Sandra Keating

Sandra Keating is Professor of Theology and Director of the Graduate Theology Program at Providence College, based in St. Catherine of Siena Hall 238. She may be contacted via phone (401)865-1727 or email skeating@providence.edu.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Religious Studies, The Catholic University of America (2001), dissertation: Dialogue between Muslims and Christians in the Early Ninth Century: The Example of Habib ibn Hidmah Abu Ra'itah al-Takriti's Theology of the Trinity
• Other in Islamic Theology, Pontifical Institute for the Study of Arabic and Islam (1995), thesis: The Issue of the Createdness of the Qur'an from 'The Refutation of the Gahmites' by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal
• M.A. in Religious Studies, The Catholic University of America (1991)
• Incomplete Roman Catholic Theology program, Universitaet Salzburg (1989)
• B.A. in Music, College of St. Benedict (1986)

Keating's research pioneers interdisciplinary exploration of Muslim-Christian relations across historical and modern contexts. Her work investigates theological foundations of interfaith dialogue, emphasizing reconciliation, justice, and pedagogical innovation in religious education. Key contributions analyze ninth-century theological exchanges, Vatican II's Nostra Aetate implications, and contemporary strategies for fostering unity while addressing historical grievances. She critically examines Christian obligations in reconciliation processes and advocates for transformative interreligious engagement in academic and ecclesial settings.

Her publications (2011-2016) reveal evolving scholarly trajectories from historical analysis (e.g., 9th-century theologian Abū Rāʾiṭa) toward practical applications in education and conflict resolution. Recurring themes include Nostra Aetate's impact on Catholic-Muslim relations, challenges in teaching Islam within Catholic institutions, and frameworks for moving beyond historical trauma through forgiveness. The corpus demonstrates rigorous theological methodology while addressing urgent contemporary interfaith challenges.

Keating secured two research grants: a Providence College award (2014-2015) for Research Edition and English translation of the Apology of al-Kindi and Committee on Aid to Faculty Research funding (2014-2015) for theological research. She maintains exceptional service engagement with 78 documented activities (2018-present), including committee memberships and board roles advancing institutional and professional initiatives in religious studies.