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Faculty Bio

Dennis Hiebert

Contact

Email: Dennis.Hiebert@prov.ca

Phone: 1-431-815-4323

Office: 3A22


Full Contact Details

Dennis Hiebert, Ph.D.

Professor of Sociology

Dr. Hiebert teaches courses spanning the full range of sociology, from micro interpersonal relations to macro global relations, all revealing how cultural and social structural factors beyond psychology and biology shape who people are. His many publications contain two common threads: the formative power of culture, and the conversation between sociology and Christianity. Serving as the editor of the Journal of Sociology and Christianity enables him to further that dialogue, as will his most recent project of compiling and editing the forthcoming Routledge International Handbook of Sociology and Christianity. He is the longest serving faculty member at Providence, having begun his career as its original Athletic Director. Landscaping and acting in theatre are two of his more recent avocational interests.

  • 221.31 Social Science and Christianity
  • 223.11 Introduction to Sociology I: People in Culture
  • 223.12 Introduction to Sociology II: People in Society
  • 223.21 Self and Society: Social Psychology
  • 223.22 Men, Women and Society
  • 223.23 Sociology of Sport
  • 223.24 Marriage and Family
  • 223.26 Media and Society
  • 223.31 Sociological Theory
  • 223.32 Sociology of Religion
  • 223.33 Sociological Theory I: Classical Theory
  • 223.34 Sociological Theory II: Contemporary Theory
  • 223.35 Global Problems and Change

University of Manitoba

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Sociology

1993

University of Manitoba

Master of Arts studies, Sociology

1988 - 1989

Providence Theological Seminary

Master of Arts studies, Counselling

1983 - 1985

University of Windsor

Master of Human Kinetics (M.H.K.)

1981

University of Manitoba

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)

1977

University of Manitoba

Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.E.)

1974

Briercrest Bible College

Bachelor of Religious Education studies

1970 - 1971

Present

  • Professor of Sociology, Providence University College (since 1993)
  • Department Head of Arts and Sciences, Providence University College (since 1996)
  • Editor, Journal of Sociology and Christianity (since 2016)

Past

  • Associate Dean (Academics), Providence University College (2009-2011)
  • Lecturer, University of Manitoba (1992-1996)
  • Associate Professor of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics, Providence University College  (1975-1988)
  • Commissioner, Manitoba Christian Colleges Athletic Association  (1976-1978, 1980-1982, 1984-1987) 

Professional Memberships

  • Christian Sociological Association (CSA), Vice-President, 2008-10, President, 2010-12
  • Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Association (SCAA)

Awards

  • Association of Canadian Bible Colleges Research Grant
  • 1991 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Doctoral Fellowship
  • 1989 University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (doctoral)

