Brendan McInerny: Adjunct Instructor at CSB/SJU

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree from? Graduate degree(s)?

I earned my B.A. in history from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University. I earned my MA and ThM from the SOT and I just finished my Ph.D. at Fordham University.

Why did you choose the SOT? What year did you graduate from the SOT?

I graduated from the SOT in 2010, and I chose the SOT for a number of reasons. First, the high quality of the academic atmosphere and the convivial character of the institution were highly appealing. An ideal balance for graduate work in theology that many other schools cannot realize. Second, the SOT provided funding for study without the burden of competing for grants/fellowships. This is also an important component of theological education. When students are not certain of funding and must compete with one another for it, collegiality dissolves immediately. Third, studying at the SOT allowed me to remain near family.

Where are your interests and what is your field of study?

I studied systematic theology, in particular Trinitarian theology and Christology. I recently completed a dissertation in the field of Trinitarian theology, and I am now doing research in theological anthropology.

What advice would you give to students considering enrolling in the SOT?

I would encourage anyone thinking about the SOT to certainly apply and attend. If you are aiming at further graduate work in theology, it can be tempting to go to schools with larger programs or more "prestige." However, what the SOT lacks in fame, it more than makes up for in both quality of education and the Benedictine virtue of hospitality.

Your time as a masters student is not about accomplishing some great and grand academic project overseen by a great and grand name in the field. It is about exploring your budding theological interests and building a broad basis of theological knowledge. The SOT is a perfect place for that kind of work and it will do so while also exposing you to those studying theology for far different reasons — those working to go into high school religious education, pastoral ministry or religious life. The exposure is valuable for it will serve as a constant reminder that academic theology serves the wider Church.