35 St Patrick Square
Edinburgh
Scotland EH8 9EU
0131-668-2384
E-mail: Steyaert@sol.co.uk

Thomas Henry Steyaert

OBJECTIVE

To secure a teaching and research position in Theology or Religious Studies, particularly in a faculty where expertise is needed regarding traditional Christian issues in relation to a cultural context which has become increasingly pluralistic, economically driven and shaped by the "new age" spiritual orientation.
 

SUMMARY

Highly motivated scholar of Theology and Religious Studies with six years of post-graduate research investigating and teaching on the subject of Christianity within a Western, post-modern environment and over fifteen years of practical work experience in the business sector.  Especially skilled at teaching and conducting research using a variety of approaches such as philosophical, phenomenological, textual and comparative.  Even beyond teaching, has been widely recognized for an exceptionally high level of commitment to the positive growth of both individuals and organizations, e.g., as a Peer Group Counselor, President of the Villanova University Graduate Council, Rotary International Scholar, and leader/participant in various Christian ministries.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy - Systematic Theology
1991-1997 (Part-time)    University of Edinburgh, New College         Edinburgh, Scotland

With the aim of conducting research in Systematic Theology that would be of practical application, I explored the Near Death Experience (NDE).  Supervised by the Heads of Systematic Theology (Prof. Alister Kee) and Parapsychology (Prof. Robert Morris), via a philosophical analysis of the most up-to-date scientific data, I discovered not only that the pervasive presupposition that the NDE must be interpreted eschatologically is untenable, but that the NDE’s primary significance is ontological.  As a phenomenon having to do with personal identity and not death per se, the NDE was then theologically examined in relation to both a conservative view of Christian conversion and a liberal view of Christian religious experience.
 

Master of Arts - Religious Studies
1988-1990    Villanova University    Villanova, PA
GPA: 3.8

Having studied extensively Roman Catholic and Protestant Theology in my course work, I conducted the research for my Master's Thesis on a theologian who has had a significant impact on both traditions, i.e., Paul Tillich.  Focusing on his controversial conception of God in relation to sin, the Thesis critically uncovers both the strengths and weakness of Tillich’s method of correlating existential “questions” with theological “answers”.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management (English Minor)
1983-1987    Elizabethtown College,    Elizabethtown, PA
GPA: 3.3       Liberal Arts educational structure
 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Systematic Theology and Religious Studies Teaching Assistant
1991-1996    University of Edinburgh, New College    Edinburgh, Scotland Theology and Religious Studies Teaching and Research Associate
1988-1991    Villanova University    Villanova, PA Tutor - Business Administration and English courses
1985-1987    Elizabethtown College    Elizabethtown, PA
 

AWARDS AND SERVICES

1982-1983         Captain of Men’s Varsity Tennis Team, Owen J. Roberts High
1983                  Coaches Award for sporting excellence,  Owen J. Roberts High
1985-1987         Peer Group Counselor,   Elizabethtown College
1988-1991         Teaching & Research Scholarship,  Villanova University
1988-1991         Music Ministry Student Leader,  Villanova University
1989-1991         President Graduate Student Council, Villanova University
1991-1992         Rotary International Scholarship Award
1991-1993         Leader of Home Bible Study (Christians and Non-Christians)
1992-1996         Hospice Ministry Team
1994-1996         Homeless Outreach Ministry Team
 

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

Trustee and Depository Services Funds Manager

1997-Present        Royal Bank of Scotland    Edinburgh, Scotland
   Reference Librarian
 1991-1996     National Library of Scotland   Edinburgh, Scotland
  Marketing and Advertising Agent
1987-1988    Stackpole Book Publishers   Harrisburg, PA
   
Manufacturing of Professional Electronics Equipment (4 years – Part-time)
Accounts Payable and Receivable Clerk (4 years, Part-time)
1979-1987    Videotek Inc.     Pottstown, PA
 

INTERESTS

Spending time with my wife and children
Participating in a variety of ministries
Running and weight training
Playing the guitar
 

REFERENCES

Supplied upon request