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André Gagné is a Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University, currently on research leave (July-December 2025). His work bridges theology, political science, and sociology with global recognition through 400+ media features in outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Le Monde. Education: Conjoint PhD from Université catholique de Louvain and Université de Montréal M.A. from Université de Montréal B.Th. from Université de Montréal His research centers on Christian Political Thought (examining theology-state dynamics), Global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements (analyzing their sociopolitical impact worldwide), and Reception History of the Bible (tracing interpretive trajectories across cultures). This interdisciplinary approach integrates historical analysis with contemporary case studies, particularly focusing on evangelical movements in the Americas and Europe. His eight books and recent journal articles reveal consistent thematic focus: the weaponization of spiritual warfare rhetoric in politics, apocalyptic narratives in populist movements, and religious violence in Western traditions. The 2024 publications on Trump-era evangelicalism demonstrate methodological innovation through media discourse analysis combined with theological critique. Scientific awards: Newsmaker of the Week (4 times) Newsmaker of the Month (4 times) President's Opinion Leader of the Year (2016) Expert Communicator of the Year (2024) Dr. Gagné supervises MA students in Theological Studies and PhD candidates in Individualized Programs and Humanities. His policy impact is evidenced by service on Public Safety Canada's National Expert Committee on Countering Radicalization to Violence (2023-2025), where he contributed theological perspectives on religious extremism. His media engagement strategy represents a deliberate effort to translate academic research for public discourse. He co-directs the Spirit, State, and Society podcast and maintains affiliations with Concordia's Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance, Université de Sherbrooke's Centre de recherche Société, Droit et Religions, and the multi-university Political Theology Research Group (McGill, Concordia, UdeM, ULaval).

• Christian Political Thought
• Global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements
• Reception of the Bible

Walid A. Saleh is a Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Toronto , holding appointments in both the Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations department and the Department for the Study of Religion . His scholarship focuses on the Qur’an , Quranic exegesis (Tafsir), Islamic apocalyptic literature , and Biblical reception in Islam . PhD from Yale University (2001) Recipient of Mellon New Directions Fellowship (2014) and Konrad Adenauer Fellow (2017) Editor of the Routledge Qur’an Series His research analyzes Quranic chronology , manuscript traditions , and Islamic intellectual history . Recent publications examine periodization in Sunni tafsir, late Ottoman book culture, and the reception of al-Bayḍāwī's Anwar al-tanzīl . Articles explore topics from Quranic death narratives to medieval Islamic cosmology . Key article themes: Quranic identity formation , Islamic manuscript studies , exegetical methodology He has edited critical texts like al-Biqa`i's Bible treatise and serves on editorial boards for the Journal of the American Academy of Religion and Journal of Qur'anic Studies . His teaching includes advanced courses in Arabic paleography and Quranic hermeneutics .

• Qur’ān
• History of Quranic Commentaries (Tafsir)
• Muslim-Jewish Interactions
• +8 more

Jeremy Schipper is a Professor at the University of Toronto with a cross-appointment in the Department for the Study of Religion. His research focuses on the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, particularly examining themes of disability and race within biblical texts. Education PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary MDiv, Princeton Theological Seminary BA, Azusa Pacific University Research Interests Dr. Schipper's work bridges biblical studies and contemporary social issues, including: Hebrew Bible exegesis Disability representation in ancient scripture Racial interpretations of biblical narratives Intersectional analysis of religious texts Scientific Awards Guggenheim Fellowship for biblical scholarship

• Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
• Disability in the Bible
• Race and the Bible

