Nik Rodewald

2nd Year PhD - Theology

Nik Rodewald is a PhD student in the Integrative Studies in Ethics and Theology program. His research focuses on the intersection of queer theories of temporality, liberation theology, and sacramental theology. Prior to entering the PhD program at Loyola, Nik was a high school campus minister and theology teacher. Nik is also a composer, arranger, and orchestrator whose work has been performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and has received critical acclaim from Fanfare Magazine, Textura, and the Maryland Theatre Guide. Outside of theology and music, Nik enjoys running, hiking, reading, and playing board games.

Research Interests

Queer Theology, Sacramental Theology, Theological Aesthetics, Philosophy of Religion, Liberation Theology, Decolonial/Postcolonial Ethics

Professional/Community Affiliations

American Academy of Religion (Midwest Region)
European Academy of Religion

Courses Taught

Secondary School:
Marist Way (7th Grade)
Marist Way (9th Grade)
Faith and Reason (12th Grade Theology Elective)

Archdiocese of Atlanta Permanent Diaconate Formation Program:
Missiology and Evangelization

Publications/Research Listings

Selected Presentations

(Upcoming, November 2025): "The Normal Gay Guy: JD Vance, Catholicism, and the Colonial Politics of Recognition," American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting, Boston, MA.

"Towards a Sacramental Theology of Erotohistoriography," European Academy of Religion Eighth Annual Conference, Vienna, Austria (July 2025)

"Is the Convent a Sex Shop? Vowed Religious Life as a Queer, Catholic Counterpublic," Midwest American Academy of Religion, Springfield, MO (February 2025)

"Haunting Magisterial Teleology: Ghosts of Queer Grief and Queer Pleasure," Graduate Theological Colloquium with Loyola, Marquette, and Saint Louis University, Chicago, IL (February 2024)

"Performing the Eschaton: Queer Performativity and Sacramental Action," American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (November 2024).

Awards

2014 Clare Fischer Jazz Composition Award (Berklee College of Music)
2022-2024: Candler Merit Scholarship (Emory University)