In yesterday's Faithful Four matchup, Maria Skobtsova defeated Esther 73% to 27% to make it to the Championship Round. Who will compete with Maria to vie for the Golden Halo? That's the question to be decided over the next 24 hours as Anna Alexander, the Georgia Deaconess, faces Richard Hooker, the Anglican theologian.
To get this deep into the Saintly Smackdown, Anna defeated Peter Claver, Edith Cavell, and Eglantyne Jebb, while Richard got past Mary of Egypt, Margaret of Scotland, and Phocas the Gardener.
Anna continues to be shepherded through the bracket by her namesake Anna Fitch Courie. Richard's advocate is Marcus Halley, who...shares a last name initial with Mr. Hooker.
Finally, did you watch the final in-season episode of Monday Madness? Of course you did. But here's the link nonetheless. You know, to share with your friends and family and Facebook friends you've never actually met.
Anna Alexander
Anna sighed as she began her walk between Darian and Brunswick. The day was already stifling hot and the sun had not yet reached its peak. The mosquitoes were already out in full force and the dust from the road was turning her habit from black to brown. She prayed for a breeze to cut the air that was so thick you could swim through it. Although the day was already shaping into a typical southern day, Anna couldn’t help but smile as she heard the sweet chirping of cicadas in the trees. The birds were greeting her with their morning chatter and the magnolias were in bloom. There were signs of God everywhere on her daily journey and these comforted her with her mission ahead.
With each step, Anna prayed for each of her students by name and prayed God would bless them with skills to change the world. She worried that the world would never see her children as equal in God’s sight. She worried that they didn’t see themselves as equal either. Anna’s shoulders dipped with the weight of worry and love she felt for these boys and girls. She worried that she had the skills to show them why reading, writing, learning, and God were so important. She wanted them to know the Bible tells us that God made all men and women in God’s image. Anna wanted her students to know that the most important lesson is that we love each other.
Mostly, Anna prayed that her students would learn that even when the world tells them otherwise, that Jesus tells us to treat each other the way
we want to be treated. Maybe if Anna’s students treat others the way they wanted to be treated that soon the world would treat them that way as well. Anna knew that following God was far more important than the noise of the world. After all, she had been told for years that she couldn’t make a difference being black and a woman. She hoped that with her firm persistence, following the love of Jesus, and the passage of time that she was showing that each of us makes a difference in our own way just because we are children of God.
As Anna neared her destination, she gave thanks to God for this time in prayer on her journey. Each step was a prayer that reaffirmed her faith and relationship with God. She felt strengthened by this time to serve her community. Her walks each day gave her that time to pray and reflect on where she was called to go. As she headed off to deliver the clothes, food, and books she gathered for her flock, she smiled. Today was going to be a good day.
Richard Hooker
Dr. James Cone, father of Black Liberation Theology, suggests that “theology is loving God with the mind.” It is easy to dismiss Richard Hooker’s theologizing as aloof, ivory-tower naval-gazing; but, it is important to note that loving God with our hearts, souls, and minds is a command straight out of the Gospels. The practice of theological scholarship is important to the life of the Church and, while its importance can be taken to the extreme (as with all things), it provides the necessary framework to wrestle with incredibly challenging questions. His commitment to the field of theology impressed King James (of the King James Bible fame), who said of Hooker, “I observe there is in Mr. Hooker no affected language; but a grave, comprehensive, clear manifestation of reason, and that backed with the authority of the Scriptures, the fathers and schoolmen, and with all law both sacred and civil.”
Richard Hooker did Anglican theology in a time of fierce religious division. Using the scriptures and Christian tradition, Hooker was able to weave together a system of faith that graciously navigated the Via Media between the excesses of Roman Catholicism and the austerity of continental Reformation Christianity. He allowed the Sacraments, the Church Mothers and Fathers, and Christian tradition to speak to a new age of Christians who were asking incredibly deep questions about how their age-old faith was going to interact with a world exploding in knowledge and size and scope. His Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie has a reach beyond Anglicanism into the field of English prose and political theory. Here is a real, flesh-and-blood man dedicated to a theology that improves the world.
Episcopalians are who we are, people who weave the richness of the Christian tradition into conversation with the real world around us, in no 
small part due to Richard Hooker. His system of scripture, tradition, and reason creates a framework of faith that is solid at its core and soft at its edges. Our faith is firm enough to affirm the ancient, Trinitarian faith, but soft enough to invite, include, celebrate, and be transformed by the presence of those of us formally closed out of the life of the Church – people of color, women, queer, and trans people, native and immigrant people. While we may not have been on his mind, his system of faith provided the framework that allowed many of us to experience true freedom in Jesus Christ.
