Dr. Jonathan Morgan is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, and historical theologian specializing in the theology of early Christianity.
I teach classes in systematic theology at Indiana Wesleyan University. That means I help students see how the various beliefs we have about God and his world relate to one another. Every Christian doctrine (or teaching) affects and is affected by all other doctrines. It's a joy to see how the 'pieces' fit together. Though I love teaching and thinking about the beauty and mystery of God in the classroom, I'm a pastor at heart. My calling is to not only teach, but to shepherd my students to a greater love for Jesus Christ, a holy life empowered by the Spirit, and service to the Church that puts others before self. Therefore, my goal for each student is their deep spiritual and theological formation. My hope is that they become vessels through whom God transforms the world.
When I'm not teaching, reading, or writing I enjoy great coffee, working out, and spending time with my wife, Christy, and two kids, Caleb and Phoebe.
PHD
Historical Theology
Marquette University , 2013
Advisor: Dr. Michel Barnes
MA
Historical and Systematic Theology
Wesley Biblical Seminary , 2003
Thesis: The Influence of John Chrysostom on John Wesley’s Doctrine of Sanctification
BS
Pastoral Ministry
Oklahoma Wesleyan University , 2000
Learn more about Jonathan's education, professional experience, and more!
Peer-reviewed journal articles:
- “The Unity of Christ in Cyril of Alexandria’s Festal Letters.” Scottish Journal of Theology 77.2 (2024): 163–174.
- “A Symbol of Salvation: Rahab in Patristic Exegesis.” Wesleyan Theological Journal 55.2 (2020): 114–126.
- “Number Symbolism in Cyril of Alexandria’s Interpretation of Scripture.” Phronema 34.1 (2019): 85–103.
- “The Role of Asceticism in Deification in Cyril of Alexandria’s Festal Letters.” Downside Review 135.3 (2017): 144–153.
- “Soteriological Coherence in Athanasius’s Contra gentes – De incarnatione.” Evangelical Quarterly 88.2 (2016): 99–110.
- “The Soul’s Forgetfulness of God in Athanasius’ Doctrine of the Fall.” St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly 60.4 (2016): 473–488.
- “Circumcision and Soteriology in Cyril of Alexandria’s Old Testament Commentaries.” Perichoresis 12.2 (2014): 201–219.
- “The Vision of the Glory of God in The Apocalypse of Baruch (3 Baruch).” Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha 22.3 (2013): 184–200.
- “‘Christus Victor’ Motifs in the Soteriology of Thomas Aquinas.” Pro Ecclesia 21.4 (2012): 409–421.
- “Obedience in Egyptian Monasticism According to John Cassian.” St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly 50.3 (2011): 271–291.
- “A Radiant Theology: The Concept of Light in Pseudo-Dionysius.” Greek Orthodox Theological Review 56 (2010): 127–147.
- “Integrative Soteriology: An Ancient Corrective to a Modern Critique of the Atonement.” Integritas 1.1 (2012): 91–110.
Book chapters:
- “The Sign of the Cross and the Victory of Christ in Athanasius of Alexandria.” In New Narratives for Old, Catholic University of America Press, 2022.
- “Athanasius of Alexandria: The Logos as Reason to Believe.” In The History of Apologetics, Zondervan, 2020.
- “Basil of Caesarea: The Preacher as the Mouthpiece of Christ.” In A Legacy of Preaching, Zondervan, 2018.
- “Sexuality, Sacredness, and Sin in the Medieval Church.” (Under review)
Scholarly Reviews
- Multiple reviews in Wesleyan Theological Journal, Pro Ecclesia, Fides et Historia, Nova et Vetera, and Anglican Theological Review.
