معرفی
Philip LeMasters, Ph.D., is a Professor of Religion at McMurry University's Department of Religion and Philosophy, and Director of the Honors Program. He is also an ordained Archpriest in the Antiochian Orthodox Church and Pastor of St. Luke Orthodox Christian Church in Abilene. Dr. LeMasters joined McMurry in 1995 after teaching at Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State). He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Theology and Ethics from Duke University, an M.A. in Religious Studies from Rice University, and a B.A. from Baylor University (summa cum laude).
His research focuses on moral theology and applied ethics in Eastern Christianity, addressing topics like war and peace, bioethics, marriage/family ethics, and political theology. He has authored six books and numerous essays, chapters, and reviews. Notable works include analyses of Eastern Orthodox responses to the pandemic, just war theory, and interfaith dialogues with Pentecostalism.
Dr. LeMasters has received awards for teaching and scholarship, including McMurry’s E.E. Hall Memorial Scholar Award and the Turner Distinguished Professorship. His work emphasizes bridging theological tradition with contemporary societal challenges, often centering the Eucharist’s role in shaping ethical life. He also advocates for peacebuilding and just peacemaking practices rooted in Orthodox tradition.
- Education:
- Ph.D., Christian Theology & Ethics, Duke University
- M.A., Religious Studies, Rice University
- B.A., Baylor University (summa cum laude)
- Awards:
- E.E. Hall Memorial Scholar Award
- Gordon R. And Lola J. Bennett Award for Teaching
- Twice named Turner Distinguished Professor
His teaching spans introductory and advanced courses on global Christianity and ethics, fostering students' appreciation for Eastern Christian traditions. Beyond academia, he balances pastoral duties with hobbies like fly-fishing (notably catching an 18-lb trout) and baking chocolate pecan pie.
