Karen R. Keen is both biblical scholar and spiritual care provider, a unique blend of vocations combining her love of scholarship with practical life application. Her interests include ethics, hermeneutics, the origins and inspiration of Scripture, American evangelicalism, and spiritual formation. She is the author The Word of a Humble God: The Origins, Inspiration, and Interpretation of Scripture (2022), The Jesus Way: Practicing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises (2020), and Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships (2018). She is also co-editor of the anthology Christlike Acceptance Across Deep Difference (2025).

Karen has taught in a wide range of academic and church settings from undergraduate courses at Marquette University and Wake Technical Community College to guest lecturing at Western Seminary, Wheaton College, University of Indianapolis, University of California (Santa Cruz), and Duke Divinity School. She has presented at various conferences, including American Academy of Religion, CenterPeace, and The Reformation Project.

In 2016, Karen founded The Redwood Center for Spiritual Care and Education, where she offers educational media, classes, and spiritual discernment sessions.  Trained as a spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition, Karen has led small groups through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and specializes in practices of discernment. She facilitated spiritual formation groups at Duke Divinity School for several years, including “Navigating Conflict as a Spiritual Practice,” which reflects her passion for dialogue work. Prior to that, she facilitated groups with the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion using the Public Conversations Project dialogue method. She has also received training in Peacemaking Circles from Kay Pranis and frequently uses circles in group sessions.

Karen earned her Th.M. in biblical studies from Duke Divinity School, M.A. in exegetical theology from Western Seminary, and M.S. in education (counseling) from Western Oregon University. She completed several years of PhD work, achieving ABD, before voluntarily leaving doctoral work to respond to a ministry call. Additionally, Karen holds certificates in Spiritual Direction, Epic 30 Online Teaching, Preparing Future Faculty, and Contemplative Pedagogies.

 

The Redwood Center for Spiritual Care and Education. Learn about upcoming groups and classes, as well as follow Karen’s blog for book reviews and commentary on Scripture, faith and culture.

Redwood Faith. Read the official newsletter of The Redwood Center for Spiritual Care and Education. Karen posts roundup summaries and links of all her writings (the Redwood Center blog and Bible, Sex, and Gender), as well as more personal reflections and updates. This is a one-stop option for getting news in one place.

Bible, Sex, and Gender. Follow commentary on one of Karen’s research specializations—the ethics of sexuality and gender for the Christian life.