Theology
Available as a concentration
By examining the historical development of Christian beliefs through contemporary times, you'll build an understanding of Christianity's place at the crossroads of religion, politics and culture.
Our program focuses on big theological questions raised by the Christian tradition. Who is God? What is the significance of Jesus? What does it mean to be a human being? What is the best kind of life to live? What do we owe the world we live in?
Curriculum & Courses
Sample Course Offerings
RELG-102: Intro to Christian Theology
RELG-207: Native American Religions
RELG-220: Christian Ethics
RELG-250: New Religions in America
Student Experiences
Students study the life of Jesus firsthand in Israel
Linnea Kremer and Xiaoyu Lu in front of the city of Jericho wearing Arab scarves that they bought.
All of students look at their maps of Israel in the van en route to the airport.
Hayley Moe riding a camel in Jericho.
Morgan Hughes and Chelsea Shaffer enjoy shopping in the Jerusalem Bazaar.
Benjamin Cowgill and Zachary Wright go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
The students visit Herod the Great's Harbor in Caesarea.
Jaina Lanum posing in front of the Sea of Galilee at Tabgha where Jesus fed the 5,000.
The class visits a 4th-century synagogue in Capernaum.
The students get a break from the heat at an outdoor pool.
A local Arab helps a Roanoke student put on an Arab scarf in Jericho.
Zach Wright and Ben Cowgill have fun in the Dead Sea.
The whole class gets a group shot in front of the city of Jerusalem.
What Makes Roanoke Different?
The College honors its Christian heritage and its partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by nurturing dialogue between faith and reason.
Careers & Outcomes
Faculty
THOUGHT LEADERS
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In his most recent book, Dr. Ned Wisnefske probes new questions brought to Christian theology from the sciences. When scientists consider the fate of the universe, the destruction of life on Earth and even of the universe itself seem to be what lies ahead. Wisnefske ponders the impact this impending darkness and destruction might have on Christian faith. As the title of book says, "Could God Fail?" or is it possible that Christians need to adjust their view of what God is doing in the world to recapture true Christian hope?
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Dr. Ned Wisnefske has created a picture-story book that dives into the ethics of young adults. "The Ought" is written for young adults who wonder where morals originate and why they vary between individuals. Roanoke alumna Renae Dower illustrated the book.
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In this scholarly work, Paul Hinlicky transcends the impasse between dogmatic and systematic theology as he presents an original, comprehensive system of theology especially apropos to the post-Christendom North American context.
News
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Roanoke College faculty are accomplishing exciting things! Catch up on some of the latest news.
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Catch up on the latest news from our impressive faculty members.
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Roanoke is now a full-fledged affiliate of the Oregon Extension, making it easier for students to join the 16-week study away experience.
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Join President Frank Shushok Jr. and Rev. Kelly Shushok for a conversation on how respect shapes leadership, civic life, education and everyday encounters across differences!
- Date:
- January 21, 2026
- Time:
- 7 - 8:30 p.m.
- Location:
Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea
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Join Dr. James Peterson and Roanoke College's Benne Center for Church & Society in an exploration of the inevitable — and necessary — clashes that happen between the rigors of rationality and the demands of faith.
- Date:
- March 26, 2026
- Time:
- 7 - 8 p.m.
- Location:
Wortmann Ballroom
