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I have recently read about Krister Stendahl’s passing, and my condolences go out to his family. When I wasn't taking myself so seriously while scurrying from classes to field education programs and back during my time at HDS, I'm grateful for the time I allowed myself to sit and listen to this wonderful soul. I wish I had slowed down a little more during my time at HDS to enjoy these figures of wisdom a little bit more.
Krister and his lovely wife Brita were terrific role models. What I most appreciated about this man is how he allowed me to be me. I originally felt shy around Krister, but he refused to let this get in the way. A person never felt judged by Krister, nor was he dogmatic in matters of faith, though, he might nudge you with that wonderful grin, which hinted of a great secret he wished to reveal. He would then zing you with a question, such as, "So how would you define hope, young man?" Jeez! Of course, you were obligated to dig deep within yourself and come up with an answer. That is the wonderful gift he gave many of us—helping us realize that we had the ability to dig deep and come up with answers. Pedro Gonzales Posted July 30 |
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While I led computing at HDS from about 1988-97, Krister Stendahl needed a bit of technical help. Regardless of his renown and position, he was gracious and grateful and made me feel quite proud to have helped. Judith Ullman Posted on July 24 |
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I remember Krister as a man of wisdom, compassion, resoluteness, gentleness, originality, humor, concentration, leadership, perseverance, piety, patience, and humility. He was the man blessed in the first Psalm. We will miss him. Jacobus (Coos) Schoneveld Posted on June 20 |
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My memories of Krister Stendahl are vivid and most pleasant. He was kind and welcoming. His ready smile, sharp wit and interest in me and the churches in Africa gave me the impression that he was keenly aware of the critical role of the Divinity School in preparing future leaders and scholars in one part of the world where Christianity is experiencing extraordinary growth. His legacy lives on, and I am grateful for his influence during my time at HDS. Victor Wan-Tatah Posted on May 30 |
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Krister Stendahl had finished his deanship when I arrived at HDS. I never had him for a class; he never read any of my papers. I forget what medical procedure he had sometime around 1981 or 1982. But I'll never forget Professor Paul Hanson, in the midst of a hermeneutics class, glancing out the window and saying with great wonder and affection: "There goes Krister Stendahl on his bicycle." Lisa Deeley Smith, MTS '82 Posted on May 22 |
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What a keen thinker, priest among the peoples, and marvelous Christian gentleman! From my ThM year at Harvard (as he stood in stovepipe hat and conferred my degree behind the Carriage House), through his recent, eloquent tribute to Helmut in the volume Phil Sellew and I edited, Krister has been such a unique blessing and icon. We pray a special grace for Brita and family in this time. Jim & Linda Smith Posted on May 20 |
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A few years ago, I was at an HDS reception that the Stendahls also attended. I remarked to Brita about Krister’s introductory New Testament lectures in the 1960s, in which he would pace back and forth on the dais, full of conviction, full of humor, without so much as a scrap of paper in front of him. He was so inspired—and so inspiring—that we thought he had the Holy Spirit perched on his shoulder. With a twinkle in her eye, Brita replied, “So did Krister.” Walter E. Aufrecht Posted on May 19 |
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In the 1970s, Krister generously agreed to give me a tutorial in textual criticism at a time when I was deliberately stretching my wings into new areas. We met on a regular basis to engage the complexities of Masoretic, Septuagintal, NT, Philonic, Ethiopic, and Armenian issues. It was only because of the frequent invitational phone calls that arrived as we were talking that I truly understood just how global was his influence. I didn't pursue text criticism as a specialty, but I learned something about combining meticulous precision and adventuresome imagination from one of the Masters. (And the importance of doing what you love.) Mark Kiley Posted on May 19 |
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As a student and staff member in the mid 1980s, I took on the renewal of the HDS Choir, which had been dormant for some years. Passionate about midweek chapel, denominational services, and "alternative worship" at HDS, I eventually was offered oversight of the music at HDS worship. Upon his return from Sweden, Krister sought me out, eager to share ideas and history of noon worship, about which he was even more passionate than I. During one of those profound and delicious conversations about worship, music, G/L inclusion, Paul and the Corinthians, and so on and so on, he mentioned, with that faraway look in his eyes, leaning back, fingers touching in his characteristic posture, that if he saw himself in any role now that he had returned from Sweden, it might be as "a kind of Chaplain." Charmed and excited by the idea, I passed the conversation along to Dean Thiemann, and while I can scarcely take credit, Krister was indeed shortly thereafter appointed Chaplain. Thus began two wonderful and spiritually alive years of working together, pondering (he might say "chewing on") every upcoming worship service to determine who to invite to preach, what liturgy and music selections to propose, and reflect on the spirit of those who participated, as well as those who did not. Of course, Krister had countless anecdotes and observations about every aspect of the whole process, and I learned so much by listening to him and watching him in action. Though a generation older and worlds ahead of me in experience and charisma, he treated me as a peer—a rare gift in a supervisor. I feel so blessed to have had that time together and the few precious visits we had since then. My prayers and sympathy are with the entire family, as well as my gratitude for sharing Krister with us for all those years. Ruth Roper, MTS '90;
