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Notes for REV DR LOTAN HAROLD DEWOLF:
The Rev. Dr. Lotan Harold DeWolf, 1905-1986; Professor of Philosophy at Boston University (1934-44), Prof. Systematic Theology at Boston University School of Theology (1944-65); and Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary (1965-72) in Washington, DC. The Rev. Dr. L. Harold DeWolf, clergyman and noted theologian, attended York College, graduated from Boston University School of Theology, S. T .B., and Ph.D.degrees. Dr. DeWolf was the major professor and mentor to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.
Dr. DeWolf served various churches in Nebraska and Massachusetts as pastor for 14 years before becoming a lecturer, instructor and professor in Boston University. In 1965 he was named first dean of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., a position held until his retirement in 1972. During these seven years he helped establish Wesley as one of the top United Methodist seminaries in the United States. Dr. DeWolf believed that "By their deeds ye shall know them" challenged every Christian to work to overcome the problems of the world-hunger, poverty, fear, crime, war, injustice- and he, himself, wrote, lectured, and traveled extensively in the field of crime and justice. He was president of the board of directors of "Offender Aid and Restoration in the United States of America." Each year at their annual banquet the L. Harold DeWolf Distinguished Service Award is presented to a worthy recipient. He worked in community groups to improve methods of justice, and frequently visited inmates in city and state prisons. He was instrumental in bringing about the release of at least two prisoners who had received unjustified sentences. He was the noted author of 15 published books, covering all aspects of Bible, theology, ethics and criminal justice. Perhaps best known is "A Theology of the Living Church," for many years the textbook for systematic theology in seminaries of many denominations. His "Crime and Justice in America: A Paradox of Conscience" was acclaimed by many judges, criminologists and law professors as one of the best definitive books on that subject. His last book, "Eternal Life: Why We Believe," expressed his unswerving faith in immortality. He was said to be a professor who made a difference in the lives of his students and the faculty who served with him.
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