David Kwon, PhD, MBA, MDiv, MSW/AM — Faculty ; Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Studies ; Department of Theology and Religious Studies , College of Arts & Sciences ; Areas of Expertise: Moral Theology | Peace Studies | Social and Environmental Ethics | Healthcare, Business, and Technology | Asian and Asian American Theology and Ethics .
Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Studies
Biography
Dr. David Kwon is Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, where he teaches and conducts research in moral theology, Catholic social thought, peace studies, social and environmental ethics, healthcare and business ethics, Asian and Asian American theology and ethics, and religion and technology.
He received his Ph.D. in Moral Theology from Boston College. He also holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University, an AM/MSW in Social Work and Social Policy, and an MDiv from the University of Chicago. Drawing on this interdisciplinary background, his scholarship explores the intersections of theology, ethics, public life, and social transformation from global and comparative perspectives.
His research focuses on Catholic social thought, just peace and postwar ethics, democratic transition and civic formation, Asian and Asian American theology and ethics, and the emerging relationship between religion and artificial intelligence. His first book, Justice after War: Jus Post Bellum in the 21st Century (The Catholic University of America Press, 2023), develops a constructive account of postwar justice through dialogue with moral theology, philosophy, international relations, and peace studies. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes on peace and conflict, Catholic social thought, environmental ethics, business ethics, healthcare ethics, race and gender justice, and Asian and Asian American theology. He is also the editor of the forthcoming volume Everyday Ethics and Everyday Practice: Asian and Asian American Theological Perspectives.
Before joining ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, Dr. Kwon served as Assistant Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, where he received the College's Student Senate Teaching Award in 2021. He remains deeply grateful for the wonderful students, colleagues, and Midwestern hospitality he experienced during his years in Minnesota.
Originally from South Korea, Dr. Kwon enjoys outdoor activities, especially tennis, hiking, walking, hockey, kendo, and other sports involving racquets or sticks. Since moving to Seattle, he has also developed an appreciation for the city's rich coffee culture and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, especially contemplative walks by the water.
Featured Profiles and Interviews
Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Boston College (2024): "CHRIJ Alumnus David Kwon and the Importance of Ethics, Peacebuilding, and Moral Academia."
Education
- Boston College, Ph.D., Theological Ethics, 2018
- Johns Hopkins University, MBA, 2012
- University of Chicago, MDiv and MSW/AM, 2010
- Sogang University, BA, BA, BBA, magna cum laude, Religious Studies, Journalism, and Business Administration, 2006
- (1999 - 2001, and 2005 – 2006; after military service/defense corporation experiences).
Courses Taught
Recent Courses Taught (Since Fall 2023, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½)
- Methods in Theology and Religious Studies
- Social Justice and Christian Ethics
- Global Bioethics and Religion
- Christian Environmental Ethics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation
- Honors Seminar (Innovation Track)
Publications
Most Recent Publications (Since Fall 2023, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½)
- 2024 “Integrating Justice Education: A Whole Campus Approach to Implementing Justice Education for Future Leaders” Journal of Catholic Higher Education 41 (2): 151-173.
- 2023 “ Jus Post Bellum and Catholic Social Thought: Just Political Participation as Civil Society Peacebuilding” Journal of Catholic Social Thought 20 (2), 1-23.
- 2023 “A Confucian Contribution to the Catholic Just War Tradition” Journal of Interreligious Studies 38, 2023, 62-77.