His vision for the Renaissance Project, an endeavour aimed at promoting cross-disciplinary inquiry and cultivating a vibrant scholarly community, aligns perfectly with Wycliffe Hall's longstanding values of critical rigour, intellectual fearlessness, and excellence in teaching and research.
"I am delighted that Jonathan Brant will be heading up our Renaissance project. He brings expertise in film, experience in setting up and running ambitious programs, huge knowledge of Oxford and its strange ways! and superb communication skills. And he was once a student of mine, so is an inspirational example of hope over experience! We look forward very much to welcoming him to Wycliffe and working with him to implement this exciting vision," said Revd Dr Michael Lloyd, Principal of Wycliffe Hall.
Dr Brant will be taking on the Renaissance Project with a multi-faceted approach:
- Fostering a New Renaissance of Christian Scholarship: Wycliffe Hall aims to establish itself as a crucible of the highest quality Christian thinking through its research endeavours. The goal is to provide wisdom and insights on contemporary issues by fostering excellence in research inspired by the Christian vision.
- Mentoring a New Generation of Christian Academics: Recognizing the influential role that Christian academics can have across disciplines, Wycliffe Hall is dedicated to mentoring and nurturing young scholars. By encouraging them to integrate their faith with their research, the institution aims to develop scholars who are exceptional thinkers, inspiring teachers, servant leaders to their students and colleagues, and articulate witnesses of the Christian faith in their respective fields and faculties.
- Establishing Wycliffe as a Centre for the Arts: Wycliffe Hall acknowledges the intrinsic connection between truth, beauty, scholarship, and the arts. In line with this belief, the institution aspires to become a vibrant centre for artistic expression. The arts have the power to shape imagination and beliefs, and Christian artists have a vital role in communicating the sanity and humanity of the Christian vision to contemporary society. Wycliffe Hall aims to foster artistic expression that expands and elevates the human spirit, enriching the cultural landscape.
"I am excited to be joining an excellent team and a flourishing, Christ-focused community at Wycliffe Hall,” says Dr Jonathan Brant. “And I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the much needed and vitally important task of fostering a new Renaissance of Christian scholarship and culture.”
With the appointment of Dr Jonathan Brant as the Dean for Research and Cultural Development and Director of the Renaissance Project, Wycliffe Hall will embark on an exciting chapter of growth and intellectual exploration as part of its mission to see the nations transformed by the gospel. Wycliffe Hall hopes to achieve this as we strive to provide positive societal impact through Christian scholarship, mentorship, and artistic expression.
