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Education
BA, Carleton College, 1990, Religion
MAR, Yale University, 1994, 9 hours in theology
PhD, Vanderbilt University, 1999, Religion, Dissertation: “The Emptying Christ: An Experiment in Christology,” 18 hours in theology
Bio
Dr. David Jensen has been teaching at Austin Seminary since 2001. He was elected a full professor in 2009, appointed to the Frierson Chair in 2013, and served as the Seminary’s academic dean from 2014-2022. Previously, he taught theology, church history, and ethics at Manchester College in Indiana. His teaching and research focus on Reformed theology, interfaith dialogue, and the interconnections between Christian theology and daily life.
Dr. Jensen’s books include: Christian Theology in a Pluralistic Age (editor, Pickwick Publications, 2024); Christian Understandings of Christ: The Historical Trajectory (Fortress, 2019); 1 and 2 Samuel (Westminster John Knox, 2015); Always Being Reformed: Challenges and Prospects for the Future of Reformed Theology (editor, Pickwick, 2016); God, Desire and a Theology of Human Sexuality (Westminster John Knox, 2012); Parenting (Fortress Press, 2011); Living Hope: The Future and Christian Faith (WJK, 2010); The Lord and Giver of Life: Perspectives on Constructive Pneumatology (editor, WJK, 2008); Responsive Labor: A Theology of Work (WJK, 2006); Graced Vulnerability: A Theology of Childhood (The Pilgrim Press, 2005); and In the Company of Others: A Dialogical Christology (Pilgrim, 2001). He is also editor of a book series with Fortress Press, “Compass,” that encourages theological reflection on everyday practices such as eating, shopping, playing, and working. He is currently writing a book that explores Christian theology through basic elements such as earth, water, wind, and flesh.
In 1999, Jensen received the PhD in theology from Vanderbilt University. He earned an MAR from Yale Divinity School in 1994 and graduated with a BA (magna cum laude) from Carleton College in 1990. Jensen’s experience in ministry includes serving as director of children’s programs at Nancy Webb Kelly United Methodist Church in inner-city Nashville, Tennessee. In 1990-91, he spent a year teaching English in the Austrian Alps. A native of Oregon, Jensen is a member of University Presbyterian Church in Austin. When he is not teaching or writing, he enjoys hiking, swimming, playing tennis, or any other time outside with his family.