Religion and Theology Undergraduate Essay Contest  

The Department of Religion is pleased to announce the fifth annual Rev. John M. Ballweg '52 Religion and Theology Undergraduate Essay Contest. The Department of Religion seeks exceptional undergraduate student papers that explore a cultural, social, or ethical issue from a religious or theological perspective. All undergraduates are invited to submit a paper for this prize. Papers written for a course at Seton Hall in one of the past two semesters are eligible. Essays must be at least 5 pages and no more than 10 pages. Submissions should be accompanied by a brief letter of recommendation from a SHU professor. The deadline for submissions is April 5, 2023, with the announcement of winners expected by May 10, 2023.

The first place prize is a $100.00 Amazon Gift Card, the second place prize a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card, and the third place prize a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Please submit your paper and supporting letter of recommendation to Colleen Conway, Ph.D. at colleen.conway@shu.edu by April 5, 2023.

The Religion Department's undergraduate essay prize is named in honor of Fr. John M. Ballweg. A 1952 graduate of Seton Hall, he taught ethics in the department starting in 1980. He passed away in 2010. He was a distinguished colleague and beloved friend to many across the university. "I want my students to see the connection between faith and their everyday lives," he once noted.

About the Department of Religion
The Department of Religion is Seton Hall's home for the study of religion, theology, and ethics in global, comparative, and ecumenical contexts. Animated by Vatican Council II's call for Catholic Christians and all persons of good will to examine the relationship between faith and reason, live together in solidarity, and promote the common good, the Department of Religion's curriculum focuses on the theological, cultural, and ethical dimensions of Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christianity and other global religious traditions, particularly, Judaism, Islam, and South Asian religions. On the graduate level, the Department of Religion offers a Master of Arts in Jewish-Christian Studies, the first of its kind in the United States. The Jewish-Christian Studies program focuses on analyzing complex religious, ethical and social issues that promote peace and justice and prepares students for many facets of interreligious and multicultural relations, dialogue and diplomatic encounters.

Categories: Education, Faith and Service