Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

A Marquis Who's Who Magazine 371 W hile growing up, Dr. David M. Thompson became very interested in the history and customs surrounding the various branches of Christianity. Although the sociology of church life was considered a fringe subject at the time, he chose to press forward with formal education in the field. In the 1960s, he attended the University of Cambridge, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and PhD. Shortly after graduating, Dr. Thompson was hired by the university as a lecturer in church history. He later earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1986. Through his involvement with the University of Cambridge, Dr. Thompson was named a Fellow of The Royal Historical Society. He also acted as director of the Center for Advanced Religious and Theological Studies, president of Fitzwilliam College, and professor of modern church history, among other appointments. In an effort to expand the reach of his findings, Dr. Thompson began writing about topics in his areas of expertise as early as the 1970s. He most recently published “Religious Life in Mid-19th Century Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire: The Returns for the 1851 Census of Religious Worship” in 2014. As a scholar, Dr. Thompson hopes to one day see the various churches of the world united under one banner. While he understands this would undoubtedly take a long time to achieve, he also knows it will never happen unless an initial attempt is made. Dr. Thompson is particularly concerned about the serious consequences that would occur as a result of further religious and political division. Through his tenure with the University of Cambridge, he has done his part to alleviate this possibility by introducing world Christianity into the University of Cambridge, thereby increasing mutual knowledge and understanding among Christian churches. Recognized as an emeritus professor of modern church history, Dr. Thompson looks forward to continuing his research in the coming years. DAVID M. THOMPSON, PHD, BD HISTORIAN, EDUCATOR Cambridge, England