About
Ain Riistan is a Lecturer in New Testament Studies at the University of Tartu's School of Theology and Religious Studies. He has held academic roles including Associate Professor (Dotsent) at the Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary and Programme Director for Religious Studies programs. His research focuses on New Testament social-historical contexts, early Christian texts' hermeneutics, and the intersection of theology with historical and cultural analysis.
Education includes a Doctor of Theology (2011) from Tartu University, researching the historical Jesus within religious science contexts, and a Master's in Theology (1998) analyzing Ignatius of Antioch's Christology. Awards include the 1999 Estonian Ministry of Education diploma for his master's thesis.
His work spans biblical scholarship, religious conflict analysis (e.g., Moscow Patriarchate's role in Ukraine), and post-Christian cultural dynamics. He contributes to academic societies like the Society of Biblical Literature and European Association for the Study of Religions. Current projects include the ARS MORIENDI ESTONIA 2030 initiative exploring death literacy through medical anthropology and linguistics.
