Jean-Michel Roessli

Dr. Jean-Michel Roessli is a full Professor of Historical Theology in the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University's Faculty of Arts and Science in Montreal. His academic career spans decades of research focused on the intersection of pagan, Jewish, and Christian traditions, particularly through the lens of apocryphal literature and the reception history of biblical texts.

Dr. Roessli earned his Conjoint Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland and EPHE, Sorbonne, Paris in 2004-2005, following a Master's degree in Theology from the same Swiss institution in 1998. His doctoral dissertation focused on the Sibylline Oracles, examining their pagan origins and Christian appropriations.

His primary research interests include the History of Christianity from Late Antiquity to the Reformation, History of Christian Thought, Apocryphal Literature, the Reception and Interpretation of the Bible throughout the ages, and the Transfer of pagan myths and motifs to Judaism and Christianity, particularly focusing on Orpheus and the Sibyl. His scholarly work demonstrates a consistent engagement with how ancient religious traditions interacted and transformed through cultural exchange.

Dr. Roessli's extensive publication record reveals a scholarly trajectory deeply engaged with the Sibylline Oracles across multiple historical periods, from their pagan origins to their reception in early Christianity and their continued influence through the Middle Ages and into the early modern period. His work also explores the Orphic tradition within Christian contexts, examining how these pagan motifs were appropriated and transformed by Christian writers.

As an active member of the academic community, Dr. Roessli serves on multiple editorial boards including Apocrypha: International Journal for Apocryphal literatures, Laval théologique et philosophique, and the Proceedings of ISCAL. He previously directed Memini: Travaux et Documents from 2017-2022 and coordinates the paperback series 'Apocryphes' as a member of the AELAC (Association pour l'étude de la littérature apocryphe chrétienne).

His scholarly contributions extend to numerous book chapters, edited volumes, and translations, including significant work on Antonio Orbe's theological writings and the Sibylline Oracles within the prestigious Bibliothèque de la Pléiade series. His participation in international conferences demonstrates ongoing engagement with the global scholarly community studying early Christian literature and its historical contexts.