SLU Theology Professor Wins First Book Grant

Ruben Rosario Rodriguez, Ph.D.

The First Book Grant program assists junior, non-tenured, religion scholars of color to complete a major research project on an issue in American Christianity. The grant is the largest of its kind in theology and religion for junior faculty. Part of the Louisville Institute’s mission is to nurture inquiry and conversation regarding the character, problems, contributions and prospects of the historic institutions and commitments of American Christianity.

Rosario was presented with a $45,000 check in May. The money allows him to take a year off from his teaching responsibilities and focus on writing his book, “Racism and God-Talk: Toward a Transcultural Theology.”

“Churches have become very ethnocentric, and I find that offensive, this book will build toward a vision of a transcultural church and offer suggestions,” Rosario said. “It will look at where the Church has contributed to racism and where it fights racism.”

The book will critically engage contributions from other Hispanic theologians as well as African-American and Anglo-American theologians. Rosario has already completed two of the book’s chapters, three more need to be edited and he’s in the process of writing and researching a sixth chapter.

“The United States is changing culturally, I’ll look at how this affects the church and even broader – society.” Stated Rosario.

Rosario plans to finish the book by summer 2006.

Rosario joined the department of theological studies in Fall 2004 as an assistant professor.

“I’m very proud of him,” Department Chairman Wayne Hellmann, OFM, said. “This opportunity for Ruben strengthens the intercultural aspect of this department and embraces an under-acknowledged aspect of the Church.”

Rosario first applied for the grant in January, his first attempt at the monies. He was notified in April that he was one of the three grant winners.