Jonathan Reibsamen

Jonathan Reibsamen, Ph.D., is a philosophy professor at Columbia International University who equips students to think critically, engage life’s biggest questions, and pursue wisdom through the lens of Scripture. Born in Peru to missionary parents and raised in Virginia, Jonathan developed an early appreciation for God’s work across cultures. A 1998 CIU graduate, he returned to his alma mater as a faculty member in 2017 after earning his Master of Arts in Philosophy from Biola University and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from Saint Louis University.

Before returning to CIU, Jonathan taught philosophy at Scott Theological College (now Scott Christian University) in Kenya, where he invested in the next generation of Christian leaders. He later served as a grant project manager at Saint Louis University before answering God’s call to teach at CIU. His international experiences, academic training, and heart for discipleship shape his approach to educating students.

Jonathan’s research focuses on epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of religion, with particular interests in the nature of trust, the role of trust in knowledge and relationships, and the philosophical understanding of prayer and other religious practices.

At CIU, Jonathan teaches Introduction to Philosophy, History of Ideas I and II, Logic, Ethics, and Christian Apologetics. He strives to create a classroom where students are challenged to think carefully, ask meaningful questions, and develop a thoughtful, biblically grounded worldview that prepares them to engage culture with wisdom and conviction.

Jonathan and his wife, Julie, were married in 2008 and have three children: Evalia, Ethan, and Emmett. Outside the classroom, he enjoys family adventures, kayaking, reading good books, and meaningful conversations.

Jonathan’s desire for himself and his students is to become true lovers of wisdom by growing in their knowledge and love of God and in their love for others.