"Knowledgeable people have answers. Intelligent people have questions. I delight in the honest questions of my students -- especially in areas of faith!"
S.T.L., Th.D., Regis College and University of
Toronto
Professor of Systematic Theology, 1986-present
streeter@slu.edu
Had no intention of
Doing doctoral work in theology. I was invited into it by folks who knew me and my work in Toronto where I was spending a year on ministerial sabbatical. It was in Canada that I discovered Lonergan's work, and when I realized his framework allowed one to do theology across cultures and across disciplines I was hooked.
Theological approach is
To focus on function, or operative theology. This means that I always push for an explanation of how a particular belief operates in the life of the person. You might say I search for what an orthopraxis might look like and make sure the explanations of it are orthodox, or in sync with the deepest traditions of the faith community. I've found this approach to be quite meaningful to students of various ages, helping them to close the gap between belief and practice.
I'm interested in the dialogue between theology and the sciences - both the natural and the human sciences. The natural world provides images galore for theological reflection, and when each discipline is respected in its own field, the interaction can be exciting. The social and psychological sciences are vital in doing theology today. Without some reference to them, it is hard to do theology functionally. I'm also convinced that systematic theology will renew itself in dialogue with world religions, for in such a dialogue questions will be asked which will open up avenues Christians have not yet explored.
Enjoys most about teaching theology
The wonder that is at the heart of it. I believe theology is at base contemplative and grounded in spirituality. In every area of systematics I find myself eventually getting to this core. My greatest treat is to see the light go on in a student's eyes when something clicks.
I see my role as someone who helps students believe they can do theology. I believe it takes faith and good critical questioning, and with this I've watched students do amazing work. I've taught most age levels, and so am aware of the importance of giving students a framework that frees them for theological reflection. I've found that once they know the framework, their creativity flows.
I'm never too concerned with just what ministry a person will do after theological study. My concern is the minister's capacity to think on his or her feet in a situation. I think I'd measure the effectiveness of my students by the solid grounding in truth that they have, the trust they have in God and that others have in them, and the tenderness that is evident in the way they live. For me, theological education is ecclesial academic ministry, helping a fellow pilgrim weave a foot washing towel for service that simply has the school's logo in the corner.
Currently engaged in
Editing a text for the Foundations of Spirituality course; editing a book on Feminine Interfaith Conversations with Reform Jewish Rabbi, Susan Talve; reflecting on the January 2007 meeting in Mainz, Germany with fifty Lonergan scholars and the May, 2007 meeting in Leipzig with Dominicans on Islam, and the July 2007 Israeli experience with twenty-eight members of the St. Louis Interfaith community as a Peace Delegation.
Recently taught
The Doctrine of God at the Edmund Rice School for Pastoral Ministry in western Florida, with The Marian Tradition and Contemporary Spirituality to follow in May/June of 2008, Foundations of Spirituality, Introduction to Theology and Theological Method, the Doctrine of God, and the Integrative Seminar on site in St. Louis.
Enlivens learning by
Using threaded discussions online, partners in class, and doing analysis of spiritual growth from case studies.
Invites into the classroom
Members of the St. Louis Interfaith Community, who act as mentors for my students in Theology of World Religions.
In spare time enjoys
reading, especially in science, alternative (and mainline) medicine; making her own greeting cards; traveling to oppressed countries to ground her theological reflection and teaching.
Recently published
Pending publications
Current Projects
"Knowledgeable people have answers. Intelligent people have questions. I delight in the honest questions of my students -- especially in areas of faith!"
Aquinas Institute of Theology
23 South Spring Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri
63108-3323
800.977.3869
314.256.8800
314.256.8888 (fax)
admissions@ai.edu