James W. Pearsall Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics and Theology of Culture
September 2023 – Drew Theological School is mourning the loss of Dr. Edward LeRoy Long, Jr., James W. Pearsall Professor Emeritus of Christian Ethics and Theology of Culture.
Long passed away on July 21, 2023. He was 99 years old.
Long arrived at Drew in 1976 as a Professor of Christian Ethics. In 1984 he was awarded the James W. Pearsall Professor of Christian Ethics and Theology of Culture. He retired the following year, although he continued to teach as a professor emeritus for several years. He taught a variety of courses, including Christian Ethics, Historical Figures in Christian Ethics, Religion and Law, Theological and Related Diagnoses of Culture, The Reformed Tradition, Personhood, Community and Institutions, and the Church’s Role in Peacemaking.
A Christian ethicist and longtime Presbyterian peace advocate, Long received the Will Herberg Distinguished Professor Award for his contributions to Drew in 1981.
“Dr. Edward LeRoy Long, Jr. served Drew University well in many roles, as teacher and scholar of Christian ethics, mentor, and colleague,” said Theological School Dean Edwin David Aponte. “I am tremendously grateful for Dr. Long’s steadfast commitment to the Theological School, not only during his years of service, but also during his long and active retirement.
“Even in my short time as Dean, I learned that Dr. Long took an active interest in the Theological School, sometimes joining us online for special lectures and chapel, occasionally writing a letter sharing his thoughts and helpful questions,” continued Aponte. “His incredible legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and through all the students who continue to pass through Seminary Hall today and into the future. May he rest in peace. His surviving family members continue to be in our hearts and prayers.”
Long earned his Bachelor of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and his PhD from Columbia University.
He published numerous books, including The Nature and Future of Christianity and Facing Terrorism: Responding as Christians, and authored more than sixty articles.
