David Brakke Joins American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences has announced the election of its new members for 2025, which includes David Brakke, Professor and Engle Chair in the History of Christianity in the Department of History and affiliated faculty for the Center for the Study of Religion.
The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, founded in 1780, is an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions and perspectives to address significant challenges.
Brakke studies and teaches the history and literature of ancient Christianity from its origins through the fifth century, with special interests in asceticism, monasticism, "Gnosticism," biblical interpretation and Egyptian Christianity. His current projects include a study of early Christian scriptural practices before and after the listing of a New Testament canon and a new translation, with commentary, of the Secret Book of James from Nag Hammadi Codex I.
“Election to the Academy is an unexpected and humbling honor, which recognizes the value of studying the history of Christianity for understanding the diversity of this country and the world,” Brakke said. “My research has benefited from collaboration with many colleagues at Ohio State and beyond, but I am particularly grateful for the ways, both large and small, that the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of History have supported me and my work.
Brakke joins nearly 250 new members drawn from academia, the arts, industry, policy, research and science. Other notable additions include World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper, filmmaker Ava DuVernay and journalist Gloria Steinem.
“The Academy honors excellence across a wide range of disciplines and professions, and our newly elected members have demonstrated expertise and leadership of astonishing breadth and impact,” said Chair of the Board Goodwin Liu, Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court. “We look forward to engaging their diverse talents and experiences through Academy initiatives that bring interdisciplinary inquiry and unfettered pursuit of knowledge to bear on our society's greatest challenges.”