Dr. Mona Tokarek LaFosse serves as Assistant Professor of New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies (Teaching Stream) at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Divinity through a joint appointment at Emmanuel College and Victoria College. She teaches across undergraduate, basic-degree, and graduate programs at Victoria University, specializing in New Testament studies and early Christian history through interdisciplinary lenses. Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Toronto's Department for the Study of Religion (2011), MA in Religion and Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University (2001), Honors BA in Anthropology from the University of Waterloo (1998), and Biblical Studies certificate from Columbia Bible College (1994). She previously taught at Martin Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University, Huron University College, and the University of Toronto. Dr. LaFosse approaches New Testament scholarship through cultural anthropology, storytelling theory, and age studies. Her research examines early Christian communities through the lens of age structure, intergenerational dynamics, and oral storytelling practices. She explores how life course stages shaped social relationships in the ancient Mediterranean, particularly focusing on 1 Timothy's treatment of age hierarchies. Her innovative teaching methodology emphasizes 'embodied story'—integrating performance and physical engagement with texts influenced by Indigenous storytelling traditions. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on aging in early Christianity, with 2024 articles examining age demographics and comparative gerontology. She also maintains active scholarship in oral tradition studies, particularly regarding the Gospel of Mark and Shepherd of Hermas, while contributing to academic discourse through society leadership and book reviews. Dr. LaFosse holds significant leadership roles including current service on the Canadian Society for Patristic Studies Nominating Committee (2025–26) and co-chairing the Society of Biblical Literature's Social-Scientific Criticism of the New Testament section (2025–27). She actively participates in the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies, Society of Biblical Literature, and KW Biblical Colloquium. Her distinctive teaching portfolio includes innovative courses like 'Zombies, the Bible and the End of the World' and 'Gospel of Mark as Embodied Story,' reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary engagement with biblical texts through contemporary cultural frameworks and physical performance.

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christian History
• Cultural Anthropology
• +3 more

Peter Sabo is an Assistant Professor in Jewish Studies and the Faculty of Theology at Huron University College. His research integrates literary and cultural analysis of the Hebrew Bible with critical theory, including deconstructionist, postcolonial, and feminist frameworks. He has published extensively on biblical reception history, methodological theory in religious studies, and interdisciplinary explorations of human-animal relationships in ancient Israel. Primary research: Literary approaches to Hebrew Bible Secondary research: Biblical reception in contemporary literature Third research: Methodological theory in religious studies His recent work focuses on blood rituals, gender dynamics, and legal definitions of religion. Notably, he co-edited a volume on Margaret Atwood and biblical themes that won the 2020 Margaret Atwood Society Prize for Best Edited Volume. "Theorizing ‘Religion’ in Canadian Law" (2023) - Legal studies in religious freedom "Exploring the Human and Animal Relationship" (2022) - Interdisciplinary analysis of blood prohibitions "Testifying Bodies: The Bible and Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments" (2022) - Feminist reception criticism At Huron, Sabo teaches courses spanning Jewish thought, biblical languages, religious studies, and social justice, including Modern Jewish Thought (JS 1250), Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (HEBR 1040/1041), and Scriptural Foundations of Social Justice (BS 5192).

• Hebrew Bible
• Critical Theory
• Biblical Reception History
• +3 more

Sarianna Metso is a Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at the University of Toronto, affiliated with the Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations and cross-appointed to the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She is an Associate Member of the University of Toronto Centre for Jewish Studies. PhD, University of Helsinki Her research focuses on the Hebrew Bible and Dead Sea Scrolls, with particular emphasis on ancient Jewish legislation, textual criticism, and historical reconstruction. She is currently preparing a critical edition of Leviticus for the Hebrew Bible: A Critical Edition project and collaborating on the revision of the New Revised Standard Edition (NRSV) of the Bible. Recent publications highlight her expertise in Qumran textual traditions, manuscript analysis, and the intersection of legal material in Samaritan and Dead Sea Scroll literature. She contributes to debates on methodological challenges in interpreting redactional evidence and reconstructing community structures. Active participation in major biblical edition projects (HBCE, NRSV revision) Leadership in analyzing ancient Jewish legal and sectarian texts Contributions to understanding Second Temple period literature

