Paul Galbreath
Professor of Theology
Email: pgalbreath@upsem.edu
Phone: 980-636-1700
Location: Charlotte
Department: Theology/Ethics/History
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Email: pgalbreath@upsem.edu
Phone: 980-636-1700
Location: Charlotte
Department: Theology/Ethics/History
University of Heidelberg, Dr. theol.
Baylor University, Ph.D.
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Th.M.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, M.Div.
Stetson University, B.A.
Paul Galbreath is a professor of theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte. He came to the seminary in 2005 from the Office of Theology and Worship where he served as a member of the General Assembly staff for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
His first doctorate degree focused on the intersection between narrative criticism, Christology and psychological theory. He followed the work with a thesis that focused on a comparison of the narrative approaches of Paul Ricouer and Hans Frei. An invitation to further theological study in Germany led him to the University of Heidelberg where he wrote a second dissertation that applied the contributions of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s language philosophy to a hermeneutic of liturgical language.
An ordained Presbyterian teaching elder, he has served congregations in Clatskanie, Woodburn, and Warrenton, Oregon as well as in Tacoma, Washington. In 2001, he was elected Moderator of Olympia Presbytery. His service to the church includes leadership roles as a member of the Consultation on Common Texts, a delegate to the English Language Liturgical Consultation, a member of the Sacrament Study Task Force and a member of the Cooperative Committee on Examinations.
One of his primary research interests has focused on sacramental ethics, or ways to explore connections between worship and daily life. This work led to the publication of a trilogy of books: Leading from the Table (Rowman & Littlefield, 2008), Leading through the Water (Rowman & Littlefield) and Leading into the World (Rowman & Littlefield, 2014) which respectively examine the eucharist and baptismal liturgies and a Christian commitment to earth care in order to discern sacramental patterns and practices that are a part of our daily life. He published Doxology and Theology (Peter Lang, 2008) and is co-author of the lectionary commentary New Proclamation: Year B, 2011-2012, Advent Through Holy Week (Fortress, 2011). His latest monograph, Re-Forming the Liturgy (Cascade Books, 2019), explores liturgical renewal and eco-liturgical concerns.
In 1981, he married Jan Vincent Galbreath, who works as a speech pathologist in the Asheville area. His interests include art, architecture, film, soccer (particularly the Portland Timbers), and baseball.
Paul Galbreath, Elemental, a Journey Through Lent with the Earth (Parsons Porch Books)
Paul Galbreath, Re-Forming the Liturgy: Past, Present, and Future (Cascade Books)
Paul Galbreath, Leading into the World (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers)
Paul Galbreath, New Proclamation: Year B, 2011-2012, Advent Through Holy Week (Fortress Press)
Paul Galbreath, Leading through the Water (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers)
Paul Galbreath, Leading from the Table (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers)
Paul Galbreath, Doxology and Theology: An Investigation of the Apostles’ Creed in Light of Ludwig Wittgenstein (Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers)