Philosophy & Religion Major

School of Theology & Christian Ministry

This major is a good option for students who want to build an intellectual foundation in Christian thought that includes philosophical reflection. It is generally recommended that it be completed alongside a secondary major, though it can effectively serve as preparation for future seminary students, especially those interested in philosophical theology or apologetics.

“The department nurtured my academic interests, evoked my vocation to teach, and provided a strong grasp of both theological and philosophical trajectories, concepts, and histories.”

Benjamin Geeding

Department Alumni

Department Alumni

Benjamin Geeding studied Music, Philosophy and Religion while an undergraduate student at Olivet. After completing a Master of Arts degree in Christian Thought at Olivet, Ben was accepted at Yale University where he completed two degrees. He graduated with a Master of Arts in Religion (concentrating in Philosophy of Religion/Philosophical Theology) in 2019 and he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 2023. He is now pursuing a PhD in Religion at Claremont School of Theology concentrating in Process Studies. Ben works as the Director of Faith Formation and Connections at the First Congregational Church in Stamford, Connecticut.

Dr. Chad Maxson

Dr. Maxson has a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University and is in the process of his second doctorate in Theological Studies from Vanderbilt University. His research area is convergence of French phenomenology and liberation theology around the theme of transcendence. He has additional research interests related to influence of Medieval theological commitments to voluntarism and nominalism on contemporary philosophical and theological thought. He also runs the Tiger Den Dojo, which provides instruction in traditional Japanese ninjutsu.

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