Justin Arickal

Dr. Justin Arickal is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Systematic Theology and Ethics, part of the Catholic Theological Faculty at the University of Vienna. He holds a PhD in Theology from the University of Bonn and has received prestigious awards, including the 2024 Doctoral Prize of the University Society of Bonn and the 2023 Pax Bank Prize for Theological Research Contributions. His work bridges biblical, systematic, and existential theological perspectives.

Education:

• Business Degree (Cologne)
• MBA (Bradford)
• Executive Education (Oxford)
• Master of Theology (University of Bonn)
• PhD in Theology (University of Bonn, funded by Adenauer Foundation and Yale University)

Research Interests: Dr. Arickal specializes in resolving theological ambiguities, particularly violent or contradictory images of God in the Old Testament. His interdisciplinary approach integrates the hermeneutics of Erich Zenger, Karl Rahner, and Edith Stein to construct new interpretive frameworks. His 2023 monograph addresses how such images align with Christological revelation.

Awards:

• 2024 Doctoral Prize of the University Society of Bonn (€10,000)
• 2023 Pax Bank Prize for Theological Research Contributions

Professional Background: Transitioned from an international career at Bayer AG to theology in 2013. Holds postdoctoral affiliations at the University of Vienna and has lectured globally. Engages in volunteer work alongside academic duties.