2001-2002 ITC sabbatical supplemented by a Lilly Faculty Fellow Grant from the ATS
1994 Visiting Lilly Professor, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky
1993 ITC Summer Research Grant
1991-1993 Hartford Seminary Leadership Scholars Seminar
1989 ATS Research Grant
1988-1989 ITC Research Grant
1980-1981 University of Tennessee research leave
1978 University of Tennessee Research Grant for research at the London Institute of African and Asian Studies
1990-present Professor of Ethics and Theology, ITC
1995-2000 Weekly Bible Lecturer, Mount Nebo Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia
1982-1990 Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, ITC
1979-1982 Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
1974-1978 Instructor in the Department of Religious Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Riggins Earl is a professor of Ethics and Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center of the Atlanta University Center where he has served for thirty plus years. He holds the Ph. D. degree from Vanderbilt University in Social Ethics. He has done post-doctoral studies at Harvard and Boston University respectively. Earl has done research at the London Institute for African Studies; taught in the Religious Studies Department of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville; and taught religion in the university and seminary context for forty years
Riggins Earl is a professor of Ethics and Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center of the Atlanta University Center where he has served for thirty plus years. He holds the Ph. D. degree from Vanderbilt University in Social Ethics. He has done post-doctoral studies at Harvard and Boston University respectively. Earl has done research at the London Institute for African Studies; taught in the Religious Studies Department of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville; and taught religion in the university and seminary context for forty years. During that tenure he has sought to be at the forefront of intellectual conversations about religion and the ethical and moral life particularly as it relates to black Americans.
Read More
"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011"This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Wish I could hear these great speakers. I never will forget the first time I heard Rev. Dr. Riggins Earl preach at his church in East Tennessee back in the mid 70's. As a music major, I was instantly affected by his voice which was resonant and commanding. The profundity of his vocal timbre was scary and yet compelling all at once! His sermons were packed with practical applications for the college student as well as Biblical teachings to edify our Christian walk. Memories such as these are a testament to the song that explains my survival in college -- "My soul looks Back and Wonders -- How I Got Over!" The answer: through the many lessons I learned from the pulpits of great men of God in my youth: Dr. Riggins Earl, Alcoa, TN; the late Dr. W.T. Crutcher and Rev. Harold Middlebrook, Knoxville, TN;..."
- Facebook Reviewer"Dr. Earl has impacted my life in two distinctive ways: (1) He has taught me through his actions how to respect the human situation we all find ourselves in and (2) He has demonstrated how to study that situation with respect for all who are committed to the task of understanding the human situation in all its respective forms."
- Rev. Jarvis F. Williams, ITC, Morehouse School of Religion, 2011
