The central focus of Theological Studies at Emory is the task of doing constructive theology, the fashioning of one's own theological position. This central, orienting task is grounded in sympathetic yet critical study of traditional texts, in engagement with the ideas and realities that give the texts life. Students are required to develop an extensive understanding of a particular religious tradition, generally but not exclusively the Christian tradition. Essential to the student's work is exposure to a variety of traditions and a range of methods for the study of religion, such as ritual studies.

The ethos and energy of theological studies at Emory owes much to the fact that the faculty are drawn from both the Candler School of Theology and the Department of Religion. Faculty and students alike share a commitment to fashioning fresh ways of thinking which refuse to place "theology" and "religious studies" in opposition. Theological Studies at Emory has deep roots in the Christian tradition and has prepared students to become intellectual leaders of their churches and seminaries. Yet the degree in Theological Studies is no less appropriate for teaching in a more general liberal arts context. The student's preparation is strengthened by an emphatic recognition of religious pluralism relevant to a wide range of teaching contexts.

Students are actively encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary research. The University has particular strengths in ethics, Biblical studies, feminist and womanist perspectives, postmodernism, Jewish-Christian encounter, post-Holocaust thought, and anthropology. Interdisciplinarity is encouraged by the presence of the Aquinas Center for Theology, a philosophy department committed to the full range of Western thought, the Women's Studies and African-American Studies programs, the Graduate Institute of Liberal Arts, the Carter Center, and a developing relationship with the Losel Shedrup Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center.

All of this has its purpose, however, to contribute to the student's ability to articulate and defend a theological position of his or her own. To this end Theological Studies at Emory offers – perhaps most crucially – a setting of warm community, constant challenge, and vigorous collegiality.

Theological Studies Faculty

David R. Blumenthal (Ph.D., Columbia University, 1966) Jay and Leslie Cohen Professor of Judaic Studies. Constructive Jewish thought, problem of evil, ethics, and obedience.

Noel L. Erskine (Ph.D., Union Theological Seminary, 1978) Associate Professor. Black theology, theologies of liberation.

Wendy Lee Farley (Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, 1988) Associate Professor. Philosophical and systematic theology, comparative theology.

Mark Jordan (Ph.D., University of Texas/Austin, 1977) Asa Griggs Candler Professor. The varieties of moral rhetoric; the history of Christian teachings on sex; the relations of theological writing to power.

Don E. Saliers (Ph.D., Yale University, 1967) William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor. Liturgical theology, religious affections.

Theophus H. Smith (Ph.D., Graduate Theological Union, 1987) Associate Professor. Philosophy of religion, African-American religious studies, religion and violence.

Dianne M. Stewart (Ph.D., Union Theological Seminary, 1997) Associate Professor. Theologies and religious practices of the African diaspora; Black/womanist theologies; African-derived religions.