Religious Studies Scholars

Thesis Title: The Moral Responsibility of American Catholics in Addressing Environmental Injustice 

Abstract: The Vatican has established itself as a global leader in humanitarian politics - environmental justice being a recent topic of concern. This paper will discuss the impact of the Vatican’s commentary on environmental justice in the late 20th-21st century on the American Catholic Church’s work in environmental activism, highlighting the impact that the Catholic teachings of care for creation has had on how environmental issues are addressed in America. I will argue that Pope Leo’s recent statements on science and technology as it relates to environmental justice is an indirect attempt to draw the American Catholic Church’s attention to the state of environmental protection in the United States. As it continues to deteriorate, American Catholics are forced to contend with this conflict between their faith and their personal beliefs as the Vatican heavily encourages this branch of its Church to once again recognize the Earth and its people as sacred entities. 

Thesis Title: The Intersection Between Christian Interpretation of Scripture and Public Policy Related to Abortion

Abstract: I will be investigating the way different interpretations of Christian Scripture have affected public policy on abortion in the United States in the past century. I will be investigating different court cases, different official church statements, and defining what it means to be Christian and why it is possible for different interpretations of the same text to vary and to lead to vastly different outcomes in the political world. I will investigate anti-, ambivalent-, and pro- abortion views in the church and identify which denominations most strongly align with each. I will then tie history, influential court cases, and official church doctrine together to understand how deeply intertwined American politics has been and is with Christianity and how interpretation of the Bible can have a ripple effect that affects more than just the intellectual and/or spiritual life.

Coming soon!

Coming soon!