Major- Theology

The Department of Theology reflects the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and Benedictine Monasticism. The department has two distinct educational purposes within the College. The first is to enable all students to become theologically literate. This is accomplished primarily through two required courses offered in the College’s core program of studies.  In Theology 101 (Christian Thought I) and Theology 202 (Christian Thought II), the student is introduced to the study of theology as an academic discipline.  The department also offers upper-level courses classified as Humanities electives for non-majors. 

The second purpose is to provide students majoring in theology with the foundational skills necessary for graduate study or for service to the world and the Church.  The department’s courses provide a basic introduction to the areas of systematic and historical theology, biblical studies, and ethics.  Students intending to pursue graduate studies (General track) supplement their theology courses with additional courses in philosophy.  Students preparing directly for some form of service (Pastoral track) take four supporting psychology and/or education courses from a Theology Department list.  In addition, students on the Pastoral track complete a culminating internship at an approved site, with a concluding exercise to help them reflect theologically upon the service experience and relate it to classroom learning.  The department attempts to acquaint students in both tracks with the development of the Catholic theological tradition and to integrate that tradition into the larger program of liberal studies offered by the College. 

The general goal of the Department of Theology is to foster a theological literacy among our students that is grounded in the Catholic tradition.  As well as enriching the student’s knowledge of the human condition and of Western civilization, theological literacy should enable the student to grasp theological issues in society at large.  The department maintains the following goals for students choosing to major in theology: 1) to attain knowledge of basic theological ideas and to become familiar with the core themes of the Catholic theological tradition; 2) to develop the ability to think critically about theological issues together with the ability to express that thinking clearly; and 3) to develop the research and professional skills necessary for careers in theology or related areas.

• General Track: In addition to the College’s graduation requirements, the following are required: Foreign Language (101-102, Latin preferred), Philosophy (upper-level courses), English (one upper-level elective), and History (one upper-level elective). Theology classes: Jesus and Salvation, The Church, Introduction to Moral Theology or Catholic Social Teaching, Seminar in Theology, Senior Thesis, Scripture elective, and two additional electives.

• Pastoral Track: In addition to the College’s graduation requirements, the following are required: Foreign Language (101-102, Spanish preferred), Psychology and Education (upper-level courses), Philosophy (one upper-level elective), English (one upper-level elective), and History (one upper-level elective). Theology classes: Jesus and Salvation, The Church, Introduction to Moral Theology or Catholic Social Teaching, Seminar in Theology, Senior Thesis, Internship, Scripture Elective, and two additional electives.

Theology majors in both tracks (general or pastoral) are required to write a senior thesis involving original research and written under the direction of a member of the Department. This scholarly study is presented at the end of the spring semester before graduation.
 
Faculty

Dr. Grattan Brown – Assistant Professor of Theology
B.A. Washington and Lee University, License in Sacred Theology Accademia Alfonsiana, Bachelor of Sacred Theology University of St. Thomas Aquinas, M.A. University of Memphis, Ph.D. Accademia Alfonsiana

Ronald Thomas – Assistant Professor of Theology
B.A. University of Memphis, M. Div. Emory University, Ph.D. University of Cambridge

Fr. Christopher Kirchgessner OSB - Assistant Professor of Theology
B.A. St. Meinrad College, M.Div. St. Meinrad School of Theology, M.A. Catholic University of America

Mr. David Pitt - Visiting Lecturer in Theology
B.A. St. Jerome’s University, M.A. (Liturgical Music) St. John’s University, Ph.D. (cand.) University of Notre Dame

Sr. Jane Russell OSF - Associate Professor of Theology, Coordinator of Justice and Peace Studies B.A. Alverno College, M.A. University of San Francisco, Ph.D. University of Notre Dame

Before coming to the College, Sr. Jane served in various educational, pastoral, and administrative positions, most notably as campus minister and adjunct theology faculty at Creighton University and as Provincial Councilor for her order. Her research interests span many phases of the twentieth century Catholic renewal, from small Christian communities to liberationist theologies and new ministries. A frontier to which she hopes to give increasing attention is the interface of theology and science, especially in relation to the long-term flourishing of the earth community.

Dr. David Williams - Chair and Associate Professor of Theology, Pre-Law Advisor B.A. Georgetown University, M.A. Boston College, Ph.D. (Political Science) Boston College, Ph.D. (Theology) Boston College

Dr. Williams's initial studies focused on Christian and medieval political theory. That interest led to more theological concerns and so he took up additional work in theology, specializing in systematics and New Testament. His research interests fall on traditions of biblical interpretation, analytic philosophy of religion, and pre-scholastic theology (with special reference to the monastic and Victorine traditions). Activities outside the classroom are an essential part of his self-understanding as a theologian, because theological study ultimately exists in order to serve the Church's life and evangelization.