Successful Dissertation Defense

I am happy to report the successful defense of my dissertation, titled "Andrew D. Urshan: A Theological Biography." I enrolled in the PhD program in the School of Divinity at Regent University in 2003 and completed all course requirements and the written and oral comprehensive examinations by 2008. Then I began work on the dissertation, gathering what I think is the largest single collection of materials by and about Urshan that exists in any one place on planet earth. Someday I will donate this to the Center for the Study of Oneness Pentecostalism. In the meantime, I have future writing projects related to Urshan, including an article for Pneuma and a revision of the dissertation for publication as a book. The publication of these projects should not be expected for at least a year and perhaps even longer.

I would have been happy just to pass the defense. At Regent University, there are four possible outcomes of one's attempt to defend the dissertation: (1) Pass with distinction; (2) Pass; (3) Pass with revisions required; (4) No pass. If one does not pass, it is the end of the PhD program, and the student is awarded a master's degree. I was sincerely grateful when my committee chairman, Dr. Dale Coulter, announced that I had passed with distinction.

The PhD experience at Regent University was rich and rewarding, and I do recommend looking into this program to those who are thinking of earning a seminary PhD.

Dissertation Defense

On February 23, 2011, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., I will defend my dissertation at the Regent University School of Divinity, located at 1000 Regent University Drive in Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464. The School of Divinity is located in Robertson Hall. The defense is open to the public and will be located in room 101.

The dissertation is titled "Andrew D. Urshan: A Theological Biography." It runs nearly 500 pages, with well over 1300 footnotes. Approximately half is concerned with Urshan's biography and the other half with his theology, Christology, and soteriology.

My dissertation committee consists of Dale Coulter, D. Phil., as chair. Dr. Coulter is Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Regent University. The other two members are Vinson Synan, Ph.D., Professor of Church History and Dean Emeritus of the School of Divinity, and David Reed, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology and Research Professor, Wycliffe College.