Rev. Robert Randall Distinguished Professorship in Christian Culture
The Randall Professorship is held by a recognized scholar whose work concentrates on an understanding of culture that embodies a Christian view of human achievement. The selected individual contributes to undergraduate instruction in the theology, philosophy, history, literature, or the social sciences departments, directs student research, and delivers public lectures.
2024-25 Randall Professor: Dr. Francesca Aran Murphy
Francesca Aran Murphy is professor of systematic theology at the University of Notre Dame. She is very interested in applying aesthetics and literary theory to Christology and to Scripture.
Murphy has written three books about that: Christ the Form of Beauty: A Study in Literature and Theology (T & T Clark, 1995), The Comedy of Revelation: Paradise Lost and Regained in Christian Scripture (T & T Clark, 2000), and a theological commentary on 1 Samuel (Brazos, 2010). She also has co-written and edited two textbooks, Theology and Religious Studies (EUP, 2003) and Illuminating Faith (Bloomsbury, 2015).
Murphy’s interest in historical theology has led to writing Art and Intellect in the Philosophy of Etienne Gilson (Missouri University Press 2004) and translating Gilles Emery’s The Trinitarian Theology of Thomas Aquinas (OUP, 2007).
She has earned grants and fellowships from the Earhart Foundation, the Issachar Foundation, and a creative writing fellowship from the Templeton Foundation. Together with Balazs Mezei and Ken Oakes, Murphy edits a book series with Bloomsbury entitled Illuminating Modernity. She also wrote a novel called Gnosis and the Theocrats from Mars (Bloomsbury, 2017).
Together with Tracey Rowland, Murphy is editing her third OUP handbook on Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). She also is currently writing a book entitled God Makes for Comedy, and Tragedy.
When she is not criticizing narrative theology (God is not a Story (OUP, 2007), Murphy likes dogs, cooking, and collecting art.
Randall Chair Committee
Committee Membership
Dr. Suzanne Fournier, Chair
Dr. Gary Culpepper
Dr. Patrick MacFarlane
Dr. Laura Murray
Rev. David Orique, O.P.
Rev. Gabriel Pivarnik, O.P.
Rev. Augustine Reisenauer, O.P.
Dr. Sean Reid, ex officio
Dr. Michael Wahl
Rev. Jordan Zajac, O.P.
Committee Charge
To make recommendations to the President on incumbents of the Randall Distinguished Chair in Christian Culture.
Randall Chair History
The College’s first endowed chair, the Rev. Robert Randall Distinguished Professorship in Christian Culture was established in 2002. The chair is named for the priest, scholar, and artist who served as a member of the Providence College faculty for more than 25 years. Father Randall taught English, theology, and courses in the Development of Western Civilization Program. The professorship exemplifies the commitment to educational excellence and Christian values that defined Father Randall’s life as an educator and priest.
