Over the course of its 133-year history, the prestigious Gifford Lectures delivered annually in Scotland have developed deep ties to Harvard University whose faculty—including Professors Diana Eck, William James, and Steven Pinker—have broken new ground in the studies of religion, science, and philosophy.... Read more about HDS Dean Hempton to Deliver Prestigious Gifford Lectures
I write at perhaps the most challenging moment of our lifetimes, as our society reels from global pandemic, economic collapse, and social unrest. We have all been affected. Many in the HDS community are on the front lines as activists, caregivers, and even policy makers. I want you to know that we at HDS are thinking of you. We are inspired by your efforts. We thank you for making a world of difference.
In recent months, I have often reflected on my time as an undergraduate at Queen’s University, Belfast, in the early 1970s, the first—and some of the worst—years of the “...
Dean David N. Hempton delivered the 2020 McCosh Lecture, organized by Queen's University Belfast. His lecture was titled "Networks, Nodes and Nuclei: Towards a New Theory of Religious Change."
I know you share with me a deep anger and sadness after one of the worst weeks in our country’s recent history, possibly THE worst. There are now over 100,000 deaths from the Covid-19 virus, mostly the elderly, the incarcerated, “essential” workers, the marginalized, people of color, native peoples, and the poor. There are tens of millions unemployed and uncertain where their next meal is coming from.... Read more about A Message from Dean Hempton: 'Let's Not Be Found Wanting'
This past year, HDS began a major renewal project on our main campus building, welcomed new Hindu monastics in residence, became inspired—yet again—by the words and work of our faculty and students, and experienced many momentous moments.... Read more about Top Stories of 2019: A Look Back
