I have wonderful memories of Alan Sparks, his leadership of the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State University, and our subsequent friendship. 

I met him in 1999 when I applied for a faculty position in the department. Cordial and friendly, Alan made me feel welcome throughout the interview process. Indeed, when I told him I was en route to another interview, he encouraged me to postpone the trip because he was sure the dean would offer me the job at SDSU. Fortunately for me, Dean Paul Strand did.

Alan had gathered a cohort of great faculty: Linda Holler, Risa Levitt, Willard Johnson, Mary Kelly, Samy Swayd, John Gillman, and others whose names escape me at the moment. We were a congenial bunch, and the conflicts you hear about within other departments did not exist in Religious Studies. Of course, Elaine Rother, the department administrator, held it all together with grace, calm, and empathy.

Alan was an excellent mentor, who guided me with gentleness. Even after he retired, I continued learning from him, especially his practice of playing music quietly over the audio system as students gathered for class. I used this to great value in the course for Death, Dying, and the Afterlife, playing pop tunes students had suggested to me.

We had much in common given his biblical studies at Claremont and his specialities in both Antiquity and Christianity. I seem to recall conversations we had about various figures—especially St. Paul the apostle—and other New Testament figures and topics. I was interested to learn just now that he wrote an article on Buddha and Christ for the journal Numen as well as “A Report of Accidental Death,” for the Bulletin of the American Society of Papyrologists. Who knew?!?

He was also committed to interfaith dialogue, especially between Jews and Christians. For a time he served as acting director of the Lipinsky Institute for Judaic Studies at SDSU, and continued to participate in Lipinsky programs when Dr. Laurie Baron became the director.

Alan and his wife Helen hosted a number of gatherings and parties for department members at their fabulous apartment on Laurel Street. I remember the view of the city from their picture window, high above other buildings. It was always an elegant and lovely occasion to be there with the two of them. I think of the two of them, Alan and Helen, as a dynamic duo who loved and supported each other through thick and thin.

I appreciate having the opportunity to learn more about Alan through his obituary. I’m not surprised to see that he extended his kindness and compassion beyond the ivory tower and into the community.

Alan Sparks was a fine teacher, a decent man, and a great human being. We need more people like him today.

—Rebecca Moore, 26 May 2025