4.0
Quality3.7
Difficulty45%
Would Retake91
Reviews45%
Would Retake
91
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
45
4
28
3
8
2
6
1
4
What Students Say
“Best profesor ever period”
THEO424 - 5.0 rating“If you're like me and find theology interesting and want a professor who loves doing what he does, Dr”
THL100 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
75%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.93 avg changeRatings by Course
THL534
5.0
(1)THL
5.0
(1)THL120
5.0
(1)CHRISTIANITY
5.0
(1)THL331341492
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
112
4.4
THL534
4.0
THEOLOGY101
4.0
CHRISTIANITY
4.0
THL492534
4.0
Reviews (91)
Take this! Kelly's an awesome prof and you're sure to learn a lot, whether or not you agree with him.
Ok he is not hot, but he is a really good teacher. I learned a ton in this class. He might be a hard ass on the first day, but he gets easier after that. He is really interested in helping his students. Overall he is a great guy!
Dr. Kelly comes off as a real hard ass the first day or two of class, but you'll learn that he is a nice guy who cares about helping others. He is big on participation, and can be very intimidating if you are not the type of person who likes to participa
He is great! Take him and you're sure to learn. He isn't too tough, and you learn regardless of your grade. Go to class!
Great guy who genuinly cares about people, something you don't see too much in profs. Definitely recommend.
Dr. Kelly is by far my favorite teacher so far at Creighton. He genuinely cares what he teaches about and for his students. He can be kind of intimidating, but go to his office hours and talk to him one on one, he's very big on participation. I not only learned about religion, but myself
Excellent teacher. Makes you feel as though you can say anything in the class and can contact him at any time outside of class. Would recommend to anyone.
Great teacher! I look forward to his class & have learned a lot. Don't let him scare u away the 1st day. The homework & tests are manageable & u actually learn from them. He is a very nice & funny guy. Take him for THL, I plan to take him again for my next THL.
he is a very smart man and sometimes thinks you're on the same page as he is but i really enjoied the class. there's a test or paper every other friday and lots of reading
Awesome
Wow. Being from a very secular background, I was dreading this class. Dr. Kelly's openess and his intellegence (and his personality) make this one of my all-time favorite classes. Recommend highly
Lots of reading. Very interesting lectures, but his quizes & tests are difficult.
One of my favorite classes. I would recommend Dr. Kelly over all of the other choices...unless you are looking for a boring class. The class isn't easy, but it isn't impossible by any standards. Participation is important. Good class.
Very good and interesting lectures, covers diverse and engaging subject material
Stud.
No Comments
He's not easy, but totally worth the work. You'll learn more than you thought possible. He is quite opinionated, and he can come off as a jerk, but he's really helpful and he's really not a bad guy. He'll push you, but in a good way.
Best. Teacher. Ever.
This man is passionate about everything he teaches. He may be intense, but his teaching style is what makes him such a valuable professor.
Unless you LOVE theology and plan on majoring in it don't take his class. The reading amount is rediculous and sometimes very hard. The quizes he gives are sometimes impossible. He is extreamly picky on his papers so go in and have him check over them. He is very opinionated, and says he likes to hear yours but he truly does not. He is pass or fail
He is pretty much the best ever. Take him. Very helpful and awesome to talk to... I would recommend him to anyone!
Kelly is awesome. I would definitely recommend taking his class, but be ready to participate. He has no time for people who don't give a damn.
He is difficult but it is completely worth it!
His is very intimidating the first day of class. His class is hard, but it's worthwhile in the end. He assigns papers weekly and there are quizes over almost all of his reading assignments. He has a lot of office hours if you need help.
Never was i interested in theology until i met Tom Kelly. His class will kick your ass, but it is totaly worth it. He has a lot of insightful things to say, and he is very in your face about them. A lot of people find him intimidating, but that is only because he is strikingly brillant! TAKE HIM!!!!! HE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFFFEE!!!! and hes nice!
he is such a hardass i love him. he will make u think in ways u never thought before and he really cares about all the students learning. its tough to comprehend theology the way he explains everything at the beginnning of the semester, but u get it eventually.TAKE HIM TAKE HIM! he will change the way u view life and he totally changed mine!!!
Kelly is by far the best professor at Crieghton. Taking his class will be a life changing experience as long as you let it be. He's not afraid to tell the truth and he will show you how to be a good person. There is no way to explain just how amazing he is in 350 words, so trust me, TAKE HIS CLASS. It will seem hard at first, but don't give up.
Overall, he is one of the most interesting profs ive ever had. He really knows a lot, and above all, he is passionate about what he teaches. If you are looking for a prof that will challenge you and teach you a lot, Dr. Kelly is the way to go. He's very likeable, but he is much more difficult than other thl teachers. I would highly recommend him!
