Matthias Ruf

Dr. Matthias Ruf is a Researcher at the Institute for Hermeneutics and Dialog of Cultures within the Protestant Theological Faculty at the University of Tübingen, under Prof. Dr. Gesche Linde. He holds a Dr. theol. from Goethe University Frankfurt (2021) and previously worked at the University of Rostock (2017–2022). His research focuses on theological and linguistic hermeneutics, divine action, Pannenberg theology, theories of faith, social ethics, and mystical theology. He co-leads the project 'Talking about Divine Action' funded by the Ian Ramsay Centre, Oxford, exploring theological, philosophical, and linguistic frameworks for discussing divine action through conferences. Recent publications include analyses of Lutheran social ethics, theological discourse, and interdisciplinary theological studies. His work bridges systematic theology with contemporary philosophical and intercultural dialogues.

Education:

• Studies in Protestant Theology and Philosophy at Frankfurt, Gießen, and Basel Universities.

Research Projects:

• Leading the subgrant project 'Talking about Divine Action' (2021–2024), examining semantics/pragmatics of religious language and Pannenberg's theology in divine action debates.
• Organized conferences on divine action semantics (June 2023) and Pannenberg's legacy (April 2024).

Key Themes in Publications: Focuses on divine action as a theological metaphor, interplay between faith and ethics, and critical engagement with Pannenberg's theological method. Recent works explore grace, miracle concepts, and interdisciplinary hermeneutical approaches.

Upcoming Works: Co-editing volumes on 'God and Language' (2025) and contributing to the T&T Clark Encyclopedia of Christian Theology.