References

Current references are available, either directly or upon request, from the following:

Dr. John Kloppenborg

Department of Religion

University of Toronto

Trinity College , Larkin 325

6 Hoskin Avenue

Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1H8

Tel: (416) 978-6493

Email: john.kloppenborg(at)utoronto.ca

Dr. Terry Donaldson

Wycliffe College
5 Hoskin Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1H7

Tel: (416) 946-3537
Email: terry.Donaldson(at)utoronto.ca

Dr. Colleen Shantz

University of St. Michael’s College

81 St. Mary Street
Toronto Ontario, Canada  M5S 1J4

Tel: (416) 926-7103

Email: c.shantz(at)utoronto.ca

Previous Reference Letters

The following reference letter was given by Dr. Bruce Fisk, of Westmont College:

January 7, 2002

Re. Reference letter for Ryan Wettlaufer

To Whom It May Concern:

I’m delighted to offer a few words on behalf of Ryan Wettlaufer.

I have known Ryan for  years, first as his New Testament professor and now as a friend and conversation partner. Since we are now on opposite sides of the country, we see each other only once a year at the AAR/SBL annual meeting, and must otherwise resort to e-mail. Ryan ranks among the very best all-around students I have had in my 11 years of teaching undergraduates. My sense is that Ryan would do very well indeed in almost any Ph.D. program, for he is marked by a passionate love of learning, a mature capacity to reflect and to distinguish the important from the secondary, a delightful sense of humor, a healthy dose of cynicism (of the best sort), and a love of hard work. When he offers questions and comments, they are relevant and thoughtful, they cut to the heart of the matter, and they often challenge me to be a better scholar. His written work and in-class presentations reflect a similar maturity, and he is comfortable and competent doing advanced library research.

During his undergraduate career, Ryan’s intellectual growth was a delight to watch. He began as a free spirit, not particularly disciplined, and eager to chart his own course through the program. As he matured, he retained his free, creative approach but also became captivated by his subject matter, be it Greek or Paul, English lit. or Philosophy. He was one of a small handful to scrape together the money to attend meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature. He is eager to learn from others but is spellbound by no one, which leaves him free to sift and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each position. Although he hails from a fairly conservative Christian community, he has come away unscathed by the anti-intellectualism and provincialism that often marks such quarters.

Ryan is also a gifted musician accomplished on the trumpet in a variety of musical genres. Over the years I have been struck by how many musicians prove also to be sensitive and intelligent readers of texts. Ryan is a case in point. Please do not hesitate to be in touch if there are other questions I might be able to answer.

Bruce Fisk

Asst. Professor, Religious Studies
Westmont College

Santa Barbara, CA 93108

This letter was provided by Dr. Bruce Hindmarsh, of Regent College:

To Whom It May Concern:

Re: Ryan Wettlaufer

Ryan Wettlaufer has asked if I would write a letter of reference for him in respect of any applications he might make for teaching posts in his field.  I have known Ryan for several years, and I am pleased to write a general letter on his behalf.  I am also happy to answer more specific queries.  Please do not hesitate to contact me further.

Ryan was one of my students during his undergraduate training, and I taught him in the area of church history. I had opportunity to observe not only his academic work but also his interpersonal relationships, his involvement in the community, and his concerns for ministry.  My wife and I had him in our home on several occasions, and we have stayed in touch with Ryan as he has continued in his education.  We have taught many students over the years, but Ryan was someone we wanted genuinely to get to know better and to spend more time with.

I would easily place Ryan in the top 5% of students I have taught over the years in terms of his academic ability.  He is a capable scholar, well trained in New Testament in particular, but competent in wider areas of theological study as well.  His creativity as a writer and speaker and his good humour as a person is matched by an intellectual curiosity and liveliness that is the mark of a good teacher and researcher.  I expect him to do well as a graduate student and to make a real impact as a creative teacher. 

Ryan has a pleasant personality and is a person of proven integrity and character with a genuine faith in Christ.  In my observation, he has always invested a great deal in personal relationships and has given of himself in ministry in the church, such as, for example, with his musical training. 

Sincerely,

Bruce Hindmarsh, D.Phil. (Oxon.)

James M. Houston Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology

Regent College

       Email: bhindmarsh(at)regent-college.edu


Finally, the following letter was written by Prof. Robert Seale, now emeritus of Briercrest College: