Dr. Christopher J. Vena
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Dr. Christopher J. Vena
Dean of the School of Christian Ministries; Professor of Systematic Theology
cvena@tfc.edu Education
Education/Degrees:
- Ph.D. -Marquette University
- M.A. -Bethel Theological Seminary
- B.A. -Toccoa Falls College
Honors/Awards:
- 2020-Wade Distinguished Scholars Faculty Award
- 2016-Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award
- 2012-SGA Teacher of Impact
Courses
- Introduction to Theology
- Theology of Creation Care
- Theology and Contemporary Culture
- Critical Issues in Theology
- Modern Theology
- Foundations of Spiritual Formation
Publications & Research Interests
Research Interests:
- Ecotheology
- Theology and Culture
- Theology and Science
- Theological Anthropology
- Contextual Theologies
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Religion
- Wesleyan Theological Society
- Evangelical Theological Society
- Society for Pentecostal Studies
Hobbies & Fun Facts
- Being a part of my children’s activities. When I am not watching them play soccer, our family enjoys hiking and camping together.
- I am a die-hard Marquette basketball fan. Ring out Ahoya!
Favorite Verse/Quote
Ephesians 5:1-2
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”
“Our understandable wish to preserve the planet must somehow be reduced to the scale of our competence. What can accomplish this reduction? I will say again…that only love can do it. Only love can bring intelligence out of the institutions and organizations, where it aggrandizes itself, into the presence of the work that must be done.” -Wendell Berry
Why TFC
One of the things I love most is the opportunity to get to know students well, to know their joys and struggles, and to have the privilege of shaping and influencing their spiritual development.