Bernhardson Chair in Lutheran StudiesMarcia J. Bunge, Ph.D.

Drell and Adeline Bernhardson Distinguished Professor of Religion

The first endowed chair in Lutheran Studies at Gustavus (and the first at any college related to the Lutheran church) was established in 1996 by Drell and Adeline Bernhardson. The Bernhardsons, parents of four Gustavus graduates, received the Greater Gustavus Award in 1997.

Marcia Bunge, the second holder of the Bernhardson Chair after Darrell Jodock, is a highly respected scholar, teacher, and advocate for Lutheran Higher Education both on and off campus. Bunge considers herself to be an historical theologian and is interested in shaping the thinking of the Church today. Her primary areas of teaching and research are Lutheran studies, the history of world Christianity, religious perspectives on children and childhood, and inter-religious dialogue and cooperation.

As a teacher, Bunge seeks to awaken an informed appreciation for religion, for Christianity in its various forms, and for the Luther tradition. She challenges students to think more deeply about their own faith traditions while at the same time learning to appreciate other denominations and other religions.

Author of numerous books and publications, Bunge earned her B.A. from St. Olaf and her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

For further information and for a complete list of grants, honors, and publications, please see Bunge’s website: https://gustavus.edu/profiles/mbunge

"A college endows what is essential. By endowing a chair in Lutheran Studies, Gustavus has affirmed the centrality of its relation to the Lutheran tradition and the Lutheran community of faith."

Bunge's Publications