Coordinator of Music and Worship Programs, '88-92. Posted on May 16 |
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Krister was not only Dean when I was at HDS, but he became a mentor and a friend. In fact, he preached my installation sermon in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where I served over seven years. Over the years, I saw him at various events, and he and Brita, along with two of their grandchildren, ate in our home when they came to New Hampshire to visit. As a student, I appreciated Krister’s knowledge of the Bible and his ability to read the Greek and translate it well into English on-the-spot. While we did not always agree on interpretation or about theories, when I argued for the primacy of John's Gospel, Krister told me about John A.T. Robinson's book, Redating the New Testament, which provided a sound scholarly argument for much earlier dating. However, it was as a pastor that Krister excelled. Many years ago, I learned of a difficult situation in my church involving members of the congregation. I went to a lecture series Krister was doing in a town about 25 miles away. Telling him about the situation confidentially, he counseled me to not to exclude the congregants, for as he said, Paul had written in I Corinthians 11, by eating and drinking unworthily, they would judge themselves. There are few truly great persons in religion, or, who ever lived. But Krister was certainly one of them. While I wish that I could be at the Memorial Service, I cannot. However, I extend my sympathy to his family. As I did when upon learning of his death, I will probably shed a tear and have a smile, too, as I fondly recall a man of and for the world. Gary Hauze Posted on May 16 |
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There was this strange-looking priest, dressed in black—except for a pure white collar atop his neck—walking through the high grass of our ball field, now a parking lot. He was sweating in the August sun when he asked if someone would volunteer to help him carry some books into Andover. I'm sure he thought I was one of the neighborhood ruffians when he accepted my offer to help. Out on Francis Avenue, there was an old rented van, which was filled to overflow with books and academic paraphernalia. We each took an end of a huge, old wooden trunk and marched it around the west side of the building, up the stone steps through the doorway, and then, without stopping, up to the second floor of Andover Hall. I could feel the determination in his stride, and when I begged to stop for a turn on the stairway, he replied, “Ve can make it vitout a stopping." He came to America with a strong thirst to learn as fast and as much as he could about this strange new land. He was determined to master the intricacies of our peculiar culture, which he looked upon as some new discovery, like that of an ancient lost culture now revealed in clarity by new documents. America, for him, was a quaint revelation which he was determined to sound out to its depths. It was this intensity which led him to say a great many truths about us, and moreover, by this method, to uncover genuine and universal themes about our religious lives. Richard L. Arthur, STB '55 Posted on May 16 |
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I came to the PhD program in 1957—one of the first to do doctoral work there under Krister Stendahl's direction. Probably my fondest academic-type memory, which I have often passed along to my own graduate students, was when I submitted that initial large and detailed chapter of my dissertation, with an outline of what else I planned to cover. Krister returned the chapter with whatever comments and said something to the effect of "this proves you can do the detailed research, now draw together what you have on the remaining sections and submit it; no need to drag it all out to the same depth." Wise guidance and much appreciated. Thank you, honored Doktorvater, for that gentle push, among so many others. Robert A. Kraft Posted on May 16 |
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On behalf of my family, I take the opportunity of this space to express heartfelt condolences to Brita and the entire Krister Stendahl family. I also wish to thank God for the overarching humaneness Krister was endowed with. He did not refrain from openly sharing that greatness. Until Good Friday of 1977, I was the Head of the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. By the dictatorial antics of General Idi Amin, I was supposed to say good-bye to the world. Fortunately, I succeeded in safely escaping into Kenya. Krister's academic greatness includes the vision of progressively and inclusively viewing the study of world religions. On learning about my ordeal while he attended a conference in Bangkok, he traced my whereabouts in Kenya after he returned to Cambridge. He found me and invited me to HDS to promote the learning and teaching of the religions of Africa. Thanks to Krister, the old stigma of a primitive religion and/or Animism, etc., has now grown into the respectable concept of Africism as the study of the autochthonous religions of Africa. At Harvard today, his initiative, in that respect, is outstandingly witnessed by the current professorship held by Professor Jacob Olupona. May perpetual light continue to shine over our beloved Krister Stendahl. Aloysius M. Lugira Posted on May 16 |
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I am so sorry to miss the Memorial Service for Krister Stendahl. He was a favorite professor at HDS. I will always remember his opening words for each class: "O Holy Spirit, Whom we partly know and partly do not know, be with us now." He was an inspiring teacher. I will pause for a moment of reflection at 3:00 PM on May 16th. Reverend Joy I. Dale Posted on May 16 |
