Theology and Religious Studies

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies explores the human quest for the transcendent as expressed in the world’s diverse religious traditions. It makes an essential contribution to the mission of Saint Joseph's University as a Catholic Jesuit institution to strive “to be an inclusive and diverse community that educates and cares for the whole person, encouraging and modeling a lifelong commitment to thinking critically, making ethical decisions, pursuing social justice, and finding God in all things.” We and our students engage in the critical study of the historical evolution of theological and religious traditions. We are committed to a rigorous presentation of the methods and content of both Christian Theology and Religious Studies as academic disciplines.

In pursuit of this mission, the department recognizes four primary goals:

• Instill in students a capacity for methodical analysis and understanding of the world's diverse theological and religious traditions;
• Provide students with a scholarly, multifaceted understanding of the foundations of Christian faith, its development in different times and cultures, and its implications for life in society, especially within the Roman Catholic tradition;
• Engage students in exploring the richness of the spiritual expressions and experiences encountered through the study of religions other than Christianity;
• Foster in students and professional colleagues an appreciation for the diversity that exists within the contemporary study of theology and religion as reflected in the department’s faculty and their research endeavors.

Student Organizations

The Department sponsors a chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for theology and religious studies. Students also participate in the activities of Campus Ministry and the post-graduate volunteer service programs. Faculty members advise students and alumni on career opportunities, job placements, and on professional and graduate school programs.