Book and Book Chapters

Academic Journal Articles

  • 2020, “Prophets and Products: The Current Cultural Context of Christian Sociology,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 10, 1, 10-14.
  • 2019, “Problems of Personhood in Human Beings, Artificial Intelligence, and God,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 9, 2, 1-6.
  • 2019, “Clothing Christian Convictions in Intellectual Humility,” Cultural Encounters: A Journal for the Theology of Culture, 15, 1, 39-59.
  • 2019, “The Mechanisms and Morality of Capitalism: A Brief Christian Critique,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 9, 1, 65-81.
  • 2019, “Social Practices of the Christian Sociologist,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 9, 1, 1-4.
  • 2018, “A Call for Civility in Public Dialogue,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 8, 2, 1-5.
  • 2018, “’The Massive Subjective Turn:’ Sociological Perspectives of Spirituality,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 8, 2, 55-75.
  • 2018, "Imposing Values, Legislating Morality," Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 8, 1, 1-3.
  • 2018, "Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem: A First-Person Contemplation of Crowd Behavior," Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 8, 1, 112-114.
  • 2017, “Free Speech and Political Correctness,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 7, 2, 1-5.
  • 2017, “Climate Change and Christian Anthropocentrism,” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 7, 2, 57-63.
  • 2017, “Put Me in a Cage.” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 7, 1, 1-3.
  • 2017, “Sense and Sense Ability: The Sensual and the Sensible.” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 7, 1, 74-78.
  • 2016, “’Come Healing of the Reason’: Problematic Practices of Rationality in Christian Faith.” Didaskalia, 26, Summer, 49-84.
  • 2016, “Is it Homophobia or Homoppression?” Canadian Review of Sociology, 53, 4, 488-492.
  • 2016, “Is it Homophobia or Something Else?” Journal of Sociology and Christianity, 6, 2.
  • 2016, “Truth and Love in Christian Life.” Journal for the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society, 6, 1.
  • 2015, “Intersex Persons and the Church: Unknown, Unwelcomed, Unwanted Neighbours.” (co-authored with Valerie Hiebert) Journal for the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society, 5, 2.
  • 2014, “Alternate Forms of the Sacred: Family, Sport, Nation.” Journal for the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society, 4, 2.
  • 2013, “Problems and Possibilities of Sociology as Prophetic.” Christian Scholar’s Review, 43, 1, 11-20.
  • 2012, “The Community, Courage, and Compassion of the Christian Sociologist.” Journal for the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society, 2, 2.
  • 2010, “Faith-Full Change.” Eye Witness, Providence University College.
  • 2008, “The Concepts Project.” Christian Sociological Association.   http://christiansociologicalassociation.com/Resources/
  • 2008, “Can We Talk? Achieving Dialogue Between Sociology and Theology.” Christian Scholar’s Review, 37, 2, 199-214.
  • 2004, “Toward a Post-postmodern Christian Concept of Self.” Didaskalia, 16, 1, 1-24.
  • 2003, “The Insufficiency of Integrity.” Pastoral Psychology, 51, 4, 293-307.
  • 1999, “The McDonaldization of Protestant Organizations.” Christian Scholar’s Review, 29, 2, 261-279.
  • 1997, “Book Notes on Postmodernism.” Didaskalia, 9, 1, 87-91.
  • 1996, “Toward Adult Cross-sex Friendship.” Journal of Psychology and Theology, 24, 4, 271-283.
  • 1995, “Me and Jesus? Countering Individualism with a More Collectivist Reading of Scripture.” Theological Research Exchange Network. September.
  • 1992, “The Sociology of Fowler's Faith Development Theory.” Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses, 21, 3, 321-335.
  • 1992, “Antiseptic Education: The Myth of Irreligiosity.” Faculty Dialogue, 17, 85-101.
  • 1992, “More Noahs? A Personal Response.” Faculty Dialogue, 16, 129-136.
  • 1985, “Glorifying God in the Body.” Dialog: A Journal of Theology, 24, 2, 133-35.
    • Reprinted in 1986 in Christian Educators Journal, 25, 2, 19-21.

Book Reviews

  • 2018: Review of Christian Smith, "Religion: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters." Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, 70, 2.
  • 2016: Review of Josh Packard and Ashleigh Hope, "Church Refugees: Sociologists Reveal Why People are Done with Church but Not their Faith." Journal for the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society, 6.1.
  • 2015: Review of Daniel M. Bell, Jr. "The Economy of Desire: Christianity and Capitalism in a Postmodern World." Journal for the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society, 5, 2. 
  • 2013: Review of Diana Butler Bass, "Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening," in the Journal for the Sociological Integration of Religion and Society, 3, 2.
  • 2013: Review of Andrew Boyd, ed. "Beautiful Trouble: A Toolbox for Revolution," in Geez Magazine, Fall, 80.
  • 1994: Book Review of Reginald Bibby. (1993). Unknown Gods: The Ongoing Story of Religion in Canada. Toronto: Stoddart; and Hewitt, W.E. (Ed.). (1993). The Sociology of Religion: A Canadian Focus. Toronto: Butterworths. In the Christian Sociological Society Newsletter, 22, 1, 7.
  • 1992: Book Review of Shirl J.Hoffman, ed.. (1992). Sport and Religion. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics Publishers. In Christian Week 5, 22 (February 18), 14.

