Theology
Engaging today’s teens with biblical truths
Debating the challenging questions in true Jesuit fashion, welcoming all people in God's kingdom, and relying on the fundamentals of Catholic doctrine, our theology department walks alongside young men from various faith backgrounds to explore the nature of God, Church, society, and their own moral development.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Theology Curriculum
All students take theology classes at De Smet Jesuit. The freshman theology classes are designed to introduce all students, regardless of faith and educational background, to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Sophomore, junior, and senior courses are also designed to make connections between different faiths and the Catholic Church to show the shared history and tradition of faith.
Freshman Year
- Catholicism and the Jesuits
- Sacraments and Scripture
Sophomore Year
- Scripture
- Morality
- Sophomore service hours
Junior Year
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Ecclesiology
-
Catholic Social Teaching
- Junior service project
Senior Year
-
Contemporary Discipleship
-
Christ & Faith
- Ignatian Vision
- 1818 World Religions (credit through SLU)
- Senior service hours
- Insignis Capstone Reflection
Theological & Ignatian Themes Developed Over 4 Years of Theology
Theology Faculty

Howie Place
Retreat Coordinator/Teacher/Ultimate Frisbee Coach
MA, Theology/Religious Education, St. Louis University
BA, Theology & Economics, Loyola University-Chicago
BA, Theology & Economics, Loyola University-Chicago

Jim Burshek
Director of Mission/Teacher, Campus Ministry
MA, Divinity, Regis College, Toronto School of Theology
BA, Classics, St. Louis University
BA, Classics, St. Louis University

Alex Hall
Teacher
MS, Educational Leadership, Creighton University
Graduate Certificate, Catholic School Leadership, Creighton University
BA, Religious Studies, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Spanish, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Philosophy, Loyola University-New Orleans
Graduate Certificate, Catholic School Leadership, Creighton University
BA, Religious Studies, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Spanish, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Philosophy, Loyola University-New Orleans

John Hawkey
Class of 1996
Teacher, Junior Service Projects, Assistant Athletic Director - Sports Information Director
BA, St. Louis University
MS, Digital Media, Arizona State
MS, Digital Media, Arizona State

Lisa Knabe
Teacher, Sophomore Service Projects
MA, Religious Education, St. Louis University
BA, Education, Eastern Illinois University
BA, Education, Eastern Illinois University

Mike O'Brien
Teacher/Head Tennis Coach, Department Chair/Senior Service Projects
MA, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Philosophy, St. Louis University
BA, Philosophy, St. Louis University