’ conviction that nonviolence is essential to being a Christian spread not just into United Methodism and the Episcopal Church (which he attends), but also into American Evangelicalism. Famous for his contrarian disposition, Hauerwas extends this prohibition on violence not just to military action, but to any government coercion – including policing.
“I’m a person with strong convictions and, hopefully, strong arguments,” Hauerwas told No Small Endeavor host Lee C. Camp in a podcast conversation earlier this month. The Duke academic discussed his struggle for patience with those he dislikes, his long-suffering first marriage to a spouse afflicted with mental illness, and his distance from both Evangelical and Progressive Christians.
“I’ve had to be fairly intentional about patience, in particular, patience towards people I do not like,” Hauerwas recounted. “I’ve found it very hard, for example, to work for people I do not like. That’s called the modern university [laughter] where oftentimes people that I don’t like want to take on positions that make it possible for them to tell me what to do. Learning to be patient in a way that recognizes that they may actually have something good that they represent is a big challenge for me.”
Hauerwas also addressed his emphasis upon concern around self-deception and his disagreement with piety, which he sees as an invitation to setting oneself up as a self-exemplar.
The Duke theologian is a curiosity for his disavowal of theological liberalism and simultaneous extreme dislike for evangelicalism. “I’m not a follower of either, because, one, I don’t think you get to make Christianity up: you receive it through the exemplification of people who live in a way that scares you.”
Hauerwas characterized America as a country that prides itself on being different. But the difference, he says, turns out to be prideful.
“I don’t see how you can say ‘Christian nation’ and at the same time say ‘Jesus is Lord.’ I try to help myself and others recognize what loaded things we say as Christians and how the implications may have remarkable outcomes in ways that Evangelicals betray,” Hauerwas reflected. “I just don’t know the Evangelical world, but what I know of it I dislike intensely. I mean, the last thing one should want is a personal relationship with Jesus – I mean, that’s letting yourself control who Jesus is.”
Hauerwas insisted that liberal Christianity is “very similar” to Evangelical Christianity.
“They both depend upon accounts of experience as an individual that I think is deeply problematic,” Hauerwas argued, identifying himself as a “post-liberal” with an emphasis on communal faith. “Protestant liberalism takes many different forms and some of it I’ve been deeply shaped by it. But, I have this mantra that ‘modernity is a time that produced people that believe they should have no story except the story they chose when they had no story.’”
Hauerwas argues that this leaves people insisting that they can make up their own mind about what they believe about Jesus.
“I think that Protestant liberalism’s presumption that you get to make up your own mind about Jesus was a deep mistake,” the theologian posited.
Podcast audio can be accessed here or viewed on YouTube below.
Comment by Corvus Corax on July 24, 2024 at 7:21 am
That’s pretty funny. The evangelical Baptist call to accept Christ as your “personal savior” has always bothered me for similar reasons. Have you hired Jesus Christ as your personal trainer?
I know it isn’t what evangelicals mean when they say these words, but they’ve imported the language of individualism and liberalism into their theology and therefore accidentally implied that salvation is a matter of preference. Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal assistant?
I’m sure Hauerwas and I have a lot to disagree about, but I admit the old coot nailed this one.
Comment by Bruce Atkinson on July 24, 2024 at 11:53 am
Yes, Hauerwas sounds neurotic at best (likely more mentally ill than that), is inconsistent (self-contradicting) in his views, and he certainly is not evangelical or puritan. How could any Christian not want a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? If the report is half-way accurate, he is an anarchist and unlikely to be a Christian at all. Barf!
Jesus tells a story:
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:12–14).
The people of Jesus’ day understood the relationship between shepherds and sheep, but the significance of a shepherd going in search of one lost sheep is sometimes lost on us. It seems strange that a shepherd would leave his flock to search for one missing sheep. But this is how much our Lord cares for each individual. He does not care more for the entire flock than He does for the one who is lost… see also the parable of the Prodigal Son (or Waiting Father) who rejoices more for the lost son who returned than the one who never left home.
This is a message for those who would value a church group or the principle of communality greatly but (relatively speaking) dismiss the value of the individual, or of the individual’s relationship with His Creator.
God does NOT dismiss His relationship with each individual.
Comment by Curtis Nesster on July 24, 2024 at 12:27 pm
Why do people continually inject their own personal ideas into the simple plan of salvation? I guess it is pride, thinking their view is superior to what the scripture plainly states. Jesus did not call people to join any church or organization to be saved. He gave His simple invitation:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Sounds to me like that is a Personal Relationship with the Lord!
Comment by John on July 24, 2024 at 5:27 pm
Bruce,
The thing is everyone always tends to see themselves as the prodigal son, but sometimes you’re his brother, which means not getting all the attention from God you want all the time. I’ve not studied Hauerwas much, but maybe he’s onto something.
