Bridgefolk conversations and events have focused most often on spirituality, liturgy, peacemaking and theology. But in recent decades many Mennonites have also found themselves drawn to the art and literature of the Catholic tradition. In an annual peace lectureship sponsored by Goshen College and Bluffton University, Bluffton professor Lamar Nisly addressed the topic of “Why Mennonites Should Read Catholic Literature.”
Bluffton professor talks about value of Catholic writers for Mennonites
GOSHEN, Ind. — Talking about the value of Catholic literature for non-Catholics — and specifically for Mennonites — Bluffton (Ohio) University Professor of English Lamar Nisly presented the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Lecture at Goshen College on Monday, April 16.
In his presentation, “‘Good for the Soul,’ Or Why Mennonites Should Read Catholic Literature,” Nisly examined connections that Mennonites can find when they read contemporary Catholic literature. In particular, Nisly argued, Mennonites should read Catholic literature because the fiction shows an engagement with themes of peace and justice, the all-consuming nature of following Christ, the sacredness of each individual and the possibility of grace. Nisly focused primarily on fiction writing by authors Flannery O’Connor, Walker Percy and Tim Gautreaux.
Nisly spent a recent sabbatical working on a book that examines these three authors, entitled, “Wingless Chickens, Bayou Companions, and Pilgrim Wayfarers: Construction of Tone and Audience in O’Connor, Gautreaux and Percy,” yet to be published. Reading the works of individuals from other faith traditions, creates “learning across denominational lines, which addresses a core need for Mennonite education and the Mennonite Church more broadly as we seek to engage in conversation people from various traditions,” says Nisly. “If we hope that others will take seriously the peace beliefs that Mennonites hold dear, we must also work to find connections to their traditions.”
In addition to teaching English, Nisly is also interim associate dean at Bluffton University. He wrote “Impossible to Say: Representing Religious Mystery in Fiction by Malamud, Percy, Ozick and O’Connor” in 2002. Nisly received a bachelor’s degree from Messiah College and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Delaware.
The C. Henry Smith Lecture, named for a former history professor at both Bluffton University and Goshen College, includes a research grant for the lecturer. The grant is awarded each year to a professor at a Mennonite college, who then presents the lecture at the participating schools.