Faculty Pages

Michael L. Rende

Lecturer, Philosophy

Office location: Campus Center 8
Office hours: Tuesday & Thursday: 11-noon
Email: mrende@ndnu.edu
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I attended the University of San Francisco, majoring in
 As a student, I wanted to understand the changes that were transforming society and culture.  In the 1970's, my wife and I moved to Milwaukee, where I studied for my Ph.D. in Religious Studies at Marquette University.  I concentrated on the work of Bernard Lonergan, S.J. and his efforts to address the challenge presented to Catholic theology by the developments in the contemporary notions of science, philosophy and scholarship. 

Education History

  • Ph.D., Foundational and Systematic Theology.  Marquette University, Milwaukee WI,   1983.
    Dissertation: The Development of Bernard Lonergan's Thought on the Notion of
    Conversion.
  • B.A., Philosophy and Political Science.  University of San Francisco.  1968.

Courses Taught

  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Modern Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Social Ethics
  • Ethical and Social Issues in Human Resources and
    Organizational Development
  • Introduction to the Bible
  • History of the Christian Tradition
  • Theology of Marriage
  • Theological Method

Research and Interests

  • Mystical Theology: I am interested in the work of William Johnston S.J. and his invitation to work out a contemporary method for mystical theology.
  • Contemporary Philosophy: the issue of method penetrates to the heart of the traditional task of philosophy to distinguish, relate, and ground the methods of the sciences.  Even more importantly, I am interested  in assisting students in the task of self-appropriation.

Professional Affiliations

  • Catholic Theological Society of America
  • Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality

Teaching Experience 

  • Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA.   2007 -
  • University of San Francisco, College of Professional
    Studies.  1996- '97; 2002-2006.
  • Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.  1991 - '95.
  • St. Patrick's Seminary, Menlo Park, CA. 1990 - '91.
  • Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. 1984-'90.

Community Activities

  • Saint Anthony Foundation, San Francisco, CA.  Dining Room, Employment Program, and Learning Center.  2003-'06.
  • Saint Anthony's Padua Dining Room, Menlo Park, CA.  2004-present.

Publications

  • Lonergan on Conversion. University Press of America, 1991.
  • "The Development of Lonergan's Notiion of Conversion."
    METHOD: Journal of Lonergan Studies, Vol.1, 1983.