Ashley M Gay
Scholar of Theology, Philosophy and Literature
RESUME
Professional
summary
My academic journey originated in actor training. However, artistic endeavors soon yielded to questions concerning: (1) idolatry as critiqued by and perpetuated in religious thought, and (2) divine transcendence as it entices artistic, textual, phenomenal, and ethical expression.
My scholarly expertise lies in systematic theology, theological aesthetics, and phenomenology. For a complete list of conferences, summer programs, and awards, see my official curriculum vitae. (Also check out my Academia.Edu Profile.)
Skills
Teaching
Research
Tutoring
Presentation Design
Editing
Writing
Public Speaking
Languages
Adjunct Instructor - Abilene Christian University
Winter 2011 - 2015
THEA 480/BIBM 480 "Arts and Culture: A Christian Aesthetic"
Co-teacher: director, playwright, and actor, Jeff Berryman.
Lecture on iconography and iconoclasm, disrupting dualistic thinking, basic theological frameworks, church history though the arts, theological aesthetics, philosophical and theological frameworks for creativity, the relation of beauty and justice in embodied theology, and music as spiritual practice and proclamation; grade student papers.
Teacher Assistant - Emory University
Fall 2013
ST 501 - "Systematic Theology" at Candler School of Theology
Andrea White, Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture
Graded weekly papers; led review session; lectured on Gustavo Gutierrez.
Teacher Assistant - Emory University
Fall 2012
REL 311 "Early and Medieval Christianity," Undergraduate Religion
Wendy Farley, Professor and Theological Studies Chair
Graded weekly papers; held writing assessment/improvement meetings; graded midterm and final papers; lectured on scriptural representations of the ethical God, relational God, and incarnational God, the Didache, St. Anselm, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross.
Teacher Assistant - Andover Newton Theological School
Fall 2010
HIST 609F "Introduction to the History of Christianity I"
Mark Burrows, Professor of the History of Christianity
Took notes for the class; assessed students' weekly responses; created class timeline; lectured on the missional church.
1 year of Biblical Greek
1 year of Biblical Hebrew
Summer Intensive in German
Summer Intensive in French
(+ four years of high school French prior)
Emory University
2011-2015
PhD in Religion - Theological Studies, GPA 3.975
Coursework in religion, comparative literature, philosophy, and ethics
Committee: Wendy Farley (Advisor), Andrea White, Jill Robbins, Jeff Bloechl
Dissertation: “God’s Absence is Not Nothing: Thinking the Ab-solute Otherwise”
Defended on September 4, 2015
Andover Newton Theological School
2009-2011
M.A. in Theological Research - Worship, Theology, & the Arts, GPA 3.96
Coursework in theological aesthetics, religion and literature, continental philosophy, and postmodern theology--including registration at Boston University School of Theology, Boston College (Graduate Philosophy, Theology, and Ministry), and Harvard Divinity School.
Committee: Mark Burrows (Advisor), Ellen Oak, and Mary Luti
Thesis, with Honors: “Saturated with Shadows: Taking Space, Leaving Room”
Jonathan Edwards Honor Society; Resident Representative/Resident Assistant; Recruitment and promotional materials for the admission office.
Austin Graduate School of Theology
2008-2009
M.A. in Theological Studies, GPA 4.0
Coursework in exegesis, missiology, Hebrew Bible, New Testamant.
(This is a two-year degree. However, through mutual agreement, one semester of coursework from Andover Newton satisfied requirements.)
Bible Comprehensive Exam, passed with Honors
Student volunteer, and guest speaker, for promotional events, fundraisers, seminars; guest lecturer on exegesis process in "Introduction to Theological Studies"; Institutional Research Intern; library assistant; student officer.
Harding University
2005-2007
B.A. in Theatre, minor in English, GPA 4.0
Capstone Projects: Director, "Three Viewings," and Vivian Bearing in "Wit"
Teacher's assistant in the psychology department; missionary work at the Kristova Obec Church of Christ in Prague; study abroad in Harding-Greece (Turkey, Israel, and Egypt); Alpha Chi Honor Society; Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society (treasurer); Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society (secretary); Souvenirs Poetry Club; Campus Players.
New York University
2003-2004
Coursework toward a B.A. in Theatre (Acting) and English, GPA 4.0
House Crew for Skirball Center; Strasberg Institute (various shows and conservatory training); "Dancing at Lughnasa" (mainstage); Meals on Heels.
Work
experience
Education
Graduate Coursework
Illusion and Totality
Heidegger and Hölderlin
Gift & Sacrifice (Comparative Literature)
Biblical Alterity (Comparative Literature)
Marion, Derrida, and Ricoeur
Kierkegaard and Schleiermacher
Phenomenology of Place & Body
Philosophy of Eros
Time According to Philosophy and Theology
Contemporary Philosophy of Religion
Untamed Wisdom: Poetry and Mysticism
Postmodern Theology
Hermeneutics of God
Feminist Theology
Theological Aesthetics
Theology of Von Balthasar
Liturgical Theology
The Creative Word: Preaching & The Arts
Children's Literature and Religious Education
Faith & Film
Literature and Ethics
Contemporary Virtue Ethics
Social Justice
Western Thinkers: Theology & Philosophy
Praise: The Foundation of Faith
Introduction to Theological Research
Introduction to History of Christianity
Christianity in America
Book of Revelation
Introduction to Christian Ministry
Christian Missions
Greek I & II
Hebrew I & II
German for Reading
Interpreting the Bible (Exegesis)
Reading the New Testament
Reading the Old Testament
Sample Syllabi