• Hebrew Bible
• Dead Sea Scrolls
• Ancient Jewish Legislation
• +5 more

Dr. Jonathan Loopstra is a Professor of History at Redeemer University , specializing in Church History, Biblical Languages, and Middle Eastern History. He has previously held positions at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Capital University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Reformed Theological Seminary, and The American University of Iraq-Sulaimania. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Early Christian Studies from The Catholic University of America, an MSt in Syriac Studies from Oxford University, and an MA in Christian Thought from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His research focuses on the Bible’s reception across centuries, particularly in multicultural and multilingual contexts of the late Antique and Medieval Middle East. He explores Syriac Christian literature, the history of preaching, cross-cultural relations, and pedagogical practices in antiquity. Research fellowship, Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton Research fellowship, Hill Monastic Manuscript Library Dr. Loopstra’s publications analyze Syriac manuscripts, biblical translation traditions, and theological handbooks. His work bridges biblical lexicography, patristics, and manuscript preservation, with a forthcoming commentary on Gregory of Nazianzus and studies on Syriac teaching manuals. He teaches courses spanning Classical History, Church History, Islamic Encounters, Medieval Europe, and Christian Political Thought, emphasizing historical theory and cross-cultural understanding from ancient Sumer to the Gulf War.

• Church History
• Biblical Languages
• Islam
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Dr. Craig D. Allert is a Professor in the Department of Theology Biblical Studies & Christian Thought at Trinity Western University, part of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. He holds a PhD in Historical Theology from the University of Nottingham and specializes in early Christian theology, patristic exegesis, and the formation of the New Testament canon. His research bridges historical theology with contemporary Christian practice, emphasizing the relevance of patristic thought for modern faith. Dr. Allert's academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Education from Multnomah Bible College, a Master of Theological Studies from Trinity Western Seminary, and his PhD from the University of Nottingham. He teaches courses such as 'History of Christianity,' 'Development of Christian Doctrine,' and 'The Church Fathers: Their Significance and Relevance.' His research focuses on early Christian interpretations of Genesis, the theological interpretation of Scripture, and the historical development of Christian doctrine. He has published extensively, including the influential books *Early Christian Readings of Genesis One* (2018) and *A High View of Scripture?* (2007), which won the Word Guild Writing Award. His work often engages with modern debates on biblical interpretation, science, and faith, as seen in his Templeton Foundation-funded project on reorienting modern biblical interpretation through patristic thought. Dr. Allert's scholarly contributions include articles analyzing patristic exegesis, NT canon formation, and evangelical theology. He actively participates in academic discussions through podcasts like *The Naked Bible* and *The Bible for Normal People*, discussing topics such as early church views on Genesis and the origins of the New Testament. His work bridges scholarly rigor with accessible engagement, aiming to make patristic insights relevant for contemporary theological discourse. He has received grants and awards recognizing his scholarship, including a $50,000 grant from the John Templeton Foundation (2013-2015) for his project *Re-Orienting Modern Biblical Interpretation*. His teaching extends to graduate supervision in the School of Graduate Studies, focusing on research design and pre-Nicene Christianity.

• Early Christian Theology
• Patristic Exegesis
• New Testament Canon Formation
• +3 more

Wyatt Graham is a part-time Adjunct Professor in Philosophy at Redeemer University. He also serves as Executive Director of The Davenant Institute and contributes to The Gospel Coalition Canada . Graham holds a PhD in Biblical Theology (2018) from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and additional degrees in Church History, Old Testament, and Reformed theology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Master’s Seminary. Education: PhD (2018), Biblical Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary ThM (2018), Church History, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary ThM (2013), Old Testament, The Master’s Seminary MDiv (2011), Old Testament & New Testament, The Master’s Seminary BA (2009), Religion and Philosophy; Greek (Minor), Liberty University Graham’s research focuses on Trinitarian theology , Reformed Irenicism , and the Reformational reception of Medieval Theology . His work examines how trinitarian theology informs moral formation and applies historical Christian peace-making principles to modern ecclesial divisions. He teaches courses like Faith and Philosophy (PHL-210) and has published extensively on theological and ethical topics. Recent publications highlight Graham’s expertise in Biblical Theology and Church History , with analyses of patristic interpretations, psalmic hermeneutics, and doctrinal development. His scholarship bridges historical and systematic theology, emphasizing the relevance of classical Christian thought for contemporary ethical challenges. Graham’s institutional affiliations include The Davenant Institute and The Gospel Coalition Canada , where he contributes to theological education and ecclesial discourse. His teaching experience spans both academic and church settings.

