Jeffrey R. Timm
Chair, Professor of Religion
Degrees
Ph.D., M.A., Temple University
B.A., Washington College
Main Interests
Hinduism and Buddhism; Cross-cultural Philosophy of Religion.
Research Interests
I am currently exploring Buddhism, especially its conceptual model of psycho-spiritual dynamics and its social philosophy. My sabbatical (Spring 2000) took me to Bhutan where I studied Himalayan Buddhist culture and the application of Buddhist principles and methods in that country's cautious approach to development. In this context I've been thinking about the connections between spiritual disciplines and practices (like prayer and meditation) and social activism, service and moral transformation.
Teaching Interests
I am interested in presenting the world's religions as alternative answers to basic questions about life that human beings have asked across cultures and through history. I enjoy introducing Asian religions to my students, as well as teaching courses that focus on mysticism, spirituality and the cross-cultural philosophy of religion. My teaching style is dialogical and interactive and I am delighted by students who challange my thinking and motivate me to develop new questions about the material we study together.
Other Interests
I enjoy musical performance, world-travel and watching my three daughters grow.