About Us

The  Constant  Teachers

Joel Heim

JOel J. Heim

Owner

Nelia  Beth  Scovill

Owner

Nelia Beth Scovill

During our time as professors in higher education, our students routinely identified us as one of their most significant and engaging educators. When our collegiate jobs ended earlier than expected, we found ourselves trying to hang on to our identity as teachers. Whatever we did, we tried to incorporate our real calling as educators: to aid others to become better versions of themselves.

In 2018, we began to develop College Religion and Philosophy as part of a larger endeavor called Explore Big Ideas LLC, an internet personal development and education company. Now, that our students are no longer restricted to those enrolled at an accredited college or university, our opportunities appear endless. Via our online offerings, we can reach anyone willing to join us on the journey of exploring ideas that matter.

Enrich Your Life Through Learning

College Religion and Philosophy provides you with special learning experiences that improve your life and assist you in developing a better version of yourself.

Our projects and websites feature:

  • adult-focused, personal development learning;
  • interactive web-based education;
  • and also engaging multi-media formats.

By taking part in our offerings you will:

  • learn to think better;
  • learn to act consistently with your values;
  • learn to relate agreeably and respectfully with those that hold different views;
  • make progress in knowing your purpose, recognizing your true self, and living more authentically;
  • be better prepared to take part in our multi-cultural world; 
  • as well as gain experience in discussing with others ideas that matter.

Master Educators

Long noted for our engaging and innovative teaching styles, we bring more than 40 years of college teaching experience at universities in California and Wisconsin. We have also led urban and suburban congregations and led education programs for children, youth, and adults in religious organizations.  Joel spent 5 years teaching in Nebraska public schools before heading to seminary.  Since leaving higher education, Nelia Beth now works in healthcare information technology.

We both earned our Ph.Ds. in social ethics from the University of Southern California and master’s degrees in religion from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York (affiliated with with Columbia University). Joel has a bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Nebraska.  Nelia Beth has her bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Oregon State University.

USC Graduation

Get To Know Us at College Religion and Philosophy

Academic Study

Try it out!

The World's Religious Traditions

Try a sample Content Session below. Content Sessions are what we call the "lecture" part of a college course, but ours are multimedia and include photos, graphics, music, video and interactive elements. The Content Session below is in video format rather than the format used in our courses.  In our courses, learners control the speed, move backwards and forward and interact with elements.

Journey Through Religion

Explore our first course

Journey Through Religion

Watch the video below to learn more about our first course, Journey Through Religion. This course introduces you to the academic study of religion as well as introducing you to several of the world's religious traditions including Native American religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The course will prepare you to interact with the diverse peoples of our global world.

Scovill and Heim

Learn about each of us

Scovill and Heim

Learn more about us by following the links to our brief overview page that includes a short introduction to us, our professional and technical skills, our most recent academic positions, and details about our education.  For a comprehensive history of our professional employment, publications, and public presentations, follow the link on these pages to our Curriculum Vitae (CV) or academic resume.

Follow College Religion and Philosophy on Facebook

Keep up with the latest news and announcements from

College Religion and Philosophy

by liking and following our Facebook Page.

>