The Light of Knowledge: How James Bradley and the Lane Rebels Forever Changed American Higher Education

by Jeff Aupperle

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2021

Overview

James Bradley arrived on a slave vessel, defied death multiple times, and worked tirelessly toward purchasing his own freedom. Once emancipated, Bradley made his way to Lane Theological Seminary, joining a passionate group of students, to be known as the Lane Rebels. These so-called Rebels would find a home at Oberlin College, where Bradley became the first Black student admitted by way of official institutional policy in American higher education. The story of abolition in America cannot be told without Oberlin. By 1860, Oberlin enrolled more Black students than any institution of higher education. Oberlin created opportunity for both women and students of color when the issue of slavery had brought a fledgling country to the brink of civil war. Oberlin hired an African American female as a faculty member in 1864--one hundred years before the Civil Rights Act. How does such a thing transpire? How does a seemingly inconsequential college in a seemingly inconsequential town influence a decisive movement in American history? The answers to these questions trace their roots to a zealous group of students gathering over the course of eighteen nights to win the heart of a campus on the imperative question of their day.

Praise for The Light of Knowledge

“This meticulously researched work highlights the courageous work of James Bradley and the Lane Rebels as they helped change the trajectory of a small liberal arts college and in so doing became pioneers in the movement against systematic racism. Jeff brings this important story to light and helps us contextualize these historic events in our ongoing pursuit of equal access. A job well done and well worth reading.”

—Skip Trudeau, Vice President for Student Development, Taylor University



“Through the inspiring story of James Bradley and the Lane Seminary Rebels, Jeff Aupperle adds an important account to the understanding of abolitionist debate in the antebellum period. The Light of Knowledge demonstrates the enduring power of personal narrative and public faith in shaping higher education.”

—Michael Hammond, President, Gordon College



“In The Light of Knowledge, Jeff Aupperle provides prophetic insight into the life of James Bradley, the Lane Rebels, and Oberlin College. In so doing, he compels us all to follow Bradley’s sacrificial and loving example to see the possibilities of higher education to bring about a better future for all.”

—Drew Moser, Assistant Director of the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Taylor University

Product Details

• Title: The Light of Knowledge: How James Bradley and the Lane Rebels Forever Changed American Higher Education
• Author: Jeff Aupperle
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2021
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666722314, 9781666722307, 9781666730593, 1666722316, 1666722308, 1666730599
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666722314
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T19:54:57Z

About the Author

Jeff Aupperle is the Director of Calling and Career at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana where he teaches and provides counsel to students on matters of vocation. He has also served as a licensed and ordained minister in the Missionary Church denomination since 2005. Jeff lives in Upland, Indiana with his wife Rachel and their three children, Reid, Jaelynn, and Jonas.