Biographical Overview

I am a faithful Roman Catholic theologian with areas of specialty in biblical hermeneutics, Patristic exegesis and biblical theology.  I also routinely teach courses on faith and revelation, Christology, and doctrine.  I enjoy working in a formative, teaching-oriented Catholic college, although I have worked happily in politically diverse secular academic environments before.  I have taken the Oath of Fidelity and received the ecclesiastical mandatum to teach from the Diocese of Arlington, as specified by Ex Corde Ecclesiae.

In 2012, I completed Ph.D. study at the Catholic University of America.  My dissertation examines how the thought of the French theologian, Henri Cardinal de Lubac, S.J., and the German philosopher, Hans-Georg Gadamer, may benefit contemporary Catholic biblical interpretation.

I earned two degrees at Yale University.  In 1995, I completed my Bachelor's degree at Yale College, with a major in Physics and Philosophy.  At this time, I felt the calling to redirect my life toward the vocation of teaching theology.  In 1997, I completed a Master's degree at Yale Divinity School, with a focus on philosophical theology.  Here I also learned the techniques of modern historical-critical exegesis, intermixed with the influence of the Yale School of biblical hermeneutics and post-liberal theology.  I was privileged to study with the Catholic scholars Fr. Avery Dulles, Dr. Gyula Klima, and Dr. Cyril O'Regan, all of whom influenced my decision to teach Catholic theology.

In 1999, I married my wife, Sarah.  She and I presently reside in Front Royal, Virginia, with our three children, Veronica (age 7), Theresa (age 4) and Matthew (age 1).