Comment by Thomas on July 24, 2024 at 5:27 pm
Stanley Hauerwas like others liberal leaning theologians, contradicts himself. If he isn`t a liberal why he attends an Episcopal Church parish, specially if that church now is apostate to the core?
Comment by Tim Ware on July 24, 2024 at 10:11 pm
Mainline seminaries teach a “theology of church.” We are supposed to believe that God is concerned only with groups and does not care about individuals. Individuals are supposed to meld into the group, all think alike, be obedient to those in “authority,” and of course keep giving lots of money to pay for the salaries and benefits of pastors and denominational bureaucrats. As other commenters have pointed out, this focus on groups rather than individuals is diametrically opposed to the teachings of Jesus. But it is illustrative of the Marxist influence on mainline Christianity. Yet another reason to run, run, run away from denominational, institutional Christianity and never look back.
Comment by Diane on July 25, 2024 at 12:16 am
I put my post about “pro-lifers” who want to support the “unborn” actually intend for the rest of us to pick up the tab for to see the responses. I figured folks would be horrified. The #1 reason women seek abortions is they can’t afford a child at this point in their lives. Now, I spent thirty-five years teaching in children raised in impoverished circumstances. I was a public school teacher…I put thousands of dollars over those decades in supplies to give those children the best start. I was their first teacher…the kindergarten teacher who made sure nearly every child entered first grade already working above grade level. I knew the racist attitudes of many white southern teachers who look at a brown or black kid and assume they’re never going to accomplish much. I worked to prove them wrong. First impressions count, white southern teachers always first express surprise and then, delight when a child of color walks in the classroom on the first day and makes an impression with the knowledge and skills they have. I was determined the kids I taught would make a good first impression and thus, be valued. Yet, today, it’s the same legislators and voters from the Christian right – the
pro-life people – who are arguing public schools are failing. It’s a narrative to justify siphoning millions of tax dollars to support vouchers for their kids to attend private schools, away from the impoverished families and the children I served. It’s the pro-life folks who don’t want funding of public schools (black and brown kids are only 20% of private school enrollment, most people of color don’t want their kids to be tokens in the majority of private schools that were established to maintain segregation. I advocate for taxes to go to public schools, where children from impoverished families enroll. Education makes a difference…I am disgusted with the greedy pro-life voters who expect tax dollars fo fund schools for mostly white children. This year, pro-life legislators in my state decided not to place an income cap on who gets private school vouchers. It’s one thing to be “pro-life” – but the folks who are opposed at having to foot the tax bill for needed funding of public schools – where those “unborn” kids end up – are the so-called “pro-lifers”. I vote to support public school funding…where’s your column about the pro-life hypocrites who distance themselves from these children once they’re born?
Comment by Douglas E Ehrhardt on July 25, 2024 at 8:54 am
Diane , Possibly try living Biblical. The public schools have failed. Sodomy is sacred isn’t it? You seem to live an anti Christ life. Praying for you 🙏.
Comment by Pastor Mike on July 25, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Diane, based on your angry, hateful posts directed toward God, the Bible, men, and any other issue you disagree with, I shudder to think what “lessons” you imparted on kindergarten age children. I am thankful that you are no longer a public school teacher.
Comment by Roger on July 25, 2024 at 4:53 pm
I have been wondering about the Evangelical call that many Churches have started using, accept Christ as your personal Savior? Ephesians 1: 4 ” According as he hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” It’s pretty clear, we were chosen to be part of Christ, in the Body of Christ, before the foundation of the world. The Salvation call is “Whosoever will” believe 1 Corinthians 15; 1 – 4. is accepting the Gift of Grace, by Faith; plus nothing else. Christ has done all the work necessary for our Salvation. We have no part in the Gift of Salvation, except to accept the Gift.
Comment by George on July 27, 2024 at 5:25 pm
So I’m going to mark Diane down as pro abortion. After all, she has cast the blame for all that is wrong with public education on those not wanting to murder her future students while still in the womb. She never blames the parents or should I say the single parent of such unfortunate children. Never blame the culture who has the highest percentage of poor children. The culture of free lunch. Free school supplies. Free uniforms. No, no, no.
Never blame the so called less fortunate. Let’s blame the ones who try to avoid the life styles of the less fortunate. As a public school teacher, she is so fortunate to never see the violence they learn at home. Hear the foul language that they learn at home. Or see where it’s obvious there is no proper guidance at home. Yes, those wishing to send their children to private schools at great personal expense are the real problem. She needs to stop blaming (as all liberals do) those who want better for their children. Like nice schools. Clean and safe neighborhoods. And yes, people like themselves to associate with. Diane would be surprised at the number of black and brown families who do this as well. It’s about good parents wanting good things for their families by WORKING for it.
