Rev. Joseph E. Simmons, S.J., DPhil

Rev. Joseph E. Simmons, S.J., DPhilMarquette University

Marquette Hall, 328

MilwaukeeWI53201United States of America(414) 288-3744joseph.simmons@marquette.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Assistant Professor

Theology Department (Systematic Theology)

Fr. Simmons, SJ (DPhil, Oxon, 2023) is a Catholic priest of the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). His areas of interest are theology and literature, the theological turn in phenomenology, fundamental theology, as well as atheism and secularity. His doctoral dissertation, “Attunements to Grace in the Writings of Virginia Woolf and Marilynne Robinson,” was directed by the Rev. Dr. Graham Ward, Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford (Christ Church). 

Recent essays include a treatment of Intersubjectivity in Nicholas of Cusa’s De Visione Dei, and a theological reading of domesticity in Marilynne Robinson’s first novel Housekeeping.  Future work includes an essay on religious belief in Virginia Woolf’s seminal novel, A Voyage Out.

Fr. Simmons is a proud Marquette alumnus (A&S ’04), having majored in Classics as well as Spanish Language and Literature.

Courses Taught

• THEO 1001: Foundations in Theology
• THEO 3230: Theology in the Writings of C.S. Lewis
• THEO 3230H: Theology in the Writings of C.S. Lewis (Honors)

Spring 2025 - THEO 6420: Introduction to Systematic Theology (M.A.)

Research Interests

• Theology and Literature
• Marilynne Robinson
• Virginia Woolf
• Religious Belief and Atheism
• The Phenomenological Turn in Theology
• Nicholas of Cusa

Additional Information

Office Hours - Spring 2024

• W 10:00-11:50
• Or by appointment