A Faithful Agnostic Speaks

Born in El Paso, Texas, Joseph S. Willis received his bachelor's degree in biology and English from Texas College of Mines (now University of Texas at El Paso) and his Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1943. After serving Presbyterian churches in New Jersey, Texas, and New Mexico, he entered the Divinity School of the University of Chicago in 1952, completing studies for a doctorate. He be¬came University Pastor at the University of New Mexico in 1955, serving for twelve years. He worked with colleagues to establish the Inter-Religious Council and taught theology courses at the University of Albuquerque. In 1967, he left the Presbyterian ministry and became a counselor and teacher in the Albuquerque Public Schools.Joe and his wife Nancy joined First Unitarian Church in Albuquerque in 1978, which led to a re-entry into the professional ministry. He served several staff positions in Albuquerque. After a move to Colorado in 1989, he became Associate Minister at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, where he served over eight years. Following his retirement in 1998, he published his book, Finding Faith in the Face of Doubt: A Guide for Contemporary Seekers (Quest Books, 2001). He also continued to teach classes, accept preaching invitations, and assist with pastoral care. Jefferson Unitarian named him Minister Emeritus in May 2001.