Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera

Director, Master of Divinity J. T. Hamilton Associate Professor of Doctrinal Theology PhD, Temple University, 2006 STM, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1998 MAR, Temple University, 1997 M.Div., Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, 1987 BA, University of Puerto Rico, 1981 Ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Phone: 610-625-7868 Email: riveran02@moravian.edu Curriculum Vitae

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Rivera earned his PhD in Religion from Temple University. An ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he has served parishes in various pastoral capacities in his native Puerto Rico and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

His main area of teaching and research is Systematic Theology, with pronounced interest on the evolution of Christian doctrine, theological language, and how they inform the practices of ministry. His published work covers topics on confessional statements of faith as well as the application of evolutionary epistemologies in theology and the sciences, the latter found mostly in his book The Earth is Our Home (Imprint Academic, 2010). Translator of several liturgical and church resources, he is also the editor of Ritos Ocasionales (Augsburg Fortress, 2000), a compendium of rites for the practice of ministry.

Nelson is an avid reader on diverse disciplines and perspectives, and he makes time for his family (wife, four daughters, and grandson) and friends. He enjoys walking and listening to music, from classical to his beloved boleros, which he would have liked to be able to sing well.