Jeffrey Mann

Jeffrey Mann is a Professor of Religious Studies and current Department Head at Susquehanna University, where he has served since August 2019. He was previously Associate Professor (2007–2019) and Assistant Professor (2002–2007) at the same institution. Mann also served as Visiting Professor at Senshu University’s Department of Literature in Japan (2008, 2015) and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Muskingum College (2001–2002). He earned his Ph.D. in Theology from Vanderbilt University (2001), an M.T.S. from Vanderbilt Divinity School (1995), an M.A. in Exegetical Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary (1993), and a B.A. in Psychology from Kenyon College (1992).

His research spans

• Lutheran theology
• Zen Buddhism
• Japanese martial arts
• Religious ethics
• Ethics of violence
• Religion in the Philippines

His publications analyze intersections between theology, ethics, and violence, with a focus on Lutheran traditions and Zen-inspired martial arts. He has authored or co-authored books including May I Kill? Just War, Non-Violence, and Civilian Self-Defense (2018) and When Buddhists Attack: The Curious Relationship Between Zen and Martial Arts (2012).

Mann has taught courses such as

• Luther: Life and Thought
• Zen and Japanese Martial Arts
• Liberation Theologies
• Religions of the United States

He serves as Faculty Parliamentarian (2020–present) and chairs multiple university committees. He directs Susquehanna’s PLUS Program (Philippines: Learning, Understanding, Service), leading service-learning trips to the Philippines since 2005.