In Memoriam: Dr. Allen J. Moore (September 7, 1927–September 18, 2016)

We grieve the loss of a person who contributed so much to us collectively and individually. In all that he did, Allen J. Moore consistently practiced “discerning the presence of Christ in the empirical, historical, and the social reality of the world” in liberating and empowering ways (Moore 1969, 150). He was willing to take risks in publicly addressing tough issues, starting new initiatives, and in sponsoring individuals into the field of religious and theological education.

Moore grew up in Methodist faith communities that integrated personal religious experience with social concern and mentored his religious calling, which led to his licensure to preach at age 16. Moore earned his undergraduate degree from Southwestern University in 1949, his M.A. in sociology and psychology of religion from Baylor University in 1950, and a B.D. from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1953. In 1963 he completed his Ph.D. from Boston University School of Theology, during the course of which Moore became increasing concerned about grounds for understanding religious education. He came to see practical theology as offering the needed framework as he engaged the works of Ross Snyder and Seward Hiltner.

In 1958 Moore became the Director of Young Adult Work and Senior Staff of the National Young Adult Research Project of the General Board of Education of the Methodist Church. In 1963, Moore joined the faculty of the School of Theology at Claremont (now Claremont School of Theology). At his retirement in 1994 he had served six years as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. While at Claremont he published two books (The Young Adult Generation and Religious Education as Social Transformation, editor) and over 100 articles and chapters in books, the majority of which addressed theology and culture.

Moore helped shape several scholarly organizations. He was a founding member of the Association of Professors and Researchers in Religious Education. Moore served as president in 1970 and 1971. Moore also served as vice president of the Association for the Professional Education for Ministry, earlier known as the Association for Professors in Practical Fields.

Allen Moore's work on cultural and religious dynamics in young adult development significantly influenced subsequent research in that area. During the “sexual revolution” he was one of the few theologians reflecting on human sexuality and willing to do so publicly. Moore's work was typically ahead of the times and addressed many issues including urban dynamics, families, suburban captivity of the church, multiculturalism, and gay rights. Such engagement of culture, education, and theology influenced understandings of religious education as a mode of social reconstruction. Many also see Allen Moore's leadership in recovering practical theology as a very significant contribution to religious education.

Formative figures are more than scholars. They are innovators and explorers who widen the way we understand and live in the world. Perhaps even more importantly, they offer an invitation and a hospitable environment for others to join and go beyond them in exploration. Allen Moore was such a formative figure and leaves a legacy of former students and colleagues engaged in scholarship and in significant leadership roles advancing grace and freedom in the world. I can honestly say I do not know where I would be without Allen Moore. As an applicant to the Ph.D. program at Claremont, I had an atypical preparation for studies in religious education. Allen supported my admission and mentored me in the classroom and in higher educational leadership as I assisted him in the dean's office. My abilities, imagination, and passions are deeply shaped by my times with Allen. I am forever grateful for this and I trust many have similar experiences. We mourn Allen's passing but celebrate the blessing of what he shared with us.

A fuller biography of Allen Moore is part of the “Christian Educators of the 20th Century Project,” available at http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/protestant/allen_moore/