Asbury has gained a new professor, Dr. Rutledge, who joined the faculty in June as an associate professor of philosophy. He was drawn to Asbury because of its Wesleyan tradition and focus on spiritual growth.
“There’s so much optimism in grace within Wesleyan theology,” Rutledge said. “It resonated with me because I believe the power of God is greater than the power of sin.”
Rutledge specializes in philosophy of religion and theology. He earned his first Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Oklahoma and completed a second in theology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. At Asbury, he currently teaches courses in ethics and philosophy, including the philosophy of C.S. Lewis.
Before arriving in Wilmore, he taught at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, a research initiative focusing on theology, philosophy and the social sciences.
Landing the Harvard position, Rutledge admitted, was unexpected.
“When I applied, I didn’t think they’d consider me — and then they hired me,” he said with a laugh. “It was one of those moments where I could clearly see God’s providence at work.”
Work is far from the only part of his guided by God’s hand. Rutledge met his wife in undergrad while singing in choir. They married in 2011 after he proposed on a trip to France. He credits her support with helping him navigate years of graduate study, international moves and the challenges of raising a young family.
The culture of Scotland has woven its way into Rutledge’s everyday life and left a lasting imprint on his family. The family lived near the ruins of St. Andrew’s medieval castle and cathedral for five years, while Rutledge earned his doctorate in theology. They use words like “pram” instead of “stroller” and “jumper” instead of “sweater.” Both of his sons, Caspian and Theodore, were born there. His daughter Lily was later born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while he taught at Harvard. The Rutledges are expecting a fourth child in October.
Rutledge said his new role allows him to focus more on mentoring students. “At Harvard I did a lot of research, which I loved, but the real joy for me is teaching and discipling students,” he said. “Here I get to do that every day.” He credits theologian Tom McCall, a longtime influence and current professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, with shaping his theological outlook. Rutledge’s passion for mentorship extends from his own experiences.
When asked what advice he would give undergraduates, Rutledge pointed to spiritual attentiveness. Talking about not allowing your faith to go dormant while being here at school with the endless assignments, but allowing and making intentional space for the “more important things.” While he didn’t say skip your classes and not do your homework, Professor Rutledge made it clear that one thing is more important than that: Jesus.
For Rutledge, that balance—rigorous scholarship and a life of faith—is exactly what drew him to Asbury. Though the journey of getting here to Asbury was an eventful one, he is overjoyed to be teaching and disciplining students here.
“I’m still celebrating being here,” Rutledge concluded.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Rutledge.
