Scott R. Burson

Dr. Scott R. Burson is Professor of Philosophical Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), where he has taught onsite and online courses in philosophy, theology, and sports ministry since 2008. He is the author of four books. His most recent book, From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown (Orange Frazer Press, 2023), is co-authored with Joe Burrow's youth football coach, Sam Smathers. Burson grew up in Burrow's hometown of Athens, Ohio, and was the starting point guard on a state-ranked Athens High School basketball team 30 years before Burrow played the same position for the Bulldogs. Burson worked in the University of Florida Sports Information Office for several years and helped promote Emmitt Smith for the Heisman Trophy. After working for the Gators, Burson managed a national sports publishing company, where he edited several NCAA Championship game programs, including The Men's Final Four and College World Series. Throughout his career, Burson has won more than 20 national awards for publication and writing excellence. He has spoken at Abilene Christian University, Asbury Theological Seminary, Taylor University, Wesley Seminary, Wheaton College, the University of Kentucky, the Wild Goose Festival, and the West Michigan Holiness Apologetics Conference. Internationally, he has addressed audiences in Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, and New Zealand. Additionally, Burson teaches a popular C.S. Lewis course that includes a trip to London and The University of Oxford. Burson and his wife, Debra, are proud Cincinnati Bengals season ticket holders. They also enjoy immersive international travel and learning about other cultures. The Bursons have six children and three very spoiled canines: Burley, Pokey, and Bean. When it comes to their pets, the Bursons echo the words of Richard Rohr: “The only people who can say dogs do not have souls are those who do not know what a soul is or who have never been loved by a dog!”