Dr. Kelly is AMAZING. He changed my entire view of Christianity. He's a tough grader and can be a little intimidating, but I absolutely loved the class. He's amazing. That's all!
note: that last one is supposed to be thl 100. my bad...
Interesting class but semi-difficult. Papers and quizzes every week. Pass/Fail grader. If you read, the quizzes are not hard. The papers are not too bad either once you figure out what his expectations are. Wasn't my favorite teacher, but overall, not too bad.
This guy is hard. His lecture notes only ask questions and you never know what he's looking for in his essays. I never know what is going on in class. DONT TAKE HIM!!!!!
hard teacher! hard tests! pass or fail grade that SUCKS! lecture notes dont do anything.
One of the most amazing teachers I have ever had. This is a required class but he only wants students who want to be there in his class so he comes across as imposing. All he really wants from you though is to challenge your own thoughts.
Most interesting theology course I have ever taken. He does not treat the class as a blow off. He wants to see you succeed and does offer 2 e.c. opportunities a semester. It's a pretty demanding course, but you don't read boring text books. Highly recommend it. I'm planning on taking more of his classes.
He is a really great professor, at first I didn't like his class because he wants anyone that doesn't want to be in there to leave and its really intimidating. the first paper and quiz you're most likely to fail, but you'll see that you'll get the hang of it and pass the remaining ones.GREAT great great professori love his class, its trulyintrsting
Great prof, knowledgeable, caring, very intelligent. Classwork is light (either a 1 page paper or quiz weekly). Pretty heavy reading - maybe 25 pages a day. Definitely the best prof for THL100 - goes beyond a history of The Church, its a theology class instead of a religion class. TAKE HIM! He definitely changed my perspective, wonderful prof!
He is the most amazing professor ever! I cannot stress enough how glad I am that I stayed in his class, it has completely turned my view upon things around. He is truly truly truly a wonderful professor. Take him if you have the chance! it could really be the smartest move ever.
Very intimidating class at first, but after you make it through the first paper it only gets easier. He tells you exactly what will be on the midterm and the final; study hard and you can't get anything but an A. Very inspiring teacher; keep an open mind and you will learn a lot. Most interesting class I've ever taken. Very enjoyable.
Don't let Dr. Kelly scare you away. He has a deep commitment and concern not just for his students but for the whole world community. His message, like his intensity and passion, is something you just don't find in regular classes. It will change your life if you let yourself hear it.
BEST professor at Creighton. He loves what he does and it shows. You will freak out the first day of class because he tells you that it will be a hard class because it is. The work is well worth it and I learned so much during this class. I was one of those classes that you continued to think about even after it was over. LOVED IT, TAKE!
Best Class I have ever had, and best professor!!
Best teacher I have ever had. Makes theology interesting..yes theology! Really enjoyed going to his class..the class requires reading and a 2 papers usually but he gives you a reasonable time to get it done so it is not stressful. His powerpoints help with quizzes alot so read them! TAKE HIM!
really good professor
Great teacher. He made theology interesting and helped me think of things in a new light. No textbooks to read but a variety of short books. Just show up to class with the reading done. I definately recommend taking him.
Amazingly passionate about theology. Read and understand the texts and you will do fine. Gives a final review 2 weeks before the test. In class he may be a little intimidating but outside of class he is very understanding.
Really great teacher. He's really intimidating at first, but he's really not. Not the easiest class, but you'll learn a lot. Weekly one page paper or quiz. Midterm and final aren't as hard as you think they're going to be. Very reasonable expectations and everything gets easier after the first paper.
Seriously the best Professor I have ever had. I hated the idea of theology but he made it so interesting. It is very difficult but he is passionate and cares about his students. If you show up, do what is asked, and work hard, you will get a good grade.
Best profesor ever period
He is very nice and interesting. His class will blow your mind and isn't pointless memorization like other theology classes. I walked into class thinking I was going to hate it but ended up loving it. Find a good study group and participate in class (he grades). Tests require some insight so pay attention in class and he doesn't allow computers.
Dr. Kelly is really into what he's teaching. He makes it very clear and easy to understand, even if you disagree with what he's saying. You should read at least some of the texts he assigns so you have some background. If you pay attention and do the work on time, getting the 'A' isn't difficult.
Dr. Kelly is very passionate about theology. He can be intimidating in class and can push his opinion sometimes during his lectures but overall he is easy to understand. Make sure to read the books and his class is a breeze. He takes attendance and participation is graded. His lectures are in powerpoints and he gives a midterm/final study guide.
Dr. Kelly is an amazing amazing teacher. He actually makes a theology class fun to go to and teaches you a lot. The class is super easy and easy to sit through! TAKE HIM!
