Amos Niven Wilder

Amos Niven Wilder was an American theologian, poet, and literary critic who made significant contributions to the fields of theology and literary criticism. He was the brother of the renowned playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder, and his work was influenced by Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Karl Barth. Wilder's academic career spanned several institutions, including Yale University, Chicago Theological Seminary, and Harvard University. His intellectual pursuits were also shaped by his interactions with prominent thinkers such as Reinhold Niebuhr, Paul Tillich, and Rudolf Bultmann.

● Early Life and Education

Amos Niven Wilder was born in Madison, Wisconsin, to Amos Parker Wilder and Isabella Niven Wilder. He spent his childhood in Hong Kong and Berkeley, California, before attending Yale University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1916. Wilder then pursued his graduate studies at Yale Divinity School, earning his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1921. During his time at Yale, he was exposed to the ideas of William James, Josiah Royce, and George Santayana, which would later influence his theological and literary perspectives. Wilder's education was further enriched by his experiences at Oxford University, where he studied under the guidance of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

● Career

Wilder's academic career began at Chicago Theological Seminary, where he taught from 1926 to 1934. He then moved to Andover Newton Theological School, where he served as a professor of New Testament studies from 1934 to 1954. In 1954, Wilder joined the faculty of Harvard University, where he taught until his retirement in 1963. During his tenure at Harvard, he interacted with notable scholars such as Harvey Cox, Krister Stendahl, and Gordon Kaufman. Wilder's career was also marked by his involvement with various organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Council of Churches, and the World Council of Churches.

● Literary Works

As a poet and literary critic, Wilder published several collections of poetry, including The Spiritual Aspects of the New Poetry and The New Voice: Poetry Today and the Voice of Our Time. His literary criticism focused on the works of T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and Wallace Stevens, among others. Wilder's essays and reviews appeared in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The Nation, and The Christian Century. He was also a frequent contributor to The Journal of Biblical Literature and The Harvard Theological Review. Wilder's literary interests were shaped by his friendships with writers such as Robert Frost, Ernest Hemingway, and Langston Hughes.

● Theology and Criticism

Wilder's theological work was characterized by his emphasis on the importance of biblical criticism and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the New Testament. He was critical of fundamentalism and liberal theology, seeking instead to promote a more balanced approach to Christian theology. Wilder's theology was influenced by the ideas of Karl Barth, Rudolf Bultmann, and Paul Tillich, and he engaged in debates with prominent theologians such as Reinhold Niebuhr and Harvey Cox. His work on eschatology and apocalypticism was particularly notable, and he wrote extensively on the Book of Revelation and the Apocalypse of John.

● Personal Life and Legacy

Amos Niven Wilder was married to Katherine Taylor Wilder, and the couple had three children together. He was a close friend and advisor to his brother, Thornton Wilder, and the two often discussed literature and theology. Wilder's legacy extends beyond his academic and literary contributions, as he played a significant role in shaping the theological and literary landscape of his time. His work continues to be studied by scholars such as Walter Brueggemann, Marcus Borg, and N.T. Wright, and his influence can be seen in the writings of Rowan Williams, Desmond Tutu, and Kathleen Norris. Wilder's papers and correspondence are housed at the Harvard University Archives and the Yale University Library, providing a valuable resource for researchers and scholars. Category:American theologians