Theology
Major
The study of theology is at the heart of Thomas More University’s mission for it invites students to ponder the deepest human questions – What is the meaning of life? What is my place in the world? What is my responsibility to others? – in light of divine revelation culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
The sciences cannot answer ultimate questions of themselves. In the words of C. S. Lewis, even if “science ever became complete so that it knew every single thing in the whole universe. [I]s it not plain that the questions, ‘Why is there a universe?’…‘Has it any meaning?’ would remain?” That’s why we need theology: through faith and reason we can discover the knowledge about ourselves and the path to happiness that we all desire.
The study of theology also provides a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions of life. An individual’s concept of God and the human person translates into an understanding of how to treat others. By gaining a deeper understanding of God and Christian anthropology, one can better recognize and uphold the dignity of the human person in her given sphere of influence – whether it be law, medicine, business, or the home.
Studying theology is worthwhile whatever one’s religious background may be as it provides the opportunity to study ideas that have radically shaped human history. In so doing, one takes a step toward achieving the goal of any liberal arts program – a greater understanding of the whole of knowledge.
Who will I be learning from?
B.A. – Theology (University of Notre Dame)
M.T.S. (Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family)
Office Phone: 859-344-4051
Email: [email protected]
B.S., Physics (Thomas More College)
Ph.D., Physics (University of Cincinnati)
S.T.B., Theology (Pontificia Universitas Gregoriana)
Be.L., Bioethics (Atheneum Regina Apostolorum)
Office Phone: 859-344-3562
Email: [email protected]
B.A. – Philosophy (Hendrix College)
M.T.S. (Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family) Ms. Keegan’s areas of focus are biotechnology and ethics, and Christian anthropology.
Email: [email protected]
Tobias Nathe, Ph.D.
B.A. – Sport Management (Washington State University)
B.A. – Philosophy (Franciscan University of Steubenville)
M.A. – Theology (Franciscan University of Steubenville)
S.T.L. (John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family)
S.T.D. (The Catholic University of America)
Email: [email protected]
Adjunct Faculty
B.S. – Chemistry (Northern Kentucky University)
B.S. – Metallurgical Engineering (University of Kentucky)
S.T.B.& M.Div. – Systematic Theology (University of St. Mary of the Lake)
M.S. – Canon Law and Ph.D. Canon Law candidate (University of Ottawa)
J.C.L., Certificates in Ecclesiastical Administration & Tribunal Practice, J.C.D. candidate – Canon Law (St. Paul University)
Email: [email protected]
B.A. – Theology and English (Thomas More University)
M.A. – Theology (Xavier University)
Ed.D. – Organizational Leadership (Xavier University)
Email: [email protected]
B.A. – Theology (Thomas More University)
M.A. – Theology (Aquinas Institute of Theology)
Office Phone: (859) 344-3399
Email: [email protected]
Director of the Bishop Foys Ministry and Service Scholarship Program
The Thomas More Theology Department provides an outstanding learning community and robust academic programs.
Students enjoy a close relationship with faculty members and fellow students who take life’s big questions seriously. We have monthly socials, attend relevant campus events, and seek to grow in faith together.
Regarding course of study, all Thomas More students take two core courses in theology designed to present an overview of the content of the Catholic faith and its relevance to life’s big questions, the mission of the university, other disciplines, and social and cultural issues.
With just four additional courses, a Thomas More student can gain a Minor in Theology. This is a wonderful opportunity for education majors looking to teach or administrate at Catholic schools, business administration majors seeking to gain a strong ethical foundation, nursing and pre-med students pursuing a better understanding of bioethics, or any students desiring a better understanding of the Christian faith and the ultimate meaning of life.
Theology majors at Thomas More gain a comprehensive, systematic overview of all major areas of Christian theological study including biblical studies, morality, systematics, liturgy, Christology and Christian anthropology. This robust, rigorous curriculum sets Thomas More apart from other Theology programs and provides majors with an exceptionally strong foundation in Christian doctrine. Coupled with a rigorous core curriculum which draws from the riches of the Catholic intellectual tradition, students are well-prepared for graduate studies, teaching, and ministry opportunities.
Thomas More offers three unique areas of emphasis for majors and minors.
Theology – This concentration draws on Scripture and tradition to expose students to all major areas of Catholic theology, providing a strong spiritual and intellectual formation not only for students preparing to teach, do ministry work, or pursue graduate studies in theology, but also for any seeker hoping to better understand the meaning of life along with his or her place in the world and responsibility to others.
Ministry & Leadership – This interdisciplinary concentration is designed for theology students interested in ministry and leadership roles. It provides them with a solid theological foundation and introduces them to important ministry and leadership skills through theology courses along with select courses from other disciplines.
Theology Across the Disciplines – This interdisciplinary concentration is designed to help theology students develop an appreciation for the breadth of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and its key principles including the complementary nature of faith and reason and the unity of truth. Students learn to think holistically by analyzing questions and topics from different disciplinary perspectives and integrating the knowledge gained from this exploration.
The interdisciplinary nature of Ministry& Leadership and Theology Across the Disciplines provide flexibility for students looking to study theology along with another primary area of study.
The goal of our program is to help our students see the meaning of reality more fully through the exercise of both faith and reason, which in turn gives new meaning and purpose to all aspects of life. The study of theology provides a strong foundation for a meaningful life and all professional and personal pursuits.
The theology program also prepares students for a variety of career paths. Students are prepared for various church-related careers including teaching religious education or directing religious education programs, catechetics, parish ministry, social services, and non-profit work. The theology program also provides students a solid foundation for pursuing advanced study in academic theology, religious education, or pastoral ministry as well as seminary education. The department recognizes a distinctive task of formation of religious educators and lay ministers of the Diocese of Covington.
As with other liberal arts disciplines, study of theology develops critical thinking and communication skills that enable success in many careers and courses of graduate study including business, medicine, and law.
The Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area offers a plethora of opportunities for internship positions in ministry, parish work, teaching religious education, and Catholic social services. Our students have recently served as interns at the Diocese of Covington, local parishes, and the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford. Interns can gain course credit for their work.
Theology students can study abroad in Paris for theology credit through Thomas More, or through outside institutions such as the John Paul II International Fellowship in Krakow Poland.
Regarding preparation for a career in academia, our department recently started an undergraduate theology symposium in collaboration with Marian University. At this conference, Thomas More students can present their theological work to regional theology faculty and students to gain experience in research and public speaking.
Interested
in becoming a Thomas More student?