David D. Daniels III ’76 died on October 10, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.
(The following was provided by McCormick Theological Seminary in October 11, 2024:)
David D. Daniels III ’76
Rev. Dr. David D. Daniels III – devoted husband, father, grandfather, respected Churchman, trusted ecumenical leader and an innovative scholar of global Christianity passed away on October 10, 2024, leaving a profound void in our hearts.
Dr. Daniels, a cherished member of the McCormick family, dedicated his life to academia and ministry. His impact as the Henry Winters Luce Professor of World Christianity and Professor of Church History was immeasurable. His commitment to challenging the narratives of history and decolonizing our understanding of the origins of the Church earned him the deep admiration of his colleagues and students alike. “The McCormick community was deeply enriched by the life and legacy of Dr. Daniels. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Rev. Dr. Delois Daniels, his children, and loved ones as we grieve with them,” shared McCormick President Dr. Maisha Handy. “His contributions to theological education are significant and timeless. He will be missed by our village.”
His students remember Dr. Daniels not only for his academic rigor but also for his compassion and profound insights. He encouraged them to be critical thinkers, proud of their heritage, and diligent in their studies. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as he lectured at numerous institutions in the United States and internationally, sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise in the history of Christianity. As an ordained minister in the Church of God in Christ, he embodied his faith in all aspects of his life, including as bishop with distinctive responsibilities for educational programs within the movement/denomination, attentive to global expansion.
“His life was a song of praise,” expressed Dr. Ken Sawyer, a long-time fellow faculty member and friend. “All who knew him as a colleague will testify that he was guided by wisdom and confident trust in divine provision. He was an essential participant in every major decision. His perspective and advice were much sought after. He leaves a legacy of generous service and leadership. He was much beloved, appreciated, and admired.”
Dr. Daniels’s scholarly contributions, including his articles and book reviews, have left an indelible mark on the study of Christianity. He encouraged the publication of long-ignored texts, and the production of new textbooks to help render visible traditions long overlooked. He was particularly interested in researching the place of Africans in the Early Modern European imagination and in actual places in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Whether Ethiopians in Germany or Congolese in Rome, and in Portugal’s ecclesial spaces, Dr. Daniels carefully tracked African pilgrims, teachers, and scholar residents. He challenged the parochialism and timidity of historians – and he invited them to recognize the dynamic and diverse networks of trade and exchange from the time of Mali’s great Mansa Musa (d. 1337) to the close of the Reformation era.
The impact of Dr. David D. Daniels III goes far beyond his professional achievements. His warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his students and colleagues will be deeply missed. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us. Rest in power, Dr. Daniels.