Nelson Rivera

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera is the Director of the Master of Divinity program at Moravian University and holds the J. T. Hamilton Associate Professor of Doctrinal Theology position. He earned his PhD in Religion from Temple University in 2006, an STM from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1998, an MAR from Temple University in 1997, and an MDiv from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1987. Rivera is ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and has served in pastoral and academic roles across Puerto Rico and the Greater Philadelphia area.

• Educational Background
  • PhD in Religion, Temple University (2006)
  • STM, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (1998)
  • MAR, Temple University (1997)
  • MDiv, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (1987)
  • BA, University of Puerto Rico (1981)

Rivera’s research and teaching focus on Theology and Ethics, particularly the development of Christian doctrine, theological language, and their application to ministerial practices. His work also explores interdisciplinary connections between theology and sciences, notably evolutionary epistemologies. He authored the book The Earth is Our Home (Imprint Academic, 2010) and edited Ritos Ocasionales (Augsburg Fortress, 2000), a liturgical resource for Spanish-speaking church leaders.