Sam Houston

Sam Houston is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Stetson University, specializing in modern Islamic thought and comparative religious ethics. He holds a PhD from Florida State University, an MA in Philosophy from Boston College, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a BA in History from Baylor University.

• Education: BA in History (Baylor University), MDiv (Princeton Theological Seminary), MA in Philosophy (Boston College), PhD (Florida State University)

His research focuses on Muslim ethics, religion and politics of the Middle East/North Africa, comparative religious ethics, modern Muslim activism, and African American Islam. He explores intersections of political theory, faith-based organizing, and virtue ethics within Islamic traditions and global contexts.

The trends in his publications span Islamic theology, social justice movements, and ethical frameworks across diverse geographies. His work analyzes the role of discursive practices, community organizing, and narrative ideology in shaping Muslim identity and activism.

Scientific Awards:

• U.S. State Department-sponsored Critical Language Scholarship to study Arabic in Morocco

Sam Houston is a member of the American Academy of Religion and the Society for the Study of Muslim Ethics. He has taught courses such as 'Muhammad and the Qur'an,' 'Religious Ethics and Moral Problems,' and 'Between Martin and Malcolm: Religion, Civil Rights and the Black Freedom Movement.'

Outside academia, he enjoys running, gardening, and fly fishing.