Alice A. Keefe

Alice A. Keefe serves as Professor of Religious Studies within the Department of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a position she has held since joining the faculty in 1994. Her scholarly profile centers on interdisciplinary religious studies with emphases in feminist theology and interfaith dialogue.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Religion from Syracuse University
• M.A. in Religion from Claremont School of Theology
• B.A. in History from Dartmouth College

Keefe’s research program critically examines gender symbolism in Hebrew Bible narratives, particularly through her seminal book Women’s Body and the Social Body in Hosea. She maintains dual expertise in Buddhist-Christian dialogue—evidenced by her decade-long editorship of Buddhist-Christian Studies—and religion-health intersections. Her methodology integrates textual analysis with contemporary social theory to explore how religious frameworks shape bodily experiences and liberation movements.

Analysis of her 2001-2019 publications reveals consistent engagement with feminist reinterpretation of prophetic literature and cross-traditional emotional ethics. Dominant thematic threads include the politicization of female bodies in scripture, comparative studies of religious anger, and health implications of theological constructs. These works bridge biblical scholarship, gender theory, and practical theology through rigorous interdisciplinary lenses.

Her scholarly recognition includes:

• UWSP Excellence in Teaching Award (2001)
• UPDC Grant for field research on Shugendo practices in Japan

Keefe demonstrates significant grant acquisition capacity through her Japan-based Shugendo research project, while her editorial stewardship of Buddhist-Christian Studies reflects deep commitment to interreligious academic discourse. Her teaching portfolio spans foundational courses like Introduction to Religious Studies and specialized seminars on Jewish Scriptures and Religion-Health dynamics, consistently emphasizing critical analysis of religious power structures.