Dr. Stephen Carl Finley, Ph.D. (Religious Studies, Rice University, 2009; M.A., Rice, 2006; M.Div., Virginia Union University , 1997; B.A., Psychology, Pepperdine University, 1985) is Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Program in African & African American Studies at Louisiana State University, specializing in African American religion. Previously he had taught at Marquette University, University of Houston, Virginia University of Lynchburg, and the Center for New Life.