Institute for Thealogy & Deasophy

James Rietveld
PhD

Education

Dr. James Rietveld received his PhD at Claremont Graduate University's School of Religion in the History of Christianity in 2006, focusing on Greco-Roman historical and religions studies; Christian Origins; and Early, Medieval, Byzantine and Reformation Christianity. While at Claremont, Dr. Rietveld also applied and emphasized the importance of both history and archaeology as it applied to religious studies. For instance, his archaeological knowledge greatly contributed to his dissertation, entitled Universal Goddess on the Via Sacra: The Evolving Image of Artemis Ephesia, where-through the examination of the material culture, a careful analysis of the epigraphic and ancient literary sources, and the application of the Sacred Spaces methodology of Lefebvre and Soja-he was able to reconstruct the ancient belief system of the hybrid Anatolian-Greek goddess, Artemis Ephesia, as she was perceived during Antiquity. Furthermore, in this examination of Artemis Ephesia and her city, Ephesus, Rietveld identified applications to both Greco-Roman and Early Christian studies (the obvious reference in the Acts of the Apostles for the latter is just one instance of many). He is currently updating his dissertation in preparation for an upcoming book. In another field, Rietveld appropriated a background in Patristic Studies, with special emphasis on Clement of Alexandria and Gregory of Nyssa. Also, while at Claremont, Rietveld minored under the banner of his Religious degree in Islam, concentrating on mystical phenomenology (Rumi/Sufism), and Hinduism, focused on Hindu goddesses.

The basis for much of his academic studies at Claremont began at California State University, Fullerton, where Rietveld received both his BA and MA in History, concentrating on Ancient History; Greco-Roman Studies; Early, Medieval, and Byzantine Ecclesiastical History; American History; and the History of India. Here, Dr. Rietveld wrote his exhaustive Masters Thesis (996 pages) on the history of Ephesus during the Roman Empire (Illustrious Ephesus: Portrait of the City of Artemis in the Imperial Age). During this time, Dr. Rietveld began his research on Johannine Christianity (the school of thought based on the Gospel of John), which he continues to this day in plans of future publications. Furthermore, Rietveld's explorations of the history of India in relation to religion and philosophy also began at CSUF.

Research Interests

Dr. Rietveld specializes in promoting the academic conversation between historical and religious studies, especially within the context of the Ancient Mediterranean world, the Ancient Near East, and India, inclusive of examining cross-cultural links between all three areas of study. Furthermore, closely focusing on Greco-Roman religions and Early, Medieval, and Byzantine Christianity, Rietveld investigates questions concerning idea and phenomenological formation, transmission and divergence; emphasizing first the understanding of historical contexts before moving on to theoretical constructions and/or abstractions. He believes one of the fundamental keys to deciphering connections between History and Religion is through the careful examination of the available archaeological resources and has placed this theory into direct practice, spending many months studying the archaeology of the city of Ephesus first-hand. In fact, the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, located at the crossroads between the Greco-Roman and the Ancient Near East-along with Asia Minor (current day Turkey)-is where Dr. Rietveld invests most of his time and research. Here he studies the local religious systems in detail through the academic framework of being both a scholar of Religion and History, especially investigating the ancient indigenous religions (in particular ones in relation to local goddesses), the wide-spread cult of Artemis Ephesia, and the beliefs of the first Christian communities located in Ephesus as well as the regions of Asia, Bithynia, Phrygia, Galatia, Caria, Lycia, and Pamphylia. Rietveld also investigates feminine conceptions of divinity within Ancient Near Eastern, Greek, Roman and early Christian beliefs and has extensively lectured on the topic to many groups throughout the Los Angeles area.

Because Rietveld believes the interaction between History and Religion has relevance extending beyond strictly academic circles, he is often involved in the creation and development of various media forums and products that reach out to the general public, enabling wider audiences access to information that may have direct personal and even public relevance. Sacred History Magazine is an example of one of these tangible media products. Dr. Rietveld also hosts a weekly radio show with same aim in mind, that of creating a bridge between academia and the public. He hopes through these various mediums, History and Religion departments will receive much-needed exposure, appreciation, and involvement.

Dr. Rietveld currently teaches in the History and Religion departments at California State University, Fullerton, and teaches Introduction to Archaeology courses at a local museum. Rietveld has lectured for many groups and forums, including the Biblical Archaeology Society, Isis Ancient Cultures & Religion Society, and at various events held at Claremont Graduate University.

Publications (sample of a few)

"Apostles and Goddesses: The Magical Mystery Tour of Ephesus," Sacred History Magazine (November, 2005), 34-47, 84-89

"The Naïve and the Nativity: Mysteries behind the Birthplace of Jesus," Sacred History Magazine (December, 2005), 124-129

"Ancient Church Freed from Prison Grounds," Sacred History Magazine (January, 2006), 13

"Understanding Islam," Sacred History Magazine (January, 2006), 26-29

"Christian Martyrs in Muslim Spain," Sacred History Magazine (January, 2006), 76-77

"The Muslim Conquest of Spain" Sacred History Magazine (January, 2006), 78-79

"Peter the Venerable: A Medieval Christian's Polemical Writings," Sacred History Magazine (January, 2006), 82-83

"Gospel of Judas to Betray its Secrets at Last," Sacred history Magazine (March, 2006), 9-11

"The Mary-Go-Round: Vezelay or Saint Maximin?" Sacred History Magazine (May, 2006), 34-38

"Cathar Mysteries," Sacred History Magazine (May, 2006), 39-41

"Arthur's Choice-Glastonbury?" Sacred History Magazine (May, 2006), 52-53

"Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary: The Church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer," Sacred History Magazine (May, 2006), 86-91

"Mary Magdalene in Ephesus," Sacred History Magazine (May, 2006), 92-96

"Heaven's Gate," Sacred History Magazine (September 2006), 78-82

"Mayan End: 2012?" Sacred History Magazine (September 2006), 88-89

"The Millerites: Making 'Ends' Meet." Sacred History Magazine (September 2006), 90-91

"Tunnel Vision: Interpreting the Catacombs of Rome." Sacred History Magazine (November 2006), 14

"St. Ambrose: Bringing an Emperor to His Knees." Sacred History Magazine (November 2006), 16-20

"Constantine: Conversion of State." Sacred History Magazine (November 2006), 22-26

"Akhenaten: The Quest for Unity." Sacred History Magazine (November 2006), 34-35

"Charlemagne's Crown." Sacred History Magazine (November 2006), 60-64

"Moscow: The Third Rome." Sacred History Magazine (November 2006), 90-91

"Saint Peter Claver: Slave of the Slaves." Sacred History Magazine (January, 2007), 65-67

"Thecla: Bearer of the Apostle Paul's Legacy." Sacred History Magazine (Winter, 2010), 24-27

"Santa Maria Maggiore." Sacred History Magazine (Winter, 2010), 10-14

Associations

American Academy of Religion (AAR)
American Historical Association (AHA)
American Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT)
Crisler Library in Ephesos: CLE Scholars Advisory Board: 2008-current
Fullerton Historic Theater Foundation
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society
Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)

Media

Dr. Rietveld spoke as a Religious Expert on A& E's 2006 movie Flight 93 DVD concerning Islam, was a Guest Speaker on Karen Tate's Voices of the Sacred Feminine on PIVR Internet Radio, discussing Artemis Ephesia in 2008, and in 2011 was one of the interviewed historians for the very popular documentary "Becoming Santa."

Since April of 2009, Rietveld hosts the Explorations in Religion, Myth and Spirituality: Ancient and Modern series on PIVR Internet Radio, discussing everything from Religion in relation to archaeology and history to mysticism, philosophy, and spiritual phenomenology. A sample of his radio talks in relation to Thealogy include lectures on Artemis Ephesia, Demeter in relation to the Eleusinian mysteries, the Cult of the Magna Mater, and the Hindu goddesses Sarasvati and Kali. Please see: http://new.pivtr.com/en/hosts/dr-james-reitveld/