Fr. Christian Raab, OSB

  • Department Systematic Theology
  • Title Associate Professor of Systematic Theology

Education

  • BA (Indiana University, 1997)
  • MA (Loyola University, Chicago, 2003)
  • MDiv (Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, 2009)
  • STL (The Catholic University of America, 2013)
  • STD (The Catholic University of America, 2015)

Biography

Fr. Christian Raab hails originally from Michigan City, IN. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in history and religious studies, he taught history and theology at St. Benedict High School in Chicago, IL.

During this time, he earned an MA degree from Loyola University in pastoral studies with a concentration in religious education. He entered Saint Meinrad Archabbey in 2003, professed first vows in 2005, and solemn vows in 2008. He earned his Master of Divinity from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology and was ordained to the priesthood in 2009.

From 2009-2014, he lived and studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, where he also served as a priest-in-residence at Flather Hall through CUA's office of campus ministry. He earned his licentiate in sacred theology in 2012 and his doctorate in sacred theology in 2015, both from the Catholic University of America.

He is presently associate professor of systematic theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. Most of his courses are in sacramental theology. His current research focuses on the theology of the diaconate.

He has published in the areas of theology of priesthood, gender in theological anthropology, spirituality, and religion and culture. He is the author of the book Understanding the Religious Priesthood: History, Theology, and Controversy (Washington, DC: CUA, 2020); editor of the book Walk The Line: Rock Music and the Christian Imagination (New York: New City Press, 2023); and co-editor of the volume The Tradition of Catholic Prayer (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2007).

In addition to teaching, he has served as associate pastor of St. Joseph parish in Jasper, IN since 2022. His past assignments include formation dean at Saint Meinrad Seminary (2015-2022), and coordinator of the "One Bread, One Cup" College Ministerial Internship Program (2014-2019).