Oscar García-Johnson
Professor of Theology and Latino/a Studies
BA, University of La Verne
MA, Fuller Theological Seminary
PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary
Courses Taught
ET501: Ética Cristiana
ET517: Politica e Iglesia Global
ST511: Orientación a Estudios Teológicos
ST501: Teología Sistemática I: Teología y Antropología
ST502: Teología Sistemática II: Cristología y Soteriología
ST503: Teología Sistemática III: Pneumatología y Eclesiología
ST555: Teología de la Comunidad Latina
HT501: Entendimiento de Dios y Cristo en la Reflexión de la Iglesia
HT503: Entendimiento de Iglesia, Humanidad y Vida Cristiana en la Reflexión de la Iglesia
TC521: Teología y Literatura Hispanoamericana
CF531: Educación Cristiana y Diversidad Étnica
GM509: Bases del Ministerio
GM578: Ministerios Urbanos Hispanos
MT501: Doing Global Theology (English & Spanish)
OD722: Lideres Latinos en un Mundo Multicultural (DMin cohort year 1)
OD729: Theology & Ministry in Urban Contexts (DMin cohort year 2)
OD777: Biblical/Missional Transformation (DMin cohort year 3)
PM867/567: Cultural Theories, Epistemologies, and Theological Praxis
TS845/TS545: Glocalization and Religio-Cultural Pluralism
SF502: Tradiciones Cristianas en Contexto Global
Campus Affiliations
Awards
ECF Faculty Grants (2015–2016, 2014–2015)
Fellowship for Latino/a Faculty, Wabash Center (2012–2013)
Kern Faculty Grant for Online Teaching (2011–2012)
Areas of Expertise
Theology: pneumatologies of the South, critical ecclesiology, theological method and de/postcolonial theory, theology and Latinx culture, Transoccidental hermeneutics, Latin American (systematic) theology, global theology, social ethics Latinx Global Studies: Latin American studies, Transoccidental theory, transnational religion, hybrid cultures, decolonial theories and literatures, globalization, leadership (politics) of liberation Ministry and Spirituality: pastoral leadership, church planting, Latinx (millennial) mentorship, practical theology, women ministry studies, desert mothers/fathers spirituality, spiritualities of the South, political spirituality
“I believe God has called me to be a provocateur, inciter, mobilizer, ally; one who inspires a generation of Spirit-driven transgressors to cross impenetrable canons established by the status quo to preserve inequality and oppression; a generation of future-building leaders who do not wait for the self-imagined lords of the world-system to give up their power and privilege but instead feel called by God to build a future rooted in the imagination of the reign of God as a counter-narrative to the neoliberal world-system in place.”
Dr. Oscar García-Johnson
Bio
An esteemed professor of theology and Latino/a studies, Oscar García-Johnson’s exceptional track record includes pivotal roles as the chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2021–2023), and associate dean for the Center for the Study of Hispanic Church and Community (2015–2021). Combining scholarly excellence with impactful ministry, his rich experience includes an 11-year tenure as a regional minister with the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles and successfully planting four churches in Southern California.
Originally from Honduras, Dr. García-Johnson journeyed to the United States as a young adult, initially pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. However, a vocational conversion inspired by his commitment to Jesus Christ led him to philosophical and theological studies. Since then, his life has been a rewarding interchange between the academy, the church, and the city.
Teaching in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, García-Johnson intertwines de/postcolonial studies, classical theologies, and US Latino/Latin American studies into a unique hermeneutic approach he terms “Transoccidentality.” His upcoming Spanish theological series, Teología del Nuevo Mundo, is a revolutionary multivolume exploration of decoloniality, Christian doctrine, intercultural theories, and practical theology to shape the global Christian citizen of the 21st century.
Among his numerous contributions to theological literature, his works include Introducción a la Teológía del Nuevo Mundo (vol. 1), Spirit Outside the Gate, Conversaciones Teológicas del Sur Global Americano (coedited), Theology Without Borders (coauthored), The Mestizo/a Community of the Spirit, and Jesús, Hazme Como Tú. He has made significant contributions to many books and volumes on diverse theological subjects; the most recent of these are “The Postcolonial/Decolonial Option in Theology” in Emerging Theologies of the Global South, “The Politics of the Espíritu” in T&T Handbook of Political Theology, and “The Spirit in the Colonial Difference” in T&T Handbook of Pneumatology.
García-Johnson’s passion for faith-rooted integral justice has found expression in his involvement with Matthew 25 of Southern California, LA RED, and the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). As an active speaker, he offers conferences on cultivating leadership and decolonial theology and ministry worldwide. And as cofounder of the Omega Generation project, he is dedicated to fostering flourishing ministry environments for Latinx millennials and Latina women.
An ordained minister with the American Baptist Churches USA, García-Johnson holds memberships in the Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana, the American Academy of Religion, and La Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana.
Download Oscar García-Johnson’s CV.
Featured Publications
