Hollis Phelps

Dr. Hollis Phelps serves as Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Program Coordinator for the B.A. Degree in Liberal Studies in the Department of Liberal Studies at Mercer University's College of Professional Advancement. Prior to joining Mercer, he was an assistant professor of religious studies at the University of Mount Olive in Eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Phelps holds a PhD in Religion from Claremont Graduate University (2011), an MTS from Duke University (2004), and a BA in Religion from the University of Mount Olive (2002). His educational background reflects his interdisciplinary approach to religious and philosophical studies across academic boundaries.

His research spans Continental philosophy of religion, critical theory, and the intersection of theological concepts with economic theories, particularly regarding credit and debt. He investigates political theology and the use of plant medicines and psychoactive substances in cultural and religious traditions, examining how religious frameworks interact with contemporary political and economic systems. His work demonstrates consistent engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of religious studies to current social issues.

Dr. Phelps has received the College of Professional Advancement Award for Excellence in Teaching (April 2025) and is a Fellow of the Westar Institute (since 2017). His scholarly contributions include numerous academic publications and public-facing articles that bridge academic theory and contemporary discourse.

As an educator, Dr. Phelps teaches courses including Studies of Cultures in Contact (Psychedelics, Religion, and Culture), Issues of Justice in a Global Community, Globalization and Citizenship, Critical Approaches to Interdisciplinary Interpretation, Introduction to Religion, and Survey of World Religions. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the relevance of philosophical and religious studies to contemporary social challenges, particularly regarding economic justice, political theology, and the cultural significance of psychedelic substances.