Charles E. Thomas Jr.

Charles E. Thomas Jr. serves as Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Director of Online General Education at Morehouse College's Professional and Continuing Studies Division. A former Baptist pastor with over twenty years of ministry experience across multiple congregations, Dr. Thomas has fifteen years of higher education teaching experience spanning philosophy, religion, and communication disciplines.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Community Ministry, Geneva College
• Master of Divinity in Urban Ministry/Homiletics/Pastoral Care, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
• Ph.D. in Rhetoric/Communication, Duquesne University

Dr. Thomas's research integrates Rhetoric, Communication, and Theology with specialized focus on Homiletics, Sociology of Religion, and World Religious Studies. His work examines reconciliation dynamics, religious identity formation, and contemporary challenges in global religious landscapes, particularly through African American theological lenses. The 2023 textbook A 21st Century View of World Religions represents a culmination of his interdisciplinary approach.

Publication trends reveal progressive deepening from homiletic analysis (2004) toward comprehensive religious studies (2023), consistently exploring community reconciliation through Bonhoefferian frameworks and modern religious pluralism.

His honors include:

• Michael Wilson Keith Memorial Prize in Homiletics
• John W. Meister Award in Pastoral Ministry
• Metro-Urban Institute Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry

As program director and faculty member, Dr. Thomas mentors students in philosophy and religious studies while leading curriculum development for online general education. His prior administrative roles at the Interdenominational Theological Center demonstrate extensive program leadership in theological education. Professional engagement includes active membership in the National Communication Association and Religious Communication Association.