Robert M. Frazier View All Faculty
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Disciplines/Field of Instruction

  • Philosophy
  • Biblical Studies

Degrees Received

  • Ph.D. in Philosophy, 1993, State University of New York at Buffalo, Dissertation: Holding and Modifying Beliefs: Critical Thinking and the Problem of Minimal Rationality.
  • M.A. in Theological Studies in Old Testament Literature, 1981, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
  • B.A. in Biblical Studies, 1978, Gordon College.

Courses Taught

  • Aristotle
  • Plato
  • Cicero
  • Augustine
  • Kierkegaard
  • Early Modern Philosohpy
  • Kant
  • C.S. Lewis
  • Pragmatism
  • Logic
  • Ethical Theories
  • Epistemology
  • Introduction to Philosophy
  • The Art of Inquiry
  • Polotoical Philosophy
  • Democratic Political Thought
  • Christian Understanding of Life
  • Contemporary Religious Thought
  • Nietzsche
  • History of the Reformation
  • Business Ethics
  • Humanities
  • Aquinas and Medieval Philosophy
  • Austin and Wittgenstein
  • Introducation to the Old Testament

Presentations/Publications

  • "Responsible Belief: Limitations, Liabilities, and Melioration." published in 2015 by Pickwick Books.

  • "Pro Christo et Patria." published in the spring, 2016 in the Genevan.

  • "Augustine on Authority." Evangelical theological Society, fall, 2016.

  • "Philo on Beauty." conference at Franciscan University, fall 2014.

  • "Kierkegaard on Ressentiment." published in the Midwestern Journal of Theology.

  • “Pittsburgh Baseball: The Stuff of Heroes.” Geneva Review (September,2005).

  •  “Augustine′s Public Philosophy.” Evangelical Theological Society, 2006.

  • “Foreword” in Rev. Joseph Hill, John Calvin on Suffering: Understanding the Love of God. (Webster, NY: The Evangelical Press, 2005).

  • “Gnothi Seauton and the Limiting Effects of Noetic Sin: An Augustinian View.” Evangelical Theological Society, November, 2005.

  • “Prophetic Consciousness in an Age of Affluence.” The Walter Vail Watson Lectures on Reformed Theology, Lancaster, NY, October, 2005.

  • “Inhabiting the Void: Smith′s Assessment of Radical Orthodoxy,” Geneva College colloquium on James Smith′s Introducing Radical Orthodoxy, March, 2006. 

  • “Considering the Tie that Binds: The Scottish Presbyterian and Neocalvinism Divide.” Paper prepared for the Trustees of Geneva College, April, 2006.

  • “The State of Just War Theory.” Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church, May, 2005.

  • “Are We Intellectually Obligated to Believe Morally.”  Faculty paper given at Geneva College, January 1997.

  • “Wisdom Revisited.” Paper given at the Breakfast Seminar for Theological Reflection, Canisius College, Buffalo, Spring, 1995.

  • “ The Limitations of Belief Formation.”  Philosophy Colloquium, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, fall, 1993.

  • “Traditions of Memory.” Commencement address, Consortium of the Niagara Frontier, Fall, 1989.

  • “Intellectual Passion: The Focus of the Educated Person.” Commencement address, Consortium of the Niagara Frontier, Wyoming Correctional Facility, Spring, 1989.

Current Projects

  • I am engaged in two writing projects. The first concerns Augustine′s political philosophy and the second is a look at the notion of the noetic effects of sin. It is my hope that both of these will become book length manuscripts.

Affiliations, e.g., membership in professional organizations, etc.

  • American Philosophical Association

  • Evangelical Theological Society

  • Evangelical Philosophical Society

  • Society of Christian Philosophy

Miscellaneous, e.g., hobbies, sports, personal info, etc.

  • I continue to have the opportunity to preach several Sundays each month. I served in a variety of pastoral positions from 1980-2004 and still find preaching as a great love. I returned to my home town of Beaver Falls in 1995 to pastor and long to see her renewed: spiritually, economically and socially. I believe Geneva, and those associated with it, have a significant role to play in the revitalization of the local community and Western PA.

  • I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my five grandchildren, Chase, Cadence, Emma, Sophia, and Hannah. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife (Marina), four amazing children (Megan, Abby, Tim and Daniel) and son-in law Brent. I love musicals, jazz and big band music. I am awed at the beautiful, wonder-filled at the good and true, and delighted by the excellence of my colleagues.

Academic Distinctives

In 2016, Pickwick Books published a book written by Dr. Frazier titled, Responsible Belief: Limitations, Liabilities, and Melioration.

In 2022, Dr. Frazier conducted a presentation on the History of Race Relations in Beaver County. In past years he has also given several lectures regarding the history of Christianity in Beaver Falls.

Dr. Frazier served as chaplain for the Men's Basketball Team for the 2021 season.