Department
Department of Religion
Email Address
mbrown@trinity.edu

C. Mackenzie Brown spent his academic career of 45 years at Trinity, joining an all-male Department in 1973 He was the first hire in the Department not a Presbyterian minister. His appointment as Assistant Professor of Asian Religions completed the vision of Guy H. Ranson, Chair of the Department, for a comprehensive Religion department, moving away from a Christian, Bible-focused curriculum.

Brown served as chair of the Religion Department (1997-2005), chair of the Faculty Senate (2003-2006), member of the Animal Research Committee (1989-2017), and Faculty Adviser to the Honor Council (2011-2014).

His favorite class was Science Fiction, a First-Year Experience co-taught with Heather Sullivan.

His most meaningful classes were Death & Beyond, and Rape in India, the U.S., & Trinity.

Education

  • Harvard University (Ph.D., History of Religions/Hinduism)
  • Stanford University (B.A. History) 

Selected Publications

  • God as Mother
  • Triumph of the Goddess
  • The Devi Gita--The Song of the Goddess
  • Hindu Perspectives on Evolution: Darwin, Dharma, and Design
  • Darwinism in Asian Religious Perspectives (edited book, forthcoming)

Subjects Taught

  • Asian Religions
  • Hindu Tradition
  • Buddhist Tradition
  • Death and Beyond
  • Mysticism
  • Religion and Science-West
  • Religion and Science-Asia
  • Rape in India-America-Trinity
  • Science Fiction

Community Service & Involvement

  • Hospice of San Antonio
  • Battered Women's Shelter, Bexar County
  • Volunteer for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Teaching and Expertise

  • Hindu medieval goddess myths and rituals
  • Puranic studies
  • Religion and Science
  • Evolution and Asian responses

Honors & Awards

  • Z. T. Scott Faculty Fellowship Award, Trinity University
  • John G. Gammie Distinguished Scholar Award (Southwest Commission on Religious Studies)
  • Award for Distinguished Scholarship, Research, or Creative Work or Activity, Trinity University