Peter Ochs named Corcoran Visiting Chair in Christian-Jewish Relations

Ochs, whose interests include Jewish philosophy and theology, modern and postmodern philosophical theology, pragmatism, and semiotics, coined the term “scriptural reasoning” and is the co-founder (with Anglican theologian David F. Ford) of the Society for Scriptural Reasoning, which promotes interfaith dialogue among Christians, Jews, and Muslims through scriptural study groups. He is also a co-founder of the Children of Abraham Institute, which promotes interfaith study and dialogue among members of the Abrahamic religions.

During his tenure as the Corcoran Chair, Ochs will work on a book project titled “Reasoning for Repair,” examining efforts by Jewish and Christian theologians to address moments of crisis in human reasoning: for example, when thinkers contradict themselves when trying to measure the infinite or comprehend God within the limits of finite reasoning. He will examine Scripture- and tradition-based reasoning as resources for repairing such crises, utilizing insights from quantum science and transcendental reasoning.

In addition to offering a course on Muslim-Jewish-Christian Scriptural Reasoning, he will organize a conference, “Reasoning Beyond the Bounds of Clear Thinking,” which will explore practices of nonfinite reasoning in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and post-Newtonian science.

“I anticipate my arrival at Boston College with great joy,” said Ochs. “In my long career of Christian-Jewish dialogue, this is my first opportunity to work directly with colleagues in Christian and Jewish Studies—on both the practice and theory of how to study scripture across different traditions, and I am eager to meet BC students and explore Abrahamic Scriptural reasoning with them.”

Ochs holds bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from Yale University and master’s degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary.  

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Peter Ochs as our next Corcoran Visiting Professor,” said Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning. “Dr. Ochs’ proposed research project on examining how forms of reasoning in Jewish, Christian, and scientific modes can work towards repairing broken aspects of shared religious and social life is a fitting one for the mission of the center.”

Ochs’ first public event will be a webinar presentation outlining his proposed project in September.

Launched in 2000, the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College is dedicated to the growth of new and mutually enriching relationships between Christians and Jews. The center applies the scholarly resources of a Catholic university to the task of encouraging mutual knowledge between Christians and Jews at every level.

For more information, visit the center's website.