Paul Sponheim

Dr. Paul Sponheim was valedictorian of Lincoln High School’s graduating class of 1948.  He was involved in band, dramatics, speech, yearbook staff, and the newspaper.  

In 1952 Sponheim earned his B.A. at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and received a Fulbright Scholarship. This scholarship enabled him to conduct advanced studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1952-1957. Sponheim attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN where he earned a Master’s Degree in Divinity.  Further study led to the University of Chicago where he earned another M.A. in 1960 and a Ph. D. in 1961.  Sponheim has also studied at Claremont School of Theology in California, Cambridge University in England, and the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research.  In 1962, Dr. Sponheim was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.  From 1963-1968, he was professor of religion at Concordia College, Moorhead.  Since 1969, Dr. Sponheim has been a Professor of Systematic Theology at Luther Seminary.  His duties have also included Dean of Academic Affairs.  

Active in community service, Dr. Sponheim has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute, as well as serving on several humanitarian projects.  

Sponheim has been affiliated with several professional organizations including the Association for the United Nations and American Academy of Religion.  An accomplished writer, Sponheim has authored and co-authored 13 books and several articles.  Today he continues to serve on the Editorial Board of Dialog, a Lutheran professional periodical.