David Harrington Watt, the Douglas and Dorothy Steere Professor of Quaker Studies, has dedicated his career to exploring the complexities of religious history, particularly within the Quaker tradition. His work delves into Quaker responses to historical events, the evolution of Quakerism, and the broader landscape of religion in the United States. This article examines the key themes and contributions of David Watt’s scholarship.
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Exploring Quaker History and Thought
Watt’s research spans a wide range of topics within Quaker studies. A significant focus of his recent work is Quakers’ responses to the Shoah, a deeply impactful and complex period in history. This research highlights the ethical and theological challenges faced by Quakers during this time. His teaching also reflects this breadth of interest, with courses covering ethical struggles in catastrophic times, Quakers’ historical engagement with war, slavery, and freedom, the reinvention of Quakerism, and the broader context of religion in the United States.
A Prolific Author and Editor
Watt’s contributions to the field are evident in his extensive publications. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Global Quakerism, 1938-2018 (co-edited with Stephen Angell and Pink Dandelion), a comprehensive examination of the global Quaker movement in the 20th and 21st centuries. Henry Cadbury: Quaker, Pacifist, and Skeptic (co-written with James Krippner) offers a biographical study of a key figure in Quaker history. The Creation of Modern Quaker Diversity, 1830-1937 (co-edited with Stephen Angell and Pink Dandelion) explores the evolution of Quakerism during a period of significant social and religious change.
Beyond Quaker studies, Watt has also contributed to the understanding of broader religious trends in modern America. Antifundamentalism in Modern America analyzes the historical and social forces shaping opposition to fundamentalist movements. Fundamentalism: Perspectives on a Contested History (co-edited with Simon Wood) provides a multifaceted examination of the complex history of fundamentalism. Bible-Carrying Christians: Conservative Protestants and Social Power examines the intersection of religion and social influence within conservative Protestant communities. A Transforming Faith: Explorations of Twentieth-Century Evangelicalism delves into the historical development of evangelicalism in the 20th century.
Expanding the Field of Religious Studies
As a founding editor of the North American Religions book series with NYU Press, Watt has facilitated the publication of over thirty books exploring diverse topics within the study of religion. The series addresses lived religion, popular religious movements, the interplay of religion and social power, the role of religion in cultural reproduction, and the dynamic relationship between secular and religious practices. This editorial work demonstrates Watt’s commitment to fostering scholarship and expanding the field of religious studies.
A Scholarly Journey
Watt’s scholarly journey has been supported by prestigious institutions, including the American Philosophical Society, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Fulbright Scholars Program, Harvard University, Haverford College, the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicalism, the Lilly Endowment, the Louisville Institute, Princeton University, Temple University, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the University of Chicago. His academic background includes a PhD from Harvard University and an AB from the University of California, Berkeley. Raised in the deserts of Southern California and the American South, Watt brings a unique perspective to his scholarship.
David Watt’s work offers valuable insights into the history and evolution of Quakerism, as well as broader trends in American religious history. His commitment to rigorous research and insightful analysis has made a significant contribution to the field of religious studies.