Comment by Thomas on July 29, 2024 at 9:36 pm
I have here a good response to Diane, from Brian Fisher, from Human Coalition, a pregnancy crisis center, that proves the “pro-birth” claim is a fallacy. “I admit I get irritated by the “pro-birth” comment. It’s a popular pro-abortion tactic that suggests pro-life people care only about the child before they are born. On the whole, I’ve not found that to be true. I have interacted with dozens of politicians in various states and at the federal level – none of whom want to save babies without also helping those already born, regardless of party./ However, let’s remind ourselves what abortion is. In America, it’s the leading cause of death of human beings. One in three deaths every day is caused by an abortion. As Christians who value the zygote the same as the adult, it should be blatantly obvious why we are deeply concerned about the child. Again, if 1 million toddlers were being killed every year in America, no one would ever say it was wrong to focus on rescuing those children – even if we didn’t provide universal healthcare to them afterwards.” https://www.humancoalition.org/2018/11/02/a-response-to-christians-who-support-abortion-rights/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEVIqFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVLOoG4Zm6VoAwZVKUxdGETP5jSE_KHjtxAUPuw26uRM8b7k77-WMDEwiQ_aem_59xFfcFJlVpQ7mqS_c-WnQ
Comment by Joanne Beckman on July 30, 2024 at 10:02 pm
If any teacher, or alleged authority, admits they don’t “know” the subject they are critiquing (as this theologian admitted he did not “know” the “evangelical world”), I wonder why anyone would listen to what they say about said subject.
Comment by Brian Scarborough on July 31, 2024 at 12:59 pm
Jesus is our friend and brother. His father is our Father. Jesus is the Bridegroom. How are these not personal relationships? We do not just have a legal relationship with Him. Like marriage, it is both legal and personal.
Comment by John on July 31, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Brian,
“Jesus is the Bridgegroom.” Yes, but I am not the bride. The Church is. One very wise theologian told me once, “We don’t get Jesus without his friends.” We don’t find Jesus in some wholely solitary quest through the Bible, through prayer, or some kind of deep soul-searching outside the bounds of all other human contact. Instead we find him most readily in fellowship with other Christians. Indeed Jesus himself tells us this. “Where three or more are gathered in my name, I am there as well.”
Comment by JoeR on July 31, 2024 at 6:25 pm
Soon as I saw “Duke Divinity School” I had seen all I needed to see.
Comment by Salvatore Anthony Luiso on August 2, 2024 at 7:04 pm
Regarding “Hauerwas argues that this leaves people insisting that they can make up their own mind about what they believe about Jesus”: How is that a bad thing? How can we *not* make up our own minds about what we believe about Him?
Regarding “Hauerwas reflected. ‘I just don’t know the Evangelical world, but what I know of it I dislike intensely. I mean, the last thing one should want is a personal relationship with Jesus – I mean, that’s letting yourself control who Jesus is.'”
If I want a personal relationship with Hauerwas, would that mean letting myself control who he is? No, it wouldn’t.
It appears he doesn’t understand why evangelicals use the term “personal relationship with Jesus” and what they mean by it. Does he think it would be better to have an *impersonal* relationship with Him?
Does he not think the apostles Peter, James, and John had a personal relationship with Jesus? Or the apostle Paul? In fact, they all did. This doesn’t mean that they didn’t also have what one might call a “communal relationship” with Him–just like having a personal relationship with one’s father doesn’t mean that one doesn’t have a familial relationship with him with one’s mother, brother, and sister.
Hauerwas and other critics of the term “personal relationship with Jesus” should know that it is used to distinguish between knowing Jesus personally and “knowing” Him through another person, e.g. believing that one’s standing with Jesus depends on the fact that one’s mother was very religious, and that one can attend church every week of one’s life and yet still have only either an impersonal relationship with Him or no relationship at all.
I hope that Hauerwas will properly understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, that he will have one with Him if he doesn’t already, and that instead of being averse to it, He will cherish it.
Comment by Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth on August 2, 2024 at 7:16 pm
Professor Hauerwas is a great theological servant of Christ and His Church. Not flawless. Not perfect. But compelling. He has been, is, and will be influential throughout world Christianity. Give thanks to God for this fearless moral theologian. He invites all of us think clearly and decisively about God, the Church, and this world. We laity and clergy need to do that as often as possible.
Comment by Tim Ware on August 4, 2024 at 9:50 pm
The sad thing is that “Professor Hauerwas” will live a comfy retirement off of his generous pension after stabbing true Christianity in the heart. As will so many others.
Comment by Karen Joy on August 12, 2024 at 2:29 pm
To Diane the teacher:
Just maybe the vouchers will allow a little color into those so-white private schools. Impoverished people can’t even dream of private school without some help. I would think that would be the main reason you don’t see many poor people going through their doors. Vouchers will give them that help, allow them to leave failing public school systems behind. You need to watch the movie “Waiting for Superman”. It is much more eloquent than I.