His many books have been translated into multiple languages, and he has a significant presence onYouTube, including his video series, "The Original Church." Papandrea is also one of the world's foremost scholars ofNovatian of Rome.
Papandrea earned anM.Div. degree fromFuller Theological Seminary (1989), and aPh.D. from Northwestern University (1998), in the history of theearly Church and theRoman Empire, with a secondary concentration inNew Testament interpretation. He also received a certificate in the history and topography of the city ofRome from theAmerican Academy in Rome (1995). In 2008, he started teaching early Church History at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary,[1] and is recognized for his ecumenical work on behalf of the whole body of Christ.
In addition to his academic roles, Papandrea is also a Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, as well as a member of theSociety of Biblical Literature (SBL), the North American Patristics Society (NAPS), the Academy of Catholic Theologians (ACT), and was recently[when?] named a "Springtime Ambassador" by the Springtime of Faith Foundation, which is an organization facilitating ecumenical dialogue and Christian cooperation.
In 1984, after several years with the Milwaukee-based band, the Crabs, and the Minneapolis-based band, Safari, Papandrea formed a group called, the Neumes, which migrated from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. The Neumes released two recordings:Ars Nova andContrast. In 1995, Papandrea formed the group, Remember Rome, which went on to release four CDs:Remember Rome,La Bocca della Veritá,Carpe Diem, andHoly Smoke – The Best of Remember Rome. He has been commissioned to write music for choirs, and has written two musicals,The Prodigal’s Dream (An Easter Opera), andTreasures of the Heart (A Christmas Musical). The song, "Miracle of Light", fromTreasures of the Heart was featured in a Catholic Christmas compilation CD, and other songs of his have also been included in internationally released compilations.
Papandrea is a teacher of songwriting, having been trained in the methods of the Nashville Songwriters’ Association (NSAI), and a member of the Catholic Association of Music. Most recently, Papandrea released a solo CD entitledStill Quiet Voice, which is a collection of songs inspired by his Catholic faith. His music ministry often combines his original songs with inspirational speaking, and he also offers concerts that include prayer, Scripture readings and storytelling.[2]
Papandrea, James L. (2017).From Star Wars to Superman: Christ and Salvation in Science Fiction and Superhero Films. Sophia Institute Press.ISBN978-1-62282-388-8.
Aquilina, Mike; Papandrea, James L. (2018).How Christianity Saved Civilization... And Must Do So Again. Sophia Institute Press.ISBN978-1-62282-719-0.
Papandrea, James L. (2019).A Week in the Life of Rome. IVP Academic.ISBN978-0-8308-2482-3.
Papandrea, James L. (2019).What Really Happens After We Die: There WILL Be Hugs in Heaven. Sophia Institute Press.ISBN978-1-62282-638-4.
Papandrea, James L. (2019).The Early Church (33-313): St. Peter, the Apostles, the Martyrs (Vol. 1 of the Reclaiming Catholic History Series). Ave Maria Press.ISBN978-1-59471-771-0.
Papandrea, James L. (2021).Praying A Christ-Centered Rosary: Meditations on the Mysteries. Ave Maria Press.ISBN978-1-59471-957-8.
Papandrea, James L. (2021).The Squire's Journey. En Route Books and Media.ISBN978-1-956715-05-7
Papandrea, James L. (2023).Praying the Psalms: The Divine Gateway to Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer. Sophia Institute Press.ISBN979-8-88911-070-5