Retired Faculty
2009 - Present
 



William J. Abraham 
Perkins School of Theology  2021

William J. Abraham, professor of Wesley studies at Perkins School of Theology, joined the SMU faculty in 1985. He earned a B.A. degree from The Queen's University of Belfast, a M.Div. degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a D.Phil. from Regent's Park College, Oxford University. In 1991, Professor Abraham established the Perkins Center for the Advanced Study and Practice of Evangelism. In 1995, he was named Albert Cook Outler Chair of Wesley Studies. Professor Abraham served as coordinator of the Polycarp Community, which partners with international universities that follow the British model of doctoral studies and thesis writing. He is the recipient of the 2018 SMU Faculty Career Achievement Award for his extensive work and dedication to Perkins and SMU. Professor Abraham's teaching specialties include religious epistemology, John Wesley, doctrine of revelation, systematic theology, philosophy of religion and evangelism. His major research includes Wesleyan and Methodist theology, Cardinal Newman, renewal movements in Christianity, ecclesiology, the divine revelation and theological education. Professor Abraham is the author of 30 books, 106 articles and 17 book reviews. He retires as professor emeritus of Wesley studies.