At St. Mary’s University in Calgary, our faculty continue to make remarkable contributions to academia, shedding light on complex issues that shape our world. One such outstanding achievement comes from Dr. Adam Hill, whose recent article, “Burning Moderation: Navigating Religious Conflict with Cuthbert Tunstall’s Humanism (1474-1559),” has earned significant recognition in the academic community. To read the article please visit: BURNING MODERATION: NAVIGATING RELIGIOUS CONFLICT WITH CUTHBERT TUNSTALL’S HUMANISM (1474-1559). – Document – Gale In Context: World History
Dr. Hill’s deep dive into the life of Cuthbert Tunstall, a largely overlooked yet pivotal figure in the English Reformation, highlights the scholar’s passion for uncovering lesser-known aspects of history. “It didn’t matter which king or queen was in power; there was Tunstall!” Dr. Hill reflects. His curiosity about Tunstall’s persistence throughout such a tumultuous period in history led him to explore why this humanist scholar remained so relevant for so long. “The fact that he could remain so relevant during such a contentious moment in English history suggests that maybe we should pay attention to him,” says Dr. Hill.
Tunstall, a 16th-century Christian humanist, is often credited with advancing religious moderation in an era of radical religious shifts. Dr. Hill explains that Tunstall’s intellectual approach was rooted in critical textual analysis and a quest to return to a purer form of Christianity. “As an early modern Christian humanist, Tunstall reflected a deep interest in the acquisition of original source material, critical textual analysis, and the quest for a more authentic form of Christianity,” Dr. Hill writes in his article.
Dr. Hill’s research reveals not just the importance of Tunstall’s moderation, but also the contradictions within his actions. While advocating for a more balanced approach to faith, Tunstall himself was involved in burning books—an act that seems at odds with his moderate stance. “Historical figures are complicated,” Dr. Hill acknowledges. “It’s not my job as a historian to force them into a neat and tidy thesis.” This willingness to engage with the complexities of history makes Dr. Hill’s work all the more engaging and insightful.
While the article delves into Tunstall’s historical contributions, it also serves as a timely reflection on the importance of intellectual humility in today’s polarized world. “Moderate positions usually require explanation, nuance, and a healthy dose of intellectual humility,” Dr. Hill notes, pointing out how these qualities are often overshadowed by more extreme voices in modern public discourse. “In an age of violent religious disagreement, Tunstall was able to remain relevant for so long because even the people who disagreed with him respected his willingness to think carefully and critically about his faith,” Dr. Hill writes. “There’s probably a lot there for us to contemplate in our contemporary religious and political culture.”
Dr. Hill’s success in publishing this article is a testament to his dedication as a scholar and his ability to connect historical inquiry with pressing contemporary issues. His work encourages us to think critically, not just about the past, but about how we engage with the world today.
At St. Mary’s University, we are incredibly proud to celebrate Dr. Hill’s achievement. His research not only enriches our understanding of history but also offers valuable lessons for navigating the challenges of modern religious and social conflicts. Dr. Hill’s ability to bridge the past and present makes his work an inspiring example of the intellectual excellence fostered at St. Mary’s.