John Kenney
John Kenney, a retired Oklahoma City lawyer and engineer now devoted to theological study, reflects on his transformative journey through our Oxford Theology Summer School. His experience, grounded in rigorous study, global community and renewed faith, has reshaped his preaching, teaching and ongoing scholarly work.
'I am a retired lawyer from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in the United States. I spent my law career representing litigants in trials of cases involving technology and intellectual property. My law practice was preceded by work as an engineer before and while attending law school at the University of Oklahoma.
'After retiring, I obtained a Certificate in Ministry from the Austin Presbyterian Theology Seminary. I also authored a faith-based book titled, The Cardinal in the Snow. I now regularly preach and teach classes in churches in Oklahoma. I am working on completing the requirements for a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Theological Studies. That work encouraged me to seek to expand my foundational knowledge of theology. I applied, and was accepted, to take classes in the Oxford Theology Summer School (both in 2024 and 2025).
'These classes were selected from a group of themed, but different, classes each summer. An intriguing reading list accompanied each class description. I found the lists to contain an incredibly interesting range of required and additional suggested reading.
'The classes are relatively small and engaging. The tutors are excellent teachers and true experts and leaders in their academic and theological fields. They encourage and expect participation in class discussions. Classes are supplemented by afternoon lectures and walking tours of the historic campus. My classmates have been from, literally, all over the world. I found them to be scholars and unique theological thinkers, each with a wonderful desire to learn more and expand their opportunities to share faith in their work with others. These contacts and relationships from different countries and religions have been engaging and independently educational. We have been from different faiths, work lives and environments, yet our values and core beliefs are not so different. Sharing experiences and ideas has broadened my thinking and deepened my own faith.
'The experience of living in the Christ Church dorms, taking meals together in the Great Hall and occasionally visiting a local pub, has been fun and an unexpectedly important part of the educational experience. Many engaging conversations and friendly debates have occurred in those informal settings. By seeking to engage and broaden our knowledge and our faith, we prepared ourselves to enrich our interaction with others.
'The programme has had a profound effect on my sermons, teaching of church classes, and leading discussion groups. Today, in nearly every sermon, lecture or discussion group I have shared something I learned from the Summer School classes or from my subsequent additional research and contemplation. I am now working on a second book directly encouraged by these ideas.
'I have been asked what I would say to someone considering a course with the Theology Summer School. I would shout a resounding “YES”. You will be forever glad you participated. Life is a series of adventures that tend to bookend the usual ups and downs. This experience at Oxford has been one of those “bookend” adventures for me. The adventure continues!'