If you want a class you can slack off in, don't take this class. If you're like me and find theology interesting and want a professor who loves doing what he does, Dr. Kelly is your man. The class isn't easy, but its not hard either. Pay attenion, read the assigned reading and you'll get a good grade.
Dr. Kelly is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about what he teaches. If you are interested in theology, please take him! I had no interest and still had my mind blown at some points during class. HOWEVER, this was my hardest class as a freshman, because he is so passionate, I found it intimidating to ask questions or go to office hours.
He is very passionate about theology. However, he expects you to read and understand the texts before classes, which are difficult. Hates technology-don't bother bringing a laptop to take notes. The two papers are fairly straightforward, he just has a policy where three grammar/spelling mistakes and it's an automatic 0. Kind of intimidating.
Not extremely difficult, but there is a lot of reading required. A few simple quizzes, two papers, midterm, and final. Comes off intimidating and seems like he'd be a hard grader, but if you do the work you'll be fine. Gives all info for midterm and final a week in advance - study it and there's no surprises although there is a lot of information.
There are two 3-4 page paper and the prompts are you choice. There is only a midterm, the final, and 4-5 quizzes to check that you're reading. You need to participate in class because participation/attendance is part of your grade. I learned a lot and I think he is a good teacher, but not the easiest. If you put in the work, you'll do well.
He is really intimidating at first but that is because he expects a lot from his students. I really enjoyed this class and learned a lot. But if you are looking for an easy course don't take him!
This class absolutely sucks. If you have no background in religion like me then this class will be torture. Lectures last the whole class leaving little time for questions. Lots of reading is required for quizzes and papers. Very intimidating teacher, definitely not friendly. Don't take this class.
Teaches from novels and personal writings, not the boring textbooks that the other profs use. Reading is a must, and he's pretty hard, but it is worth it because the result is worth it. The material he teaches is life-changing and social justice oriented. Way better than the lame textbook THL100 classes. Midterm, final, 2 papers, several quizzes.
Dr. Kelly is quite strict and expects a lot however he is a good teacher and challenges your way of thinking and your beliefs. If you want an easy A class this isn't for you, but if you want the class to impact your life then this is a must. Kelly is sometimes condescending but overall it's a good class.
Loved him as a teacher! The class was challenging and he expects a lot out of you, but he really challenged my view and who I am as a person. He is always willing to help outside of class too! His lectures are interesting and engaging! Really enjoyed him and definitely recommend him!
Kelly was great. He is really intelligent and he knows it. You definitely have the read for class and show up. Also, participation is a must. Two papers, several quizzes. He's a little intimidating, but has a good sense of humor. Very encouraging of questions and going to office hours. Read the material, pay attention, and you're good.
Dr. Kelly is an amazing professor and knows his stuff. This was a new class this year so he was still working out kinks. Two tests, two papers, plus participation is a big part of your grade. The readings were super important too. If you don't have a lot of prior knowledge on the bible I recommend you don't take this class though.
I really enjoy Dr. Kelly as a professor. If your political views don't match up with his, however, you might not enjoy it near as much. He's a tough grader and you really have to work at an A, but it is very doable. Only two tests all semester, and two papers. Gives EC, though, and if you participate, you'll be fine.
He is an amazing professor. He cares about the students and if they do well. He is very insightful and very educated. Taken him twice now, he is a great person to learn from. I highly recommend him! Will take him again for sure!
Very insightful class. I highly recommend doing the reading but if you miss a day it isn't the end of the world. Use office hours because he tells you things about papers he doesn't say in class and your grade improves. If you follow instructions and participate, you'll get an A.
Provides quite a few extra credit opportunities, but only for participation. If you have any sort of academic struggles GO TALK TO HIM! He's relatively understanding, though he has a tendency to come off as condescending and intimidating. Be honest with him! Excellent focus on social justice and academic arguments, though he's pretty one-sided.
He's a really really good teacher and I learned a lot in his class but it was a really difficult class. You have to read. He gives 4 pop quizzes throughout the year and 2 papers, one after fall break and one after thanksgiving break. There are two exams, midterm and final. The exams are all written, describe vocab and write out essay questions.
I didn't mind a majority of Dr. Kelly's class, the poor rating comes down to a few things. He's very participation heavy and although I asked a question nearly every class I got a B+ on participation. Following the final, I nearly had an A but he refused to round it and he lowered my participation grade to a B so I got a lower A- in the class.
His policies are strict, however, he's a good professor to take. I enjoyed his class. There are many discussion posts in his class, so there's room to move your grade. Participate in every class; your grade will heavily depend on it. 4 pop quizzes throughout the semester and does not allow electronics. Bring hard copies of readings to class.
Great professor! Highly recommend.
