Scriptural Doctrines Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Jennifer Newsome MartinView profile

Associate Professor

University of Notre DameUnited States

Jennifer Newsome Martin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theology and Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame, serving as Director of the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. She holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Notre Dame, with research focused on Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theology, theological aesthetics, and the intersection of faith with literature and art. Her work bridges historical theology, continental philosophy, and contemporary cultural critique. Her notable achievements include the 2017 Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise and the 2019 Frank O’Malley Teaching Award. She has authored acclaimed works like Hans Urs von Balthasar and the Critical Appropriation of Russian Religious Thought and co-edited volumes such as An Apocalypse of Love . Her research interests span 19th-20th century Catholic theology, French feminism, and the theological significance of art and literature. She serves on editorial boards for Communio , Theological Studies , and the University of Notre Dame Press , and actively contributes to ecumenical dialogue and Catholic intellectual life. Dr. Martin teaches courses on theology, ethics, and the liberal arts, advising numerous graduate and undergraduate students. Her recent articles explore topics like Bergson’s influence on ressourcement theology, the interplay of art and sacramentality, and Paul Claudel’s theological poetics.

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Zhiru NgView profile

Professor

Pomona CollegeUnited States

Zhiru Ng is a Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Pomona College, where she has been a faculty member since 2000. Her research and teaching focus on Chinese Buddhist history, art, and religious practices, particularly the cult of Dizang (Jizo) Bodhisattva and the interplay between texts and images in Buddhist traditions. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, an M.A. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a B.A. from the National University of Singapore. Ph.D., University of Arizona M.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor B.A., National University of Singapore Dr. Ng's research interests span Chinese Buddhist history, Buddhist art, Dizang Bodhisattva, cross-cultural Buddhist interactions, and modern Taiwanese Buddhism. She explores how Buddhist doctrines are materialized in art and ritual, and how religious diversity is navigated in Chinese intellectual history. Her work bridges textual analysis with visual and material culture, offering deep insights into the lived dimensions of East Asian Buddhism. The trend in her scholarly publications reflects a sustained engagement with medieval Chinese Buddhist cults, scriptural authority, healing practices, and the visual representation of doctrine. Her articles and book chapters examine the evolution of savior bodhisattvas, the integration of Indian Buddhist traditions in China, and the dynamics of religious diversity. She frequently contributes to major academic presses and journals in Buddhist and Asian studies. Her scientific awards and honors include: Outstanding Global Bhikṣunī Award, Taiwan (2016) Outstanding Women in Buddhism Award, Bangkok (2010) Visiting Research Fellow, University of Heidelberg (2012) Senior Fellow, Harvard University Center for the Study of World Religions (2003–04) Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation Scholar Grant (2008–09) Graves Award for Excellence in Teaching (2004–05) Dr. Ng has advised various academic projects and secured research grants from foundations such as the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation and Harvard’s Center for the Study of World Religions. While no formal lab or research team is mentioned, her collaborative work with institutions like the Kuroda Institute and participation in international research projects indicate active scholarly networks. She teaches courses on East Asian religions, the Lotus Sutra, death and afterlife, and the life of the Buddha through art and text.

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Mante Lenkaityte OstermannView profile

Researcher

University of FribourgSwitzerland

Mante Lenkaityte Ostermann is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Patristics and Church History at the Faculty of Theology, University of Fribourg. She has been affiliated with the University of Fribourg since 2007, initially as a graduate assistant, then as a doctoral assistant and lecturer, and currently as a researcher working on significant Swiss National Science Foundation (FNS) projects. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann earned her doctoral degree in Classical Philology from Vilnius University in 2007. Her academic journey has been deeply rooted in patristic studies and early Christian history, with a particular focus on Late Antiquity. Her research expertise spans several interconnected areas within early Christian studies. She specializes in ancient monastic literature, with particular attention to figures like Eucher of Lyon and John Cassian, as well as monastic rules. Her work also examines canonical sources and patristic exegesis, exploring how early Christian writers interpreted scripture. A significant portion of her recent research investigates the complex dynamics of religious identities and cohabitation in Late Antiquity, examining how different religious communities interacted, competed, and sometimes shared spaces during this transformative period. Her scholarly approach combines textual analysis with historical contextualization to reveal the nuanced ways religious identities were constructed and maintained. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent scholarly trajectory focused on the intersection of religious identity, textual interpretation, and communal practices in early Christianity. Her work reveals particular expertise in analyzing how early Christian writers constructed religious boundaries while simultaneously engaging with surrounding cultural and religious contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding the development of monastic spirituality and its relationship to broader ecclesiastical structures, particularly through her examination of key texts like the Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum. Dr. Lenkaityte Ostermann has been actively involved in major research projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. She was a member of the FNS-Eccellenza project on religious competition in Late Antiquity (2019-2022), directed by Assistant Professor Francesco Massa. Currently, she is contributing to another FNS project directed by Professor Franz Mali, which focuses on preparing the critical edition, French translation, and commentary of the anonymous work Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum .

