Philip LeMasters, Ph.D., is professor of religion in McMurry’s Department of Religion and Philosophy and director of the university’s Honors Program. He’s also an ordained archpriest in the Antiochian Orthodox Church and pastor of St. Luke Orthodox Christian Church in Abilene.
Dr. LeMasters joined McMurry as assistant professor in 1995 from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State), where he was assistant professor of philosophy and religion. Trusting that God is always working in ways we can’t fully understand, Dr. LeMasters’ motto is “Keep hope alive!”
Dr. LeMasters’ interest in Eastern Christianity brings a unique perspective to the classroom. He teaches introductory and advanced courses, including Introduction to Christianity, Global Christianity and Ethics. He helps students develop a greater sense of the depth, breadth and richness of the Christian faith beyond what they may have encountered in their lives.
In addition to teaching, Dr. LeMasters pursues a rich vein of research into moral theology and applied ethics in Eastern Christianity, including war and peace, sexuality, marriage and family, bioethics, politics, and poverty. He’s the author of six books and dozens of essays, chapters, reviews and presentations.
A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Dr. LeMasters has been recognized for excellence in teaching and scholarship throughout his career. He’s the recipient of numerous awards, including McMurry’s E.E. Hall Memorial Scholar Award and the Gordon R. And Lola J. Bennett Award for Outstanding Teaching, Leadership, and Service. He’s been honored twice as the Turner Distinguished Associate Professor of Religion.
Dr. LeMasters holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Christian theology and ethics from Duke University. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in religious studies from Rice University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Dr. LeMasters and his wife, Paige, who’s a pediatrician, are the parents of two daughters: Kate and Annie. Dr. LeMasters works out six days a week, makes a decadently delicious chocolate pecan pie and recently caught an 18-pound brown trout on Lake Michigan that qualified him as a Master Angler of the State of Michigan.