J. Columcille Dever
Assistant Professor, Theology
Ph.D., University of Notre Dame
What are your thoughts on teaching?
In my courses, I want students to see me and one another as members of an organic, interactive community of learners, seeking the truth together in friendship. I give pride of place to whatever text we’re reading together as the primary teacher and cooperate with the students in trying to learn from it. This approach requires an openness to how texts make claims on us and invite our response. In reading together, we strive to imaginatively inhabit others’ point of view. This in turn enables us to cultivate the virtues of patience, generosity, and empathy, which students can then apply in their interpersonal relationships.
Tell us about your field of expertise.
My research and teaching interests are broad, but focus primarily on the interpretation of Christian Scripture, especially the New Testament, and the history of Christian thought and practice from Late Antiquity to the Middle Ages.
What hobbies/interests do you enjoy outside of academia?
I love spending time with my wife, Katie, and our three busy children, James (6), Brigid (almost 4), and Fiona (almost 1). We enjoy watching movies and sports together–especially anything Irish–as well as cooking and reading.
