Thomas West, O.F.M.
- Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology
- Vicar Provincial, Franciscan Friars of California
Degrees
- Ph.D. California Institute of Integral Studies
- M.Ed. Boston University
- M.Div. Franciscan School of Theology
- B.A. St. Bonaventure University
"It is a joy and privilege to help students recognize, develop and share their intellectual and ministerial talents and gifts. We are all called and challenged by God's love to become more fully ourselves through our relationships with each other."
A licensed psychotherapist, Tom unifies psychology and spirituality to benefit everyone he serves. With a particular interest in ministry to the terminally ill and mentally handicapped adults, he has worked in community ministries for years. Within an academic setting, he helps students discover their gifts of ministry through Ministry Training Seminars.
Selected Course Descriptions
Professional Ministry Training Seminar
A seminar integrating the field placement experience with theological training. Some of the areas covered are: theological reflection, social and cultural analysis, team ministry and personality development.
Articles
- "The Experience of Being with a Dying Person" in "Phenomenological Inquiry in Psychology" edited by Ron Valle, 1998, Plenum Press New York.
- "Deathbed Visions and Escorts"
- "Dehumanization"
- "Empathy and Compassion" Macmillan Encyclopedia of Death and Dying, Robert Kastenbaum Editor in Chief, Macmillan Reference USA.