Edward Howells

Edward Howells is a Senior Lecturer in Theology at the University of Roehampton, affiliated with the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. He previously taught at Heythrop College (2001–2017) as Lecturer in Christian Spirituality and at the University of Birmingham as Lecturer in Systematic Theology.

• Education:
  • Undergraduate: University of Bristol (studied mystical theology)
  • Master’s: University of Oxford (medieval theology)
  • PhD: University of Chicago (dissertation on John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, completed 1999)

His research focuses on late medieval and early modern mystical theology, particularly the works of John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Augustine, and Pierre de Bérulle. Key themes include theological anthropology (humanity’s relation to God) and the concept of desire as a theological process. He is co-editing the Oxford Companion of Mystical Theology and authoring A Short History of Christian Spirituality (2019).

Recent scholarship highlights trends in mystical theology, including intersections between historical texts and contemporary theological discourse, studies of desire in spirituality, and comparative analyses across Abrahamic traditions. He has contributed chapters and peer-reviewed articles to international publications, emphasizing theological anthropology and mystical experience.

Howells supervises MPhil and PhD students in mystical theology and spirituality, having guided six PhD and one MPhil to completion. He is affiliated with the University of Roehampton Centre for the Philosophy of Religion, where he presented on desire in the mystical tradition.