Living History: Michael Banner

My defining moment at Trinity

When I was new at Trinity, I heard the name Greg Winter.  I asked someone whether he was very distinguished in his field.  The answer – ‘so-so: he might win a Nobel Prize’.  Well, he did.  But to me this was a very Trinity moment – and very liberating.  I realized that there was nothing one could do here that would be likely to impress anyone, so the best thing to do would be to do what you think should be done and to follow your own ideals and goals.  I will never win a Nobel Prize, but when I retire I will at least have done what I think matters, unconcerned about second guessing what others think.

Michael Banner is the Dean of Chapel at Trinity, a Fellow and Director of Studies in Theology and Religious Studies, positions he has held since 2006.