Christopher Silver

Christopher Silver is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of the South (Sewanee). He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Psychology, a B.A. in Religious Studies, and an Ed.D. in Learning and Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, an M.A. in Religion and Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

• B.S. Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• B.A. Religious Studies, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• M.S. Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• M.A. Religion and Culture, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Ed.D. Learning and Leadership, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
• Ph.D. Experimental Psychology, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Dr. Silver’s research examines religious and non-religious identity, developmental spirituality, spiritual resilience, and the Serpent Handling Sects in Appalachia. He also investigates implicit attitudes, prejudice, and high-status perceptions of stigma, aiming to inform public policy. His current work involves a 20-year international collaboration studying worldview and faith change, funded by the Templeton Foundation.

Dr. Silver has co-authored books and articles on religious deconversion and spirituality, presenting at national/international conferences. His work has been featured in media outlets like CNN and the Huffington Post. He actively collaborates with institutions such as Emory University and the International Psychology of Religion Conference.

• Research grants: Templeton Foundation grant (current)

He mentors undergraduates in research areas like psychology of religion, attitude formation, and prejudice. Prior roles include experience in information technology, academic affairs, and diversity initiatives at UT Chattanooga.