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After living in Divinity Hall my first year, 1975, I approached Dean Stendahl and his wife Brita about taking up residence at Jewett House for the following academic year. They were both gracious and agreed. Needless to say, it was a very memorable year. Since graduating from HDS in 1978, I have returned to Cambridge on a number of occasions—the last being the 25th anniversary of my graduating class. I was overjoyed to see Krister and Brita and shared many laughs and happy moments with them both. My time in Jewett House, as one can well imagine, was both interesting and scintillating, as we shared many conversations, parties, dinners and quiet times together. In my book of memories, Krister remains one of the "greats." At a time in history when leadership and wisdom appear to be in a free fall, I gained much from this wonderful man, scholar and gentleman. He will always remain in my heart. "Wisdom raises her sons to greatness and cares for those who seek her." (Ecclesiasticus 4:11) Thank you, Krister, for helping to teach me the ways of the Lord. Reverend Paul D. Wolkovits Posted on May 15 |
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Krister "subbed" for Henri Nouwen for two classes when Henri was at HDS in the 1980s. The topic he was asked to speak about was "Accessing the Divine." To answer this question, he chose to talk about sex and long-term relationships, and how the repetition over the years of loving gestures and "sweet nothings" were as close a way as any deep meditation practices that he had known to being at one with God. At the start of the first class we were shocked. By the end of the second class we were in love. What a man! Jill Brody (Riedel) Posted on May 15 |
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I write to send sincere condolences to Krister Stendahl's family and to thank God for his exemplary life. I was one of the first women to enroll at HDS in 1958, and I learned a great deal from Stendahl's course in the gospels. I revered this insightful man because of his remarkable scholarship and teaching, and because he was a warm and supportive person to his students. In later years, he visited Oberlin College as a Distinguished Haskell Lecturer, I believe, and I was honored to learn from him again. God gave us a great gift in Krister Stendahl. Carol Longsworth Posted on May 15 |
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I had the good fortune of studying under Krister Stendahl from 1980 to 1986, and I served as his graduate teaching assistant. He was also on my graduate exam committee and contributed to the advising of my dissertation on the Gospel of Mark. Krister always had a kind word and a gentle manner, yet he was very demanding when it came to research. As an academic adviser, a better one could not be found. Ad Astra Per Ardua. Professor Paul Mirecki, ThD '86 Posted on May 15 |
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One of my fondest memories of HDS occurred because Krister Stendahl reached out to me and shared his special light over lunch! My spiritual life was rich outside the Divinity School, but we were so careful not to offend each other at HDS (1987-90), that meaningful dialogue was often elusive. For the first time in my life, I experienced difficulties in creating fruitful friendships. One day while eating by myself in the refectory, this tall, stately man asked if he could join me. (Professor Stendahl had just returned to HDS from Sweden, but I didn't know him yet.) I assented, and we had one of the most engaging and enjoyable conversations of my time in Cambridge. He shared his experience of being Truman Madsen's PhD advisor—one of the LDS philosophers whom I most admire. During our conversation, he provided encouraging words, which were made more welcome because I felt so much frustration and loneliness. Each time I saw him subsequently, he shared a kind word and one of his warm smiles that was enhanced by the twinkle in his eyes. I will remember him fondly all of my days, and I will never forget how he made me feel. Such a simple moment, but it prompts me to honor him by doing the same for others. Shelli Jex Gustafson Posted on May 15 |
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As a Merrill Fellow in Ministerial Studies, spring 2005, I experienced the great depth of Krister Stendahl's knowledge of St. Paul. Being a Roman Catholic priest and Benedictine monk, I remained fascinated with a question he raised at the colloquium: "What would Paul think of women and gays/lesbians in Church leadership?" After a moment of silence, he said, "Well, he would be against it. Then, Paul would stop and reflect, and then he would say 'All are one in Christ Jesus, for the most important thing is love.' That's what Paul would say." From that day forward, this Roman Catholic/Benedictine monk's theological hero has been Krister Stendahl, bishop and doctor (of the church). God rest his soul...and thank you! Thomas Becket Albin Franks Posted on May 15 |
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I have many fond memories of discussions with Krister Stendahl. I remember when a certain professor in the philosophy department refused to review a paper I had submitted, and stated that he would give me a failing grade if I was going to submit it for the course. The paper was a sociological, functional analysis of the MCC churches in America. When I brought the matter to Krister's attention, he convened a committee which reviewed the matter. I was given a good grade, and the matter was resolved to everyone's satisfaction. Krister said it was a matter of academic integrity of the School, and he congratulated me for writing a very important paper and defending its content. He was a great Dean of the Divinity School and had such warmth acceptance and understanding alongside his academic excellence. I regret that I am unable to attend his memorial service, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you all on Friday. Daniel Ray Bacon, Esq., MDiv '78 Posted on May 14 |
