A Very Brief Biography of
    Father John Topel, S. J.

Born in Seattle in 1934, John Topel attended St.
Joseph’s grade school and Seattle Preparatory School,
where he was the valedictorian of his class in 1952.
He then entered the Jesuit novitiate at Sheridan Oregon
and pronounced his vows in 1954. After the regular
course of studies, he was ordained in 1965.

He has a BA in classical languages and an MA in philosophy
from Gonzaga University, an STM in doctrinal theology from Santa Clara University, a teaching doctorate in biblical exegesis from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, and a Ph.D. in biblical theology from Marquette University.

Fr. Topel began his career at Seattle University in 1971 as director of its Master’s program in religious education (SUMORE), and then was a half-time administrator and half-time professor from 1973-1980. For two years he was a full-time associate professor of theology and then for two years was novice director of the Oregon Province Jesuits in Portland. Fr. Topel returned to Seattle University as Vice President for Academic Affairs from 1985-1989, and then was a half-time administrator and half-time professor from 1990-1996. In 1996 he received the Malcolm and Mari Stamper endowed chair in Catholic Intellectual and Cultural Traditions.

For most of his career he has taught a range of courses in biblical theology, with special emphasis on the gospel of Luke and on New Testament ethics. Since he has been the Stamper chair, he has returned to his first love, systematic and doctrinal theology. He is the author of The Way to Peace, a primer in the biblical foundations of liberation theology, which has been translated into Spanish and Italian and appeared in three separate English editions. His most recent book, Children of a Compassionate God won a third place award from the Catholic Press Association in 2001. He has authored three books, fourteen scholarly articles on biblical topics, a number of other articles in less scholarly journals, and over sixty scholarly book reviews.

He retired as emeritus professor of Seattle University in 2003, was priest administrator of Immaculate Conception church in Arlington, WA (2003-2005) and is now pastor of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Port Townsend, WA.

Follow the link to see Father Topel's Curriculum Vitae...

5/8/2010