Patrick Haley |

Trinity Church, New York City

• patrick.haley@ptsem.edu

Biography

Patrick Haley earned a BA in philosophy and Plan II honors and a BS in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016. During his undergraduate years, Patrick’s research focused on the application of computer science to problems in the natural sciences, especially evolutionary biology, which was the subject of his undergraduate thesis and published work. He then came to Princeton Theological Seminary, where he earned his MDiv in 2019 and continued into the doctoral program.

Patrick’s current research focuses on ethical uses of the image of God. As contested as they are prevalent, these uses raise questions about ethical discourse, theological language, and the possibilities for richer, non-discursive practices of moral formation. Beyond these concerns, Patrick is also interested in virtue theory, the science-religion dialogue, queer theory, and political theology, particularly insofar as each is in conversation with theological anthropology.

Status

PhD 5+1 Post-Doc

Description of Responsibilities

As a fellow in Trinity’s Faith, Formation, and Education program, I help facilitate the numerous lectures and talks that Trinity hosts to serve our community and the broader New York City community, ranging from our parish-focused Discovery adult education program to our outward-facing Trinity Talks series featuring award-winning authors, journalists, and poets. I also work with the confirmation class (Foundations), assist in the young adults program, and in the spring will host a Being With group that practices intentional conversations using curriculum developed at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Also in the spring, I will teach a Discovery series on the theology of the Nicene Creed, marking 1700 years since the creed’s initial formulation.

Dissertation Topic

Language and the Image of God: A Social-Practical Account of the Divine Image

Select Publications

“Forgive as the Lord Forgave You: Divine and Human Forgiveness, Justice, and Moral Repair,” Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics 44 (1): 85-100.