Collection

Swartley, Willard Papers

Span Dates: 1955-2016
Bulk Dates: 1970-1990
Volume: 5 linear feet

Description

This collection consists of correspondence and subject files related to Swartley's research and involvement with local and national Mennonite committees, taskforces, and organizations. In 2003, he published Homosexuality: Biblical Interpretation and Moral Discernment (Herald Press), which provided a model for congregational discernment on the “controversial subject of homosexuality” in the church. Box 4 of his papers contains subject and research files related to this book project as well as correspondence with church leaders and others on the topic of homosexuality in the life of the Mennonite church.

Hist/Bio Note

Willard Myers Swartley was born to William Henry Swartley and Ida Myers Swartley on August 6, 1936, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He had seven siblings, Dorothy (Martens), Marian (Myers), Emerson, Henry Jr., John, Clifford, and Kenneth. On August 16, 1958, he married Mary Lapp of Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Together they had two children: Louisa Renee Swartley Oyer (Gary Oyer) and Kenton Eugene Swartley (Emily Hertzler). Willard died on November 6, 2019, at the age of 83. Willard graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1954, and from Eastern Mennonite College in 1959, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued his education at Goshen Biblical Seminary (now Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana); Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois; and Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, where he earned a Ph. D. in New Testament Studies, in 1973. Willard spent most of his career at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, serving from 1978 to 2004. In addition to teaching, he served as dean from 1979 to 1981 and 1995 to 2000, as director of summer school, and as director of the Institute of Mennonite Studies. Prior to coming to AMBS, Swartley was professor of New Testament at Eastern Mennonite College (now University) (1971–78), where he also served as dean (1976–78). He also taught at Conrad Grebel College (now University College) in Waterloo, Ontario, and Goshen College, as well as seminars and intensive courses in Japan, Taiwan, Swaziland, Nairobi, Botswana, and Cairo. Willard was a prolific scholar with specializations in New Testament studies, particularly the gospel of Mark, and peace and nonviolence. He served as New Testament editor for the Believers Church Bible Commentary series, and as co-editor of the Study of Peace and Scripture series. He wrote both scholarly books and materials for general audiences to encourage use of Scripture in devotional life and was frequently invited to speak at conventions, conferences, and Mennonite churches. In 2003, he published Homosexuality: Biblical Interpretation and Moral Discernment (Herald Press), which provided a model for congregational discernment on the “controversial subject of homosexuality” in the church. Box 4 of his papers contains subject and research files related to this book project as well as correspondence with church leaders and others on the topic of homosexuality in the life of the Mennonite church.

Finding Aid

An online finding aid is available.
https://archives.mhsc.ca/index.php/willard-swartley-papers-1970-1990

Location

This collection is at the Mennonite Historical Society. 3145 Benham Ave. Elkhart, Indiana, USA 46517
https://archives.mhsc.ca/index.php/mennonite-church-usa-archives

Tags

Author/editor | Mennonite Church USA