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Krister was such a wonderful mentor and wisdom bearer for me—as for so many of us! I would probably not have been at HDS if it weren't for his advocacy. I was already doing a PhD at Harvard in the music department, and, in the throes of a new call to ministry, I applied to HDS. I had a 4.0 or something GPA already in the PhD program, and aced my verbal GRE's, but my math was, well . . . not so much. The Admissions Office was worried. (If I couldn't do calculus, how could I do well in ministry?!) But Krister said, "Oh, how silly," and there I was, entering HDS in 1978. I have many fond memories of courses in both New Testament and Homiletics with Krister (including the wonderful "10 Commandments for Preaching!"), and especially of Friday chapel Eucharist. A small, regular band of us would gather. I appreciated Krister's use of inclusive language, and his gracious presence as preacher and presider. I particularly recall how he would reverence the consecrated elements—getting down on his knees and back up again (twice! fused spine and all) with such dignity, simplicity, and grace. He was an important spiritual adviser to me throughout my time at Harvard. In the years since, especially as an Episcopal priest living and working among Lutherans, I have appreciated his ecumenical openness. I remember his speech, "How can I sing my love song to Jesus, without disrespecting other religions?" I remember his wide and generous Lutheranism; his matter-of-fact insistence on justice for gays and lesbians, and his passion for justice. Krister has entered into the larger life of God, but he will still be with us in spirit and through our memories as we continue to carry his wisdom within us wherever we are ministering and teaching. Pamela Cooper-White Posted on May 14 |
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I read, with tears in my eyes, the obituaries that were referenced in the earlier announcements, and remembered the many hours I spent with Krister and his Biblical Preaching students at the old Danforth Center Video Lab back in the early 1980s. I learned so much in that class—even though I wasn't enrolled in it! I helped out with the video equipment and the debriefing process as students watched and critiqued themselves giving their five-minute homilies. In one memorable class, students were assigned an homily for the funeral of an infant. Krister's calm presence and gentle, compassionate listening was the ground from which sprang a firm stance against spiritual arrogance, cliché or glibness in any form. It's an experience I, and I'm sure many of his students, never forgot. Eric Kristensen Posted on May 14 |
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During my second year at HDS, I discovered Krister's quiet, intimate, and highly effective Friday morning Communion Service in Andover Chapel. It became the anchor point for my remaining years in Cambridge and has continued to define the external forms which inform, enrich, and enliven my faith. Saintliness can walk very softly. R. Blake Michael Posted on May 14 |
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I was a student in Professor Stendahl's New Testament class in 1984. I had to work very hard but learned a lot in his class. His reading assignments were very carefully selected and thorough, and his lectures were most insightful. Krister Stendahl was not only a brilliant and productive scholar and an excellent teacher, he was also a colorful personality with a sharp wit and a great sense of humor. Although it was more than 20 years ago, a few instances of his wit are fixed indelibly in my mind. Once, he was explaining about our assigned exegesis paper, saying, "It will be no longer than seven pages. If it is longer than seven pages, I will throw away the rest and write you a note saying, 'Why did you end so abruptly?'" On another occasion, when students were complaining about the workload for the class, he addressed study habits: "I've noticed that some of you use highlighters when you read, but some of you are not really highlighting. You're just painting pages." These are just a few fond personal memories I have of Professor Stendahl that I will carry with me always. Gene Lankford,
MTS '85 Posted on May 14 |
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At his core, Krister Stendahl was a priest. A reverent and exquisite presider, he celebrated a weekly Eucharist at Harvard Divinity School, early in the morning on a weekday, with a cluster of students and a handful of faculty and administrators whose affiliations ranged from Unitarian Universalist to Roman Catholic. He did this when he was Dean and again when he returned to the faculty after his time as Bishop of Stockholm, faithfully. He preached short, beautiful homilies, choosing his words well, always giving time to silence. As Dean of HDS in the late 1960s and 1970s, Krister—most of us called him by his first name—navigated a society, academy, and church in the throes of profound upheaval, the politics of Harvard, teaching, fund-raising, and leadership in the World Council of Churches. Yet it was his office we visited to talk about God. We were, of course, in awe of him—the Swedish accent, the fused spine, the slow, measured speech may have had something to do with that—but drawn always by his kindness, his attention to each visitor, his discerning wisdom, and his palpable involvement with the Holy One of Blessing, who lives with us in the world and whose mysterious ways remain beyond those of our human minds and hearts. A man of solid ego and strong speech, he also knew the limits of the self. In his later years especially, he reflected on them with his customary blunt honesty and love of the Bible. Jane Redmont Note: Jane Redmont, along with the co-author of this message, Deirdre Good, was a student of Krister Stendahl's at HDS. Read their article in its entirety at Episcopal Café. Posted on May 14 |
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