M.A. in Religious Studies Project Summary by Robert Duffy | r.duffy@hji.edu Watch 2026 HJI Graduating Students introduce their projects here General Summary This thesis interprets the Carolingian Renaissance as the culmination of a long process of cultural preservation, adaptation, and institutional reconstruction extending from the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century to the reign of Charlemagne in the late eighth and early ninth centuries. Its central argument is that the Carolingian Renaissance was neither an isolated revival of classical learning nor a...

M.A. in Religious Studies Thesis Project Summary by Dr. Lorraine Moffat Baughman, CPsychol | l.baughman@hji.edu Watch 2026 HJI Graduating Students introduce their projects here Abstract This study explores how clients who identify as spiritual experience the relationship betweentheir spiritual beliefs and the therapeutic process. Using Interpretative PhenomenologicalAnalysis (IPA), it draws on in-depth interviews with thirteen participants from two spirituallycommitted groups: Unificationists (n=6) and Protestant Christians (n=7). Spirituality emergednot as a marginal aspect of...

Dear Friends of HJI, HJI is pleased to announce two Open House programs to share about the courses offered in the Fall 2026 semester, and to provide details about our degree programs. Anyone interested in learning about studying at HJI is welcome to join. Both Open Houses will be held on Tuesday, August 11: one in the morning, at 8:00 AM New York Time for those who are based in The Americas, and a second in the evening, at 7:00 PM New York Time, for those who reside in Africa, Asia, and Europe.   Register for...

M.A. in Religious Studies Project Summary by Rudolf Faerber | r.faerber@hji.edu Indigenizing and Contextualizing Unificationism in Africa: A Zambian Perspective This thesis examines how Unificationism can be meaningfully indigenized and contextualized within African cultural and spiritual environments, with particular attention to Zambia. Africa stands at a critical historical juncture—facing moral, political, spiritual and social choices that will shape its future. The continent must navigate competing ideologies, global cultural currents, and the legacy of colonialism while...

Dr. Thomas J. Ward, Professor of Peace and Development at HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public Leadership, is leading a new seminar series with the World Christian Leadership Conference titled, “God or No God? Amidst the Tide of Secularism.” The series begins Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and draws upon Dr. Ward’s extensive experience in academic leadership and international human rights advocacy. The seminar examines the social teachings of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, sometimes referred to as Headwing Thought, which begin with the...

HJI Press has published Essays in Unification Studies, edited by Dr. Andrew Wilson, Professor of Scriptural Studies at HJI. The volume features essays by Dr. Wilson and other scholars, offering a range of perspectives on Unification theology, scripture, faith, and their relevance to contemporary religious and social questions. The publication reflects HJI’s continuing commitment to advancing serious academic study and discussion of the Unification tradition. Available for purchase on Amazon!  View HJI Press Publications

What inspired you to apply to HJI? I want to improve the academic quality of the research I am undertaking, including the possibility of publication. Also, I believe the effectiveness of my outreach using this material would be strengthened if I had the credential of a doctoral degree. What do you most appreciate about being a student at HJI? What I most appreciate about being a student at HJI is the quality of the faculty and the excellent quality and relevance of the course content. Also, I have found the faculty to be very accessible. Share about the benefits of your online...