Newspaper and Magazine Articles

  • 2020, “Deciphering problematic patterns of thinking,” Winnipeg Free Press, August 11, A7.
  • 2020, “Why ’all lives matter’(dis)misses the point,” Winnipeg Free Press, July 22, A7. 
  • 2020, “SBNRs, Dones, and Nones: The Turn Toward Spirituality,” Leader Magazine, MennoMedia, 17, 4, 2-5.
  • 2020, “What Does ‘Life is Sacred’ Mean?” The Carillon, May.
  • 2020, “Social Change, Slippery Slopes, and MAID,” The Carillon, April.
  • 2020, “MAID More Complex,” The Carillon, April.
  • 2019, “Get Ahead of Whom?” The Carillon, October.
  • 2019, “Climate Change and Christianity,” The Carillon, September.
  • 2019, “Climate Change and Politics,” The Carillon, July.
  • 2019, “There’s More than One Brand of Populism,” Winnipeg Free Press, January 23, A7.
  • 2018 "The Privilege Walk," The Carillon, April.
  • 2018 "The Invisibility of White Privilege," The Carillon, March.
  • 2017, “Climate Change in the Classroom,” The Carillon, December.
  • 2017, “Marx versus Marxism,” The Carillon, November.
  • 2017, “The Intellectual Humility of Faith,” The Carillon, August.
  • 2017, “Free Speech Carries Obligations for Canadians.” Winnipeg Free Press, May 27, A15.
  • 2017, “Localism the Best Response to Evils of Globalization” Winnipeg Free Press, January 6, A7.
  • 2016, “Christian Social Justice,” The Carillon, August.
  • 2016, “The Problem of Political Correctness,” The Carillon, July.
  • 2016, “Diversity and Inclusivity,” The Carillon, June.
  • 2015, “Voting is Moral Behaviour,” The Carillon, October.
  • 2015, “Charity Work is Political,” Winnipeg Free Press, May 12, A7.
  • 2014, “Top Local News Story 2013,” The Carillon, January.
  • 2014, "Harper versus Sociology," The Carillon, October.
  • 2014, "Harper versus Environmental Science," The Carillon, November.
  • 2013, “Freedom of Religion and Human Rights,” Winnipeg Free Press, March 23.
  • 2013, “Non-heterosexuality and Morality,” The Carillon, June.
  • 2013, “On Suspending Judgment,” The Carillon, April.
  • 2011, "A Lament for Canadian Politics," The Carillon, April.
  • 2008, "Ideology, Hegemony, and Power," The Carillon, December.
  • 2008, "Ayn Rand and the Carillon," The Carillon, July.
  • 2008, "Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism," The Carillon, June.
  • 2008, "How Capitalism Works," The Carillon, June.
  • 1994-5, “Self-presentation and Impression Management.” Partner. Christian Association of Canadians in Student Development. (3-part series)
    • “Presentation of the Self in Everyday Life.” Fall, 1994.
    • “Tactical Impression Management.” Spring, 1995
    • “Ineffective Impression Management.” Fall, 1995
  • 1992, “Fanning the Flame.” Christian Week, 5, 22 (February 18), 5.
  • 1989, “Angry Athletes and the Almighty.” Gospel Herald, 7, 4, 8-9.
  • 1985, “Camp Recreation Programming Test.” The Pocket Stew, 1, 2 (May-June), 3-4.
  • 1985, “Questions for Christians in Sport.” Faith Alive, 3, 1, 34-35.
  • 1984, “Time and Toys.” Southeast Bulletin (3-part series)
    • “The Problem of Recreation.” August 21
    • “Values of Work and Recreation.” September 4
    • “Christian Values and Recreation.” September 18
  • 1984, “Straight Talk on Sport.” The Messenger (3-part series)
    • “The Problem of Competition.” 22, 2, 4.
    • “Competition and Personal Attitudes.” 22, 3, 5.
    • “Competition and Relationships.” 22, 4, 4.
  • 1983-4, “Out of Bounds”
    • regular editorial on sport for the Southeast Bulletin.
  • 1983, “Sanctified Sports?” HIS, 43, 8, 1-4.
    • Reprinted in 1987 in Mennonite Brethren Herald, 26, 6, 6-7.