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W.J. Torrance KirbyView profile

Professor

McGill UniversityCanada

W.J. Torrance Kirby is a Professor of Ecclesiastical History at McGill University and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society . He has served as Director of the Centre for Research on Religion (CREOR) since 2008 and held visiting fellowships at institutions including St John’s College (Oxford), New College (Edinburgh), and the American Academy in Rome. His academic journey includes a DPhil in Modern History from Oxford University (1988) and earlier degrees in Classics from Dalhousie University. Education: BA & MA in Classics (Dalhousie), DPhil in Modern History (Oxford) Current Role: Professor, Faculty of Religious Studies, McGill University Visiting Appointments: Clare Hall (Cambridge), Princeton Centre of Theological Inquiry Dr. Kirby’s research centers on Reformation political theology , Christian Platonism , and the emergence of the early modern public sphere through rhetorical practices like Paul’s Cross sermons. He leads collaborative projects funded by SSHRC , including a 2020 Insight Grant for 'The Reception of German Mysticism in Early Modern England' and a 2009 Standard Research Grant for 'Paul's Cross and the culture of persuasion'. His work bridges patristic theology , Renaissance humanism , and transnational Reformation studies , particularly focusing on Italian and Swiss reformers like Peter Martyr Vermigli. His 15 most recent publications include the 2017 Oxford edition of Paul's Cross Sermons , analyses of Richard Hooker’s Neoplatonic jurisprudence , and studies on Reformation-era political theology across England, Switzerland, and Italy. Special attention is given to public preaching as a catalyst for religious identity transformation and civil-military dynamics in Tudor England. Scientific Distinctions include a 2011 Royal Historical Society Fellowship , a 2013 Smith College Kennedy Professorship , and ongoing McCord Fellowship at Princeton Centre of Theological Inquiry since 2019. He has supervised over 28 doctoral and master’s theses on topics ranging from medieval mysticism to early modern religious conversion . As Director of CREOR , he has organized lecture series on themes like Conversion and Modernity (2012) and Neuro-theology (2011). Current projects involve collaborations with the Forms of Conversion initiative and the Metaphysics of Conversion research group.

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Matthew WilliamsView profile

Professor

Biola UniversityUnited States

Matthew Williams is a Professor of New Testament at Biola University, affiliated with the Talbot School of Theology's Division of Biblical and Theological Studies. He also serves as Director of Accelerated Masters Programs and Chair of New Testament. Ph.D., Trinity International University M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School B.S., University of Illinois, Champaign Williams specializes in New Testament studies, with a focus on Johannine theology and the Synoptic problem. His research spans biblical interpretation, Spanish theological literature, and the intersection of ancient texts with modern application. His publications demonstrate expertise in Gospel relationships, Lukan historiography, and Spanish biblical translation projects. Key work includes debating synoptic hypotheses and editing the Comentarios Bíblicos con Aplicación: Serie NVI series. Professor of the Year, Biola University Williams participates in the Student Health and Wellness Steering Committee and maintains active involvement in evangelical scholarship through the Evangelical Theological Society.

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Stephen A. CooperView profile

