Joseph Matlak

Fr. Joseph Matlak is an Instructor in the Honors College at Belmont Abbey College, serving under the Canonical Mandatum. As an Oblate of Saint Benedict, he integrates theological reflection into his teaching and research, emphasizing the Benedictine principle of ‘establishing a school of the Lord’s service.’ His academic focus lies in Dogmatic Theology and Eastern Christian Theology, with particular expertise in Eastern Catholic perspectives on priesthood and ecumenical dialogue. He teaches courses on Scripture, Ancient Greek, and ethical topics like Love, Friendship, and Marriage.

Fr. Matlak holds a PhD from the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies (Cambridge, England), an STL and MDiv/STB from The Catholic University of America, and a BA (Hons) from King’s College London. His research explores theological anthropology, patristic thought, and interchurch dialogue, as evidenced by his publications on figures like Boethius, More, and Rousseau, and themes such as ethics in Machiavelli’s works.

He is a member of the Lilly Graduate Fellows Program (10th cohort) and the American Public Philosophy Institute. Beyond academia, he actively engages in liturgical ministries and retreat leadership, emphasizing the integration of faith and intellectual life.