The prize, which will be awarded May 7 at the University of Heidelberg (Germany), includes a financial award and stipend to enable him to hold lectures at universities, colleges, seminaries and other institutions of research and higher learning over the next two years.
“Being named as one of the 12 best young international theologians is truly humbling,” Hege said. “I am profoundly grateful to the panel of judges for including me in this prestigious group of scholars.” The John Templeton Award for Theological Promise recognizes the 12 best post-doctoral young scholars globally on the basis of their doctoral dissertations related to the topic of God and spirituality. An international and inter-religious panel of 25 judges evaluates the prize nominations. Though primarily a theological prize, contributions from all academic disciplines and religious traditions are considered. Applicants came from 14 different countries and the 2009 winners are from five different countries.
Hege’s book presents the major themes from Wobbermin, one of the “forgotten theologians” of the early 20th century. Wobbermin, a German, was noted for his analysis of the relationship between faith and history and his development of a religio-psychological theological method that places faith at the intersection of history and experience. His dissertation was published by Wipf and Stock in 2009.
Hege, who’s originally from New Bloomfield, Pa., earned his undergraduate degree at Gettysburg College and after Gettysburg Seminary, completed his graduate work at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va.