BETHANY PROFESSOR TO ATTEND LUTHERAN ACADEMY OF SCHOLARS 

	Bryan Yorton

LINDSBORG, Kan.—Bryan Yorton, assistant professor of philosophy, has been accepted to attend the Lutheran Academy of Scholars summer seminar at Harvard University.            
         The 11-day seminar is led by Ronald F. Thiemann, professor of theology and religion & society at Harvard and coordinated by L. DeAne Lagerquist, professor and chair of religion at St. Olaf College. Faculty from all fields of study apply to the academy, with eight to ten being chosen. The 2006 conversation will focus on the uneasy relationship between the Lutheran tradition and the literary arts. Participants bring their ideas from their own specialization to include in the discussion and carry out a related scholarly project. A follow-up session in 2007 will focus on those projects.
            “I am very grateful for the opportunity to interact with other scholars and get responses to some of my ideas regarding the role of literature in Christian living, and in the formation of theology and faith commitments,” Yorton said.  Yorton added that being recognized by the Academy of Lutheran Scholars through inclusion in the summer seminar has encouraged him in his academic pursuits.  
            Yorton’s project for the academy is titled “A Framework for Critiquing the Role of Literature in the Life of Faith.”  Yorton holds a Ph.D and bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a master’s degree in humanities and an associate’s degree in the liberal arts. 
            As a participant, Yorton will receive a $2000 stipend for participation in the seminar and follow-up session. All travel expenses also are paid for by the academy.
            Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service.

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