Conference Papers

  • 2019, “Right vs. Left, Conservatives vs. Liberals, Power vs. Presence," Christian Sociological Association, Eastern University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • 2018, Invited Presentation: “Moral Foundations Theory: Understanding Differences," Mennonite Central Committee (Manitoba), All Staff Day, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • 2018, “Intellectual Humility and Religious Convictions: An Interdisciplinary Overview and Christian Reflection," Christian Sociological Association, Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee
  • 2017 “Christian Anthropocentrism and Climate Change,” Christian Sociological Association, Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa
  • 2016 “Human Rights and Religion: Their Awkward Waltz,” Christian Sociological Association, Union University, Jackson, Tennessee
  • 2015 “The Embodied Self, Part I - Theory: I Feel and Act, Therefore I Am,” Christian Sociological Association, Eastern University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • 2013 “Sweet Surrender: How Cultural Mandates Shape Christian Marriage,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, Trinity Christian College, Chicago, Illinois
  • 2012 “The Community, Courage, and Compassion of the Christian Sociologist,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia
  • 2011 “Prophetically Incorrect: Problems and Possibilities of Sociology as Prophetic,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota
  • 2009 “The Biblical Call for Social Justice,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa
  • 2008 “The Divisions of Labor Within Sociology and Between Sociology and Theology,” National Faculty Leadership Conference, Faculty Commons, Washington, D.C.
  • 2007 “Purity and the Marriage Bed: Disembedding Christian Concepts of Marriage from Culture,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Kentucky
  • 2006 “Social Science, Faith, and Hermeneutics: Sample Pedagogical Dialogues,” Conference on Faith, Learning, and Living: Integration in Christian Higher Education, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • 2005 “The Concepts Project Report,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, Wheaton College, Chicago, Illinois
  • 2005 “Who Am I? The Problem of Self,” Canadian Association of Christians in Student Development, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • 2004 Discipline Coordinator for Sociology, Conference on Scripture and the Disciplines, Wheaton College, Chicago, Illinois
  • 2004 Plenary Speaker: “The Postmodern Self”
    1. "Understanding the Postmodern Self"
    2. "Assessing the Postmodern Self"

    AGM of the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors, Winnipeg, Manitoba

  • 2003 “Integration Revisited and Renewed: What Christian Psychologists Are Saying,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, Dallas, Texa
  • 2001 “Homosexuality: Support and Guidance Through the Struggle,” Association of Canadian Bible Colleges Annual Conference, Regina, Saskatchewan
  • 1999 “What Might Jesus Say to Mark Simpson?” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, Costa Mesa, California
  • 1998 “The McDonaldization of Protestant Organizations,” Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, London, England
  • 1995 “Understanding Faith Development: Implications for Discipleship,” Youth For Christ/Canada National Leadership Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • 1994 “Me and Jesus? Countering Individualism with a More Collectivist Reading of Scripture,” Evangelical Theological Society 46th Annual Meeting, Lisle, Illinois
  • 1993 “Research on Faith Development in Higher Education,” Association of Canadian Bible Colleges Annual Conference, Otterburne, Manitoba
  • 1992 “Angry Athletes and the Almighty: Christian Moral Resistance in Sport,” North American Society for the Sociology of Sport, Toledo, Ohio
  • 1987 Invited Presentation on Sport Ethics, Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Youth Conference, Caronport, Saskatchewan
  • 1984 Coordinator and Presenter, Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics Workshops, Association of Canadian Bible Colleges Annual Meetings, Calgary, Alberta

Public Lectures

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