• Trinitarian theology
• Reformed Irenicism
• Reformational reception of Medieval Theology
• +5 more

Kent Clarke serves as the Brooke Foss Westcott Professor of New Testament Textual Criticism, Greek Studies, and Hermeneutics within the Department of Religious Studies at Trinity Western University's Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. A full-time faculty member since 2002, he concurrently directs Canada's largest New Testament manuscript collection—the Reuben J. Swanson Biblical Manuscript Image Collection—and leads the BibleWorks Manuscript Transcription Project, which has pioneered digital transcription methodologies for ancient biblical texts. His academic credentials include: PhD in Theology and Religious Studies from Trinity College, University of Bristol (2002) Master’s Degree in Theological Studies (First Class Honours) from Trinity Western University (1994) Bachelor’s Degree in Theology (summa cum laude) from Okanagan Bible College (1992) Clarke's research investigates Jewish and Hellenistic backgrounds to early Christianity, New Testament textual criticism and canon formation, Koine Greek linguistics, and Enlightenment-era impacts on biblical criticism. His work uniquely bridges manuscript studies with hermeneutical theory, examining how historical contexts shape textual interpretation and theological development across centuries. His 25+ year publication trajectory reveals three dominant scholarly currents: critical assessments of major manuscript editions (notably Codex Vaticanus), analyses of Enlightenment rationalism's influence on biblical scholarship, and investigations into the interplay between paleography and philanthropy in manuscript acquisition history. Recent work increasingly examines hermeneutical frameworks for integrating faith and intellectual inquiry in contemporary contexts. His scientific honors include: Trinity Western University Rooted & Reaching Award (2017-2018) Davis Distinguished Teaching Award (2013-2014) Brooke Foss Westcott Funded Research Professorship (2007-Present) "Science, Faith, and Human Flourishing" Grant from Fuller Seminary (2018-2019) Through graduate supervision and the BibleWorks Project, Clarke mentors emerging scholars in manuscript transcription and digital humanities, while his administrative leadership as former Department Chair and Biblical Studies Program Coordinator has shaped curriculum development. His teaching portfolio spans foundational Greek language instruction to advanced seminars on New Testament theology, complemented by immersive travel courses across biblical lands. He directs two major research collections: the Reuben J. Swanson Biblical Manuscript Image Collection (housing microfilm, facsimiles, and digital images) and the Trinity Western University-Wikene Papyri Collection containing 175 newly discovered ancient Egyptian fragments, both serving as critical resources for global textual criticism research.

• Jewish and Hellenistic backgrounds to early Christianity
• New Testament textual criticism
• Canon formation
• +4 more

Dr. Ruth Wehlau is an Associate Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at Queen’s University, part of the Faculty of Arts and Science. She specializes in medieval literature with a focus on oral culture, performance studies, and the reception of medieval texts in modern contexts. Her research examines intersections between masculinity, female desire, and medieval narratives, as seen in her current project on Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur. Dr. Wehlau holds a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto (1993). Her teaching spans Arthurian legend, Old English literature, and the History of the English Language, with a particular emphasis on integrating performance and oral traditions into pedagogy. She has also taught Irish Gaelic and explored its cultural significance in early medieval contexts. Her research interests include medieval drama, Old English poetry, and the concept of medievalism across genres—from 18th-century drama to modern fantasy. Her edited volume *Darkness, Depression and Descent in Anglo-Saxon England* (2019) highlights her expertise in trauma studies and emotional expression in early literature. Recent work focuses on modern adaptations of Arthurian legends and cultural identity in postcolonial contexts. Dr. Wehlau’s publications span academic journals like *European Romantic Review*, *The Year’s Work in Medievalism*, and *Parergon*, alongside edited collections. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges literary criticism with performance studies, oral traditions, and comparative cultural narratives.