Richard Hooker might not be remembered for feeding and housing people on the margins, but his system of faith nourishes and provides spiritual shelter for many, with the potential to add many more, for there is “plenty good room” in the Kingdom.
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421 comments on “Anna Alexander vs. Richard Hooker”
I live in TN, but grew up in GA, so am totally familiar with the hot, buggy paths that Anna trod and love the work she did. However, as a cradle Episcopalian, I had to vote for Richard!
I was torn, but having begun life as an RC and finding the Episcopal church in a time of spiritual and intellectual need and joining for the reasons mentioned in the well written post today made me cast my vote for Hooker. (Cincinnati, OH)
Anna was Anna and I am me because of Richard. Thanks to the bloggers for these beautiful essays and for everybody who pulled up their three legged stools to share in the madness.
I voted for Richard Hooker..because the analysis of “why the Episcopal Church” in the statement about him spoke volumes.
As I said above, I voted for Richard-- a vote for reason. It was a difficult choice, and would likely have been more difficult if I could have seen how very close the voting is this morning! I would like to say, here, how very much I enjoyed Anna Courie's write-up of her namesake. She truly captured the moment. Well done!
I had to vote for Anna today. Her story is very compelling.
Sherry (also from New Mexico)
As one graciously accepted into the Diocese of Georgia, I cast my vote for our Saint, Anna. Not only did she pray on her long, dusty, mosquito-filled journeys along Georgia's coast, she rowed her boat ashore to get to the people in need and, through education, helped lift them up to their full potential. I am a big fan of Richard Hooker and very grateful for all his contributions that shaped our Anglicanism to have core values while being generous and inviting. But I am pulling for Deaconess Alexander to go toe-to-toe with the liberating Russian nun.
Richard because it was his theology that allowed Anna and those who came after her to eventually have a place of ministry within the church.
Wow, this is so difficult. I love being named Richard...I love being an Anglican/Episcopalian...I love being an American with many family members living in Georgia...and I love being a Deacon. So I will be voting for the American Episcopal Deacon from Georgia Anna!
"Austerity" of the continental Reformation? I am Lutheran, not Callvinist, albeit with some Anglican ancestors, so just decided on Anna. Besides, praying for her students along the way resonates with contemporary situations.
Good morning from all across Ohio. These last 4 years I've traveled over 120,000 miles up and down I- 71 as I care for myself and my family through unusual times. During this time I am grateful for the connections I made in communities all along the way. Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Consevative Quaker communities all responded to my need to for true support. Gas cards and motel vouchers; endless cups of tea; listening to God's word ; singing songs from sorrow to praise; shared silence waiting on God's word; long conversations on the phone. These are some of the ways God and God's people walked with me , sometimes carrying me through those stressful life events.
So.... Anna gets my vote as a tribute to those who reminded our family just how closely we are held in God's love.
This Columbus GA teacher felt compelled to vote for Anna. I just felt very connected to her and feel she has gone unnoticed too long. She lived her faith each step of the way.
Marcus Halley's closing thought on Richard Hooker put it all into perspective for this Lent Madness pilgrim from the Berkshires of Western Mass. (Although I am typing these words on a business trip to Atlanta, so am feeling Anna, too.) Thanks to all the CBs for making this year's journey so transcendent.
Oh, I think I have pulled out almost all my hair, wrestling with this decision! I am Episcopalian because of Richard (okay, that and Evensong). I am so grateful for him. *sigh* But I am voting for Anna today.
From Northfield, VT, I am still stewing over such a difficult choice. I love Anna and revere Richard.
Another very tough one. I can only echo what has been said before. Anna is my inspiration. Richard was instrumental in making her impact possible. Richard Hooker it is.
From Corpus Christi, TX
Just a thought, but could we lift up Richard Hooker on this page without putting down other denominations and faiths? It doesn't seem very . . . saintly.
Are you suggesting that Episcopalianism isn’t the One True Church?
Hahaha! Well, of course it is! But I am glad for any Catholic or Baptist or whoever, who wants to do the Madness.
Naming the excesses of Renaissance Roman Catholicism (indulgences anyone?) and austerity of Continental Reformed Christianity (Iconoclasm 2.0 and the denial of sanctoral feasts - if we had left it up to the Continental Reformers, there would be no Lent Madness) isn't tearing down other denominations. It's naming a historic truth. RH sought to draw a path between then and synergize the best of both traditions.
