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Brewton-Parker Professor Explores History of Divorce Theology in Recent Publication

November 28, 2017

by Lauren Moye, BPC Managing Editor

The history of marriage and divorce theology was explored in a recent publication by Brewton-Parker College’s Dr. Amanda Wrenn Allen, Assistant Professor of History. Allen’s “How to Marry a King: Bucer’s and Milton’s Marriage Theology and Early Modern English Kings” was published in The Anglican and Episcopal History and shows how the work of two men relate to the political times of their respective centuries.

Allen’s paper starts by examining Martin Bucer’s marriage and divorce theology, a segment from his 1550 On the Doctrine of Christ. Bucer published his work three years after Henry the VIII, known for his many marriages and his controversial divorces, died. John Milton later translated and republished Bucer’s marriage and divorce theology in 1644 while updating it to reflect his own political context of the English Civil conflict and Charles I’s marriage to the French-Catholic princess Henrietta Maria.

Allen explained her inspiration for the article as starting as a doctoral student when she discovered Milton and Bucer’s divorce theology. Allen said, “I was intrigued immediately that two people separated by nearly one hundred years might have commonalities in proposing a topic which was not often discussed or permitted. I wanted to question this deeper and answer why Milton chose to translate this specific theological work and what perhaps both men were aiming to achieve political and/or socially in such writings.”

Allen’s article starts a new conversation on the topic of Bucer, Milton, and Marriage/Divorce Theology. She hopes her article will show the interplay between the men, religion, politics, and social norms. Allen explained, “No work has been done comparing Bucer and Milton or analyzing their divorce theologies in relation to the larger politico-social contexts.  Some work has been done on Milton’s divorce theology but without connecting it to the Civil Wars and how Charles’s marriage to Henrietta Maria was a major point of contention for the Parliamentarians.”

She added, “I think this is a very modern topic even though it is centuries in the past.  Divorce is still considered a touchy topic for many as it was then.”

Allen’s hopes go beyond launching a new academic discussion, however. Like many Brewton-Parker professors, she finds value in being active in her field. She said, “By connecting with others in my field, it makes me a stronger academic and thus professor. By being active in this field, we are offering our students the same high scholarship they could find at larger institutions.”

Those interested in reading “How to Marry a King” will have to find it through an academic journal provider or read the copy that the Fountain-New Library has in its possession.

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Joanna Phillips-Mock

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Joanna Phillips-Mock is a proud third generation Baron, both as a student and a staff member.

Beginning her teaching career in Middle Georgia in 1995, Mrs. Mock worked with a state funded program that served some of the most disadvantaged special needs students within the local school districts. She ultimately moved into leadership positions within the organization, serving and training others in multiple initiatives. She enjoys working with students of all ages to recognize and to achieve their greatest potential.

Mrs. Mock holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brewton-Parker College, a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Behavior Disorders, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Georgia College and State University. She resides in Ailey, Georgia, with her husband Don, their son Tye Lewis, her mother Carol Joyce, and multiple fur babies. She enjoys traveling, gardening, camping, and attending concerts.

Candace Lilford

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Candace Lilford graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Generalism in 2021 from Anderson University and with her master’s degree in English Literature in 2023 from the University of Alabama. She presently serves as Professional Tutor for the Student Enrichment Center while also teaching sections of ENG 101 and 102. 

As part of her two-year master's program, Ms. Lilford taught sections of ENG 101 and 102, while also serving as teaching assistant for British Literature Survey courses and volunteering in the university’s Writing Center. Ms Lilford has also presented papers at the Hudson Strode Conference and the South Eastern Christian and Literature Conference as well as working on various theatrical productions.

Born in North Carolina of South African descent, Ms. Lilford has lived in Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling in Mount Vernon with her family in 2016, where she attended Brewton-Parker College as a dual enrollment student. She presently resides in Mount Vernon with her family and spends her free time watching old TV shows.

Linda Armstrong

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Linda Armstrong earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Southeastern Technical College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University. Throughout her career, Linda has worked with diverse populations, including at-risk youth and families and youth in crisis because of mental health and other issues. Her empathetic nature has made her an effective advocate for those in need. In addition to her professional work, Linda is also is committed to volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours as a youth mentor, and to teaching about her faith at various Christian organizations. She believes in the power of positivity and its ability to transform not only her life but also the lives of others.

"If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you will look forward, do so prayerfully. But the wisest course would be to be present in the present gratefully." ~ Maya Angelou

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Greetings, Baron Nation!

It's truly a joy to be back in a place that has shaped me so profoundly. I'm Willie Ford, a proud 2022 graduate of historic Brewton-Parker College, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education. Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey in education, teaching Special Education within the Vidalia City School District. In addition to my role as an educator, I had the privilege of serving as the Unit Director at the J.D. Rabun Boys and Girls Club. All the while, I was honored to pastor at the esteemed New Hope Baptist Church of Rhine, Georgia. With God's grace, I managed these responsibilities, and now, I'm thrilled and ready to contribute to the welfare of our students, aiming to inspire through service.

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Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Student Enrichment Center, Student Success Coach, and Adjunct Faculty at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, GA, he also serves as the Pastor of The Green Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA.

As a member of the renowned International Gospel Singing Group, The Wardlaw Brothers, Dr. Wardlaw has traveled all over the nation and abroad ministering and singing the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Dr. Wardlaw has served as a consultant for various agencies and has worked as a Fatherhood Coordinator and G.E.D. instructor within the Technical College System of Georgia and participates in local and national civic and philanthropic work.

Dr. Wardlaw holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in International Business from the University of Georgia, two master's degrees from Troy University (Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology and Master of Education in Counseling), and a Doctorate in Education from Argosy University in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Wardlaw is a Lifetime Silver Member of The NAACP and a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is happily married to the former Mrs. Stephanie Scott. They have 3 Children; Chambria, Marc, and Carleigh.

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