James Wellman

James Wellman is Professor and Chair of the Comparative Religion Program in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. He has been teaching at the University of Washington since 2002 and is currently leading the Initiative for Global Christian Studies. Wellman also serves as a Term Professor for this initiative, which aims to build a unique study of Global Christianity at the heart of the Jackson School. His work bridges religious studies with international affairs, focusing on how religious dynamics impact global engagement.

Wellman's educational background includes:

• PhD in Religion and the Human Sciences from University of Chicago (1995)
• MDiv in Practical Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary (1984)
• BA with Distinction in English from University of Washington (1981)

Wellman's research interests span American religious culture, history and politics, with special focus on religious and global issues related to violence and human security. He has made significant contributions to understanding megachurches, religious violence, and the intersection of religion with international affairs. His work on Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy in International Studies has created new frameworks for understanding how religious dynamics impact diplomatic, military, and business contexts globally. Wellman's research often examines how religious identities shape political engagement and conflict resolution.

Wellman's publications reveal consistent themes in religious studies, with particular emphasis on American religious culture, religious violence, and global Christianity. His work on megachurches explores how these institutions create meaning for individuals through communal experiences. The recurring thread in his scholarship is examining how religious beliefs translate into social and political action across different cultural contexts. His most recent work focuses on global perspectives of Jesus and the impact of Christianity in the Global South.

Wellman has received significant recognition for his scholarly contributions:

• Honorable Mention for the Distinguished Book Award by the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (2009) for 'Evangelical vs. Liberal: The Clash of Christian Cultures in the Pacific Northwest'
• Award for 'The Gold Coast Church and the Ghetto: Christ and Culture in Mainline Protestantism'

Wellman is actively mentoring students and developing new academic programs. He is currently accepting new MA students for the 2026-2027 academic year and leads the Initiative for Global Christian Studies, which has brought several distinguished scholars to the University of Washington. His popular course 'A Life Worth Living' has been verified by sociologists to be overwhelmingly successful in helping students advance in all dimensions of their lives. Wellman is also developing the Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy program funded by the Carnegie Bridging the Gap initiative.

Wellman leads the Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy Initiative, which bridges interdisciplinary scholars and global practitioners. This initiative serves as a research and professional development resource for leaders from the Pacific Northwest, the Pacific Rim, and globally. He is also developing the Initiative for Global Christian Studies, which has recruited Prof. James Felak for Global Catholic Studies, Prof. Hajin Jun for Asian Christianity, and Prof. Chris Tounsel for African Christianity. These initiatives position the University of Washington as a leader in global religious studies.