Theology and Philosophy Collections

The Jesuitica Collections

The nearly 7,000 volumes in this aggregate research collection were acquired by the School of Theology Library in 1999 by Dr. Raymond Van De Moortell, STH Head Librarian.  The collections came from various sources, but principally reflect library materials deaccessioned from the Jesuit University in Rochester, New York; the Loyola Seminary Library (now defunct) in Shrub Oak, New York; Xavier High School, New York, New York; and St. Andrew-on-the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, New York.  The Collections contain mostly 19th and early 20th century books that cover topics such as Jesuit history, missions, spiritual life, biography, and governance.  There is a smattering of 18th works.  The Collections are particularly rich in documenting primary sources for Catholic missions, especially those of the Jesuit order, and sundry other religious orders of both men and women. The language diversity reflected in the Collections are also peculiarly rich.  While the majority of works in the Collections are in English, nearly 30% of the materials are in French. Materials in German, Italian,and Spanish are nearly 11%, 10%, and 9% respectively.  There is a substantive run of titles from the monograph series, Orientalia christiana, and Orientalia christiana analecta issued from the Pontifical Institute for Oriental Studies in Rome.

STH Carmelite Collections

The Carmelite Collections were acquired by the School of Theology Library in 1999 by Dr. Raymond Van De Moortell, STH Head Librarian, from the Carmelite Communion in Beacon, New York; and Carmelite Monasteries in Barre, Vermont and Saranac Lake, New York. The Collections consist of nearly 1600 volumes mostly from the early and mid-twentieth century.  The Collections reflect the rich tradition of Carmelite spirituality.  They cover topics such as contemplative prayer, monastic life, history of spirituality, ascetic theology, and a wide array of themes in Roman Catholic liturgy, sacramental theology, spiritual direction and religious formation.  The Collections are particularly rich in works dealing with founders and foundresses of religious communities and the missions and works that developed from these foundations. The Collection also include contemporary additions of theological works published by the Institute of Carmelite Studies in Washington,D.C., and a group of academic dissertations (mostly written by Carmelites) from the Institute of Spiritual Life at Duquesne University.

Canon Law Collection

The Canon Law Collections were acquired in 1999 by Dr. Raymond Van De Moortell, STH Head Librarian. The Collection consists mostly of doctoral dissertations from The Catholic University of America in the field of Roman Catholic Ecclesiastical Law.  The Collection also contains some trade edition titles on various topics in canon law.  The Collection was the private library of Monsignor Richard G. Cunningham, faculty member at St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, and Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Weston.  Monsignor Cunningham was a graduate of the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, and the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.  A noted American canonist, Monsignor Cunningham was the President of the Canon Law Society of America for many years, a major contributor to the 1983 Code of Canon Law and Commentary, and has made significant intellectual contributions to the research and study of canon law.

Dorothy S. Packer Collection  (uncataloged)

This small collection contains books on the Reformation.

Peggy Sibley Collection

This collection contains nineteenth-century sunday school tracts.

Dean Ray L. Hart Collection

Ray L. Hart was a professor of philosophical and systematic theology who served as chairman of the Department of Religion and Director of the Division of Religious and Theology Studies before taking over as interim Dean of the School of Theology in 2003.  Dean Hart donated much of his collection to the Library prior to his retirement in 2008. 

Richard Chrisman Donation

Rev. Richard N. Chrisman is a United Church of Christ minister who has been affiliated with several Boston area congregations.  He donated books to the Library in the areas of liturgy, theology, and spirituality.

Jung Young Lee Donation

Jung Young Lee was a 1968 graduate of Boston University’s School of Theology, earning his Th.D.  Professor Lee went on to teach Theology at Drew University.  Professor Lee published many books on Asian Christianity and theology from an Asian perspective.  Dr. Lee’s collection includes many of his own works as well as related works in theology, sociology, and Biblical studies.

Rouner Donation

Leroy S. Rouner was a Professor of Philosophical Theology at Boston University School of Theology from 1969-2003.  Professor Rouner spent 5 years as a missionary at the United Theological College in Bangalore, India.  Professor Rouner donated his collection to the STH Library in 2007.  The collection includes books on a wide range of topics of interest to theological study.

Thornburg Donation

Dean Robert W. Thornburg was the Dean of Marsh Chapel and Lecturer in Practical Theology for 23 years from 1978-2001.  Dean Thornburg donated materials in Methodist Church history, cults, religious history, homiletics, and Biblical studies among other subjects.