James Merrick

Dr. James Merrick serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Theology at Benedictine College and concurrently holds the position of Manager of Academic Content for the Pontifical College Josephinum’s Diaconate Institute. His academic career spans multiple institutions including Grand Canyon University and Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Educational credentials include:

• M.A. in Biblical and Systematic Theology (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2006)
• Th.M. in Church History (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 2007)
• Ph.D. in Dogmatic Theology (King’s College, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, 2013)

His research centers on liturgical theology, sacramental grace, scriptural interpretation within Tradition, and Magisterial authority, with particular emphasis on Benedictine spiritual heritage. This work synthesizes historical analysis of church practices with contemporary theological application.

Dr. Merrick co-edited Engaging Catholic Doctrine (Emmaus Academic, 2023) with Bishop Robert Barron and Scott Hahn, and previously served as Reviews Editor for Nova et Vetera. His scholarly contributions appear in the New Dictionary of Theology (IVP, 2016), Scottish Journal of Theology, Trinity Journal, and Catholic media outlets including Catholic World Report and National Catholic Register.

He maintains active engagement with public theology through media appearances on Relevant Radio and the Kresta in the Afternoon show, residing in Atchison with his wife and seven children.