Cynthia L. Shattuck and Fredrica Harris Thompsett, Editors This unique collection of writings by Verna Dozier, eloquent prophet and teacher of the Bible, features selections from all her available work, including The Authority of the Laity, Equipping the Saints, her unfinished manuscript on the Bible, sermons, and interviews. Many of these materials, designed to give the unique flavor of Verna Dozier's wit and wisdom, have never appeared before in print. Beginning with a short biography of Verna's life in order to place the writings in context, the book consists of six chapters organized both autobiographically and thematically. Beginning chapters cover her early life and family--her parents and sister, growing up African-American and Baptist in the segregated city of Washington DC, the influence of Howard Thurman and other theologians at Howard University, and her dual career, shaped by one set of values, teaching English literature and teaching the Bible. Subsequent chapters cover her approach and method of studying Scripture, teaching on Bible stories, her challenge to the church, and questions of ambiguity, morality, and faith. 5 1/4 x 8 1/4 Paperback 160 pp
Dr. Fredrica Harris Thompsett is a teacher, author and scholar of Anglican church history and theology whose current title is Mary Wolfe Professor Emerita of Historical Theology at the Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) in Cambridge, Massachusetts where she has taught for over 25 years. Her latest book is "Born of Water, Born of Spirit: Supporting the Ministry of the Baptized in Small Congregations," co-authored with Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook and published by Alban Institute in 2010.
Her most popular book is a 1989 publication, republished as a Seabury Classic in 2003, "We Are Theologians." One of Dr. Thompsett's most recent books is "Confronted by God, The Essential Verna Dozier" (edited with Cynthia Shattuck in 2006); she has also co-edited with Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook a volume on Episcopal women, "Deeper Joy: Laywomen and Vocation in the 20th Century Episcopal Church" (2004). Another volume, "Living with History" (Cowley Publications, 2000), is part of the New Church's Teaching Series. She is a recent member of the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Lifelong Christian Education and Formation. An experienced educator, Fredrica is a longtime advocate for the ministry of laity and clergy and she is currently working on a book focusing baptism and ecology, "Holy Water." She is widely sought after as a conference and retreat leader, speaker, and preacher.