• Medieval Literature
• Old English Poetry
• Medieval Drama
• +7 more

Jeremy M. Bergen is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo, where he has taught since 2008. He previously served as Director of Theological Studies (2014-2021), Editor of The Conrad Grebel Review , and President of the Canadian Theological Society (2016-2017). Bergen earned his BTh from Canadian Mennonite Bible College (1996), BA from University of Winnipeg (1997), MA (2002), and PhD (2008) from University of St. Michael's College. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to theological education within both Mennonite and broader ecumenical contexts. His research focuses on contemporary Christian theology, particularly church apologies for historical wrongs, martyrdom, ecclesiology, ecumenism, and contemporary Mennonite theology. Bergen's work critically examines how churches confront their sinful pasts and how Christian martyrdom relates to church unity. His influential book Ecclesial Repentance: The Churches Confront Their Sinful Pasts (2011) analyzed over 100 instances of church apologies and proposed a theological framework for understanding this practice. Bergen's recent scholarship addresses pressing issues including Indigenous land dispossession, papal apologies for residential schools, and the theological dimensions of historical reconciliation. His publications demonstrate a consistent concern with how theological reflection can inform practical reconciliation processes and church unity. Scientific Awards: A.C. Forrest Memorial Award (2022) for excellence in socially conscious feature article writing from the Canadian Christian Communicators Association Bergen serves as an active contributor to theological discourse through media engagement, conference presentations, and editorial work. His leadership in the Canadian Theological Society and his role as editor of The Conrad Grebel Review demonstrate his commitment to advancing theological scholarship and fostering dialogue across denominational boundaries.

• Contemporary Christian theology
• Church apologies for historical wrongs
• Martyrdom
• +6 more

Carl S. Ehrlich is a University Professor of History and Humanities at York University, specializing in Hebrew Bible studies, ancient Near Eastern history, and Jewish cultural reception. His work integrates textual analysis, archaeology, and reception history. Former Director of the Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Studies, he has taught at institutions worldwide and published on Philistine history, biblical narratives, and cross-cultural interpretation.

• Hebrew Bible Studies
• Ancient Near Eastern History
• Jewish Studies
• +2 more

Judith H. Newman is Professor of Religion and Old Testament/Hebrew Bible at Emmanuel College with joint appointments in the Department for the Study of Religion and the Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of Toronto. She is also a faculty member of the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies. Joining the faculty in 2005 after teaching at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, she has established herself as a leading scholar in early Judaism and biblical interpretation. Her research focuses on the Hebrew Bible and its interpretation, Jewish literature and cultures of the Second Temple period, the development of scripture, and the relationship between Judaism and Christianity. She is particularly interested in marginal texts that have been ignored or misunderstood, emphasizing textual tradition, cultural memory, and embodiment. Her work bridges traditional philological analysis with insights from cognitive neuroscience and social sciences. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the ritualization of text, scripture formation, and the political implications of biblical interpretation. Her scholarship demonstrates a trajectory from textual analysis toward broader examinations of how scripture shapes cultural identity and political discourse, particularly regarding colonial land claims and American empire. She has received significant research support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Luce Foundation/Association for Theological Schools, Harvard University, and the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study. As an educator, Professor Newman teaches a diverse range of courses including Introduction to the Torah, Wisdom Literature, Prophecy, and specialized seminars on Second Temple Judaism. She serves on editorial boards for the Journal for the Study of Judaism, Toronto Journal of Theology, and the JSJ Supplement series, and is editing the Deuterocanonical volumes for the Illuminations commentary series.

• Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
• Post-exilic Jewish literature
• Dead Sea Scrolls
• +7 more

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.

• History of Christianity
• History of Christian Thought
• Apocryphal Literature
• +7 more