Very smart, definitely knows his material. Not the most approachable guy, but make sure to get on his good side early on. Ask questions, participate, do the required work, and be ready to read.
I can't stand this man. He is so arrogant and annoying. He does not care about his students, at all. He said he was supposed to move to Spain before this year, but due to personal things he had no choice but to take his job back and you can tell. He hates his job and doesn't enjoy teaching. I got a good grade, so for me to rate him so lowly speaks
Pop quizzes, very strict, come to class with multiple questions, calls on students at random and will get mad if there are not questions. He had personal issues that caused him to seem very unapproachable but part of the HUGE participation grade was going outside of class to talk to him.
Wow, not an easy class to take at all. He's pretty strict and comes of as intimidating, so you just have to be prepared. Show up every time and do every reading (he expects questions). Prepare for quizzes and in-class reflections, they make up most of the grade.
Thomas Kelly is such a nice guy, and pretty funny as well. But, he was the toughest grading teacher I've ever had and was VERY strict, your attendance was absolutely mandatory and he gave out pop quizzes. The midterm itself stressed me out more than any other test I've ever taken. Be prepared to work hard in this class.
This is the most difficult professor i've had to work with. Has multiple pop quizzes throughout the course, where they seemed to be a measure of whether or not you drew the same conclusions that he did from the readings. His grading criteria is very unclear. You will not get a question right if it is not EXACTLY what he is looking for.
Dr. Kelly is not there to be your friend. This is a class if you truly want to learn. Not an easy A. While it was not easy I think it was worth it. Lots of reading but offers multiple extra credit assignments. While he's not super personable, it's worth it if you put in the effort and communicate with him. Participation is a MUST.
Challenging, but fair and sets you up for any future classes. Weekly discussion posts and heavy midterm & final.Slides explain what he's looking for and it's important to take notes of his explanations inclass. Participation is crucial.4 pop quiz a semester over assigned reading. Uses & applies real-world ex. and his own personal life to explain.
I genuinely could not get a read on this guy. Some days I very strongly disliked him, other days I enjoyed the material so he wasn't as bad. The amount of reading in this class is ridiculous and he will dole out random pop quizzes. The mid-term was completely written and we had to write between 52-70 sentences in the span of an 1hr 15min.
Dr. Kelly was an awful professor. He grades the discussion posts very harshly and his midterm and final are all short answer and essay questions. If you don't participate enough you will get points taken off and he will argue with students who have different opinions from him. He doesn't allow any technology and assigns lots of reading.
I loved this class -coming from a not-super-religious family and having known little about this. I thought the class was very interesting. Sometimes he can come off as strict and hard but I saw it as more straightforward and honest. As long as you take notes/listen/show up, you will be fine. He gives you the questions that will be on the test.
Extremely smart professor. He really knows the material, and I did enjoy listening to his lectures. Class participation does matter, and it makes up a decent portion of your grade. Make sure to do the reading because he sometimes does pop quizzes when he thinks people did not read. Tests are usually fine due to the study guide being helpful.
He's a very good teacher that makes the class and material interesting, but it's a lot more work than the other freshman theology courses. I personally enjoyed the class but there are other theology classes that are way easier. There's a decent amount of reading each night and the tests are hard and require a lot of memorization and studying.
Dr. Kelly is a very inspirational lecturer, and is very knowledgable and passion about what he teaches. But the class was very time consuming. There's assigned readings almost every class, and will give pop quizzes when he thinks that not everyone has read. The midterm and final are both a ton of writing in a short period of time in class.
Dr Kelly is pretty tough prof and likes everything in his point of view. He has numerous times almost or kinda yelled at people in class. IF you have no background in thl, don't take him. His pop quizzes are hard and you never know when you'll get them. He only likes people who have a the background.
Dr. Kelly can be a hard grader, but he is very insightful, knowledgeable, and pretty funny when he chooses to be. Decent amount of homework but I learned a lot. Gave out six pop quizzes, but they are not difficult if you do the reading diligently. If you actually put in effort for his class, you will be fine. Also very quick with email responses.
He's a fairly good professor who clearly cares about what he's teaching and isn't biased about it. He has a lot of background in his subject, which is kind of inspiring. Though he's a tough cookie and there are quizzes every day, he's not afraid to call anyone out, which can be humorous. Just do the assignments and you'll pass. Make sure to speak!!
He's nice but you have to talk in his class and he'll give you a bad grade if you don't.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
75%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.93 avg changeRatings by Course
THL534
5.0
(1)THL
5.0
(1)THL120
5.0
(1)CHRISTIANITY
5.0
(1)THL331341492
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
112
4.4
THL534
4.0
THEOLOGY101
4.0
CHRISTIANITY
4.0
THL492534
4.0