Marcus, my goodness, I wasn't talking about you! You're our Celebrity, and your write-up was splendid. I was referring to some of the earlier comments.
You said that so much better than I thought it. Thanks.
I agree. If it wasnt for those other "branches of the Jesus Movement" (thank you Bishop Curry for reminding us we arent the only house on the block), I may not have found my way to the Episcopal church in the1st place. All of them, including the "strip mall churchs" helped form the 3 legged stool I so gratefully sit on these days.
Exactly!!!!
How can I possibly make a decision today? I think Anna Fitch Courie and Marcus Halley should be given Golden Pens for writing these powerful interpretations of the importance of our two Faithful Four candidates. Now I must meditate and pray because both of these writers have caused me to want to grow and mature into the person Christ calls me to become. Can't I vote twice today? (Just kidding- I would cancel myself!)
Great idea about the Golden Pens for all the celebrity bloggers. They have all done a great job!! Thank you.
Amen!
great idea!
Yes!
Cornelia, Georgia
Hooker was a steady influence to all. So was Anna. I love the three-legged stool approach to my theology. But I got to stick with the homegirl! She was an amazing example to all,not just her students. I fully expect RH to win but I want to give my support to Anna Alexander.
For me here in Evanston, IL it is Richard Hooker all the way. I was drawn to the Episcopal Church because I saw people were encouraged to ask questions and think about faith (vs ‘pray, pay, and obey’). Without Richard’s three-legged stool, where would Anna or the rest of us sit when resting from our labors in making the Kingdom here on earth.
Well said, Deborah!
So many of us Catholic-to-Episcopalian seem to be feeling the same pull. I love Anna, but (and apologies to those tired of hearing about it) the three-legged stool--reason, tradition, faith--is the reason I chose to swim the Thames and become Episcopalian. I will be happy with whoever wins today. (I'm pulling for Maria for the Golden Halo, though!) Writing from snowy Denver, Colorado.
Okay Dan, I am from Alexandria VA. I love to go to the Cathedral in DC for it's quiet and peace when I can convince my loving husband to take me (I no longer am able to drive). Today I vote for Anna as she was a woman who lived out her calling to be God's loving servant in the hardest of times. I had never heard of her before LM this year and that is one of the best parts of it each year! New opportunities to learn beyond my MTS from VTS in 2001.
Started Lent Madness this year in New Mexico, and finishing in my new hometown of Denver, CO! Tough choice - as compelling as Anna's story is, its Richard and the Via Media for me today!
Stsrted in New Mexico myself this year before returning home to Texas. I'm still missing the breakfast burritos at Blakes. Sigh.
Yes there really is a Kalamazoo, MI. I had to vote for Anna, and I echo whoever up the posts somewhere mentioned doing that in honor of Harriet Bedell. Me too.
Thanks, I guess, for another Lent of thrills, spills, and impossible choices. Mud season wouldn't be the same without Madness.
Richard Hoker it t is! He has been my guiding star since I found Anglicanism. His via media and three-legged stool have stood me well and still do.
Had to go with naval-gazing Richard Hooker; my fiancée is retired Navy! 🙂 / San Antonio, TX
So torn this morning. A vote for either one will be a winner. Reading the comments has made this decision even harder. Hmm, will make my final decision as I scroll back to the “vote” button. Again this year, I have learned a lot. I live in northwest New Mexico, but still have ties to Wyoming.
This vote, as many others this Lent, is a hard one. As a transplant to the South, I have to go with Anna who challenged the system in the name of God.
Good Morning from Hastings Michigan.
I had very difficult time voting today as both are worthy of the Golden Halo, then I remembered it was March 27th, the 109th anniversary of my mother-in-laws birth. She was an exceptional school teacher, beginning her career in a one room country school at the age of 16. At the age of 48 she got her teaching degree by attending college nights and weekends in order to continue teaching in the city school systems. She graduated from WMC the same year her son did.
Anna's story & faith are inspiring, but the framework of faith that keeps the church alive depends on Richard Hooker.
Good morning from the villeage of Tunners falls in the city of Montague ma, western mass.
From FR. Halley 's Parish. This ones for you but I think Anna will win.
Gladwin, Michigan Was a very tough choice as I had voted for both earlier and studied Hooker's contributions to the church last year. However Anna crept into my heart for her compassionate determined work to educate young people and give them a firm foundation in Christ. Those she taught, left and spread the word and then hopefully those went on and spread the word!