David Torbett

David Torbett serves as the Israel Ward Andrews Professor of Religion in the Department of History, Philosophy & Religion at Marietta College, where he joined the faculty in 2007. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Union Theological Seminary (2002), an MA in Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School (1992), and a BFA in Dramatic Writing from New York University (1987).

Dr. Torbett's research focuses on Religion in America, World Religions, Biblical Studies, Ethics, European History, and innovative pedagogical approaches. He created the popular course "Five Big Religions, Five Big Questions" which introduces students to major world religions and philosophical questions. His teaching spans religion courses covering alternative religions, biblical studies, African American religion, ethics, history of Christianity, and Buddhism, as well as American, European, and ancient history.

His scholarly work shows consistent focus on the intersection of religion and American history, with publications examining theological perspectives on slavery and creative approaches to biblical education. His current project, a textbook titled "Five Big Religions, More Big Questions," extends his innovative approach to religious education.

As an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Dr. Torbett brings practical religious experience to his academic work. He has gained recognition for educational musical videos created with his family on European history topics, including "Lay Investiture Swings," which has been adopted by high school and college instructors nationwide.