Professor

Franklin and Marshall CollegeUnited States

Stephen A. Cooper serves as Professor of Religious Studies, specializing in the historical and philosophical dimensions of early Christian thought. His academic profile centers on rigorous analysis of patristic biblical interpretation, particularly the reception of Greco-Roman rhetorical and philosophical frameworks within foundational Christian texts. Dr. Cooper's educational background includes: Ph.D. from Columbia University (1992) His research program demonstrates exceptional depth in Patristics and Biblical Exegesis , with signature contributions to understanding Marius Victorinus and Ambrosiaster. Key thematic strands include: Greco-Roman-Christian Synthesis : Examination of Neoplatonic philosophy and classical rhetoric in scriptural interpretation Pauline Reception History : Tracking theological development through commentaries on Pauline epistles Early Christian Intellectual History : Contextualizing exegetical methods within 4th-century Roman culture Rhetorical Hermeneutics : Analyzing narrative and persuasive structures in biblical commentaries Cooper's three-decade publication trajectory reveals methodological consistency in philological precision and philosophical contextualization. His work progresses from focused commentary studies (e.g., Galatians, Ephesians) toward comprehensive synthetic analyses of Victorinus' philosophical theology. The 2022 edited volume represents current scholarship integrating rhetoric, philosophy, and theology in late antique exegesis. While specific awards remain undocumented in available sources, his sustained contributions to patristic studies are evident through editorial leadership with the Society of Biblical Literature and ongoing translation projects. Current research priorities include completing the first full English translation of Ambrosiaster's Pauline commentaries. Dr. Cooper's teaching portfolio encompasses History of Christianity (New Testament through Reformation eras) and Psychology of Religion, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to religious phenomena. His scholarly impact continues through active editorial work and translation projects advancing accessibility of foundational patristic texts.

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Fred SandersView profile

Professor

Biola UniversityUnited States

Dr. Fred Sanders is a Professor at the Torrey Honors College (Biola University), specializing in Systematic Theology with an emphasis on the Doctrine of the Trinity . He has been affiliated with Biola since 1999 and serves as an amateur historian of the university’s institutional legacy. Education: Ph.D. (Graduate Theological Union), M.Div. (Asbury Theological Seminary), B.A. (Murray State University) Research Interests: Sanders’ scholarship bridges classical Christian doctrine with contemporary theological frameworks, focusing on Trinitarian theology’s exegetical and dogmatic underpinnings. His work explores intersections between soteriology, ecclesiology, and the Nicene tradition, emphasizing the Trinity’s role in uniting theological disciplines. Recent Publications: His 2025 article in the International Journal of Systematic Theology examines the Nicene Creed’s structural role in doctrinal formulation. Earlier works analyze patristic influences, scriptural authority in Trinitarian theology, and the integration of faith with work ethics. Affiliations: Member of the Evangelical Theological Society , American Academy of Religion , and Wesleyan Theological Society .

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Abdul-Bashid ShaikhView profile

Lecturer

University of LeedsUnited Kingdom

Dr. Abdul-Bashid Shaikh is a Lecturer (Part-time) in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Leeds, affiliated with the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies under the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. He is based in the Department of Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and serves as a Personal Tutor within the Leeds for Life framework. BA in Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Leeds (2001) MA in Qur'anic Studies, University of Leeds (2003) PhD in Comparative Religion, University of Leeds (2011), focusing on creation in Abrahamic faiths His research spans Islamic Studies, Qur'anic Studies, medieval and modern theology, interfaith dialogue, Middle Eastern history, and contemporary issues such as Islamophobia and ethnic media . He explores themes of peace, reconciliation, religious symbolism, and the intersection of religion with modernity and public life. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in interreligious comparison, media representation of Muslims, and responses to global crises like the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts . He frequently analyzes how religious traditions interpret events, symbols, and ethics in modern contexts, with a particular focus on British Muslim identity and interfaith understanding. Dr. Shaikh is actively involved in public scholarship and media engagement, contributing to debates on Islamophobia, religious freedom, and interfaith relations. Regular contributor to BBC, Sky News, France24, and La Razón (Spain) Feature columnist for La Razón Internacional Media commentator on events such as the Batley Grammar School cartoon controversy and the fall of Kabul He supervises postgraduate research on topics including gender in Islamic literature, Prophet Muhammad representation, and organ donation in Islam. He has participated in AHRC-funded collaborative networks and served on ethics and admissions committees. His work bridges academic rigor with public engagement, emphasizing dialogue, tolerance, and the relevance of religious thought in contemporary society. Dr. Shaikh is also involved in interfaith initiatives, including serving as Secretary of the North Kirklees Interfaith Council (2012–2015), and has undertaken government-sponsored delegations to India to foster Muslim-British dialogue. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and contributes to modules on Middle Eastern studies, religion, and conflict.

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Preben VangView profile

Professor

Baylor UniversityUnited States

Dr. Preben Vang is a Professor of Christian Scriptures and Executive Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Truett Seminary, Baylor University. With over two decades of academic leadership experience, he previously served as department chair at Ouachita Baptist University and Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he founded their seminary program. Born and raised in Denmark, Dr. Vang integrates his international perspective with a focus on the church’s global mission. PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary MDiv, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary BTh, Danish Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Vang’s research bridges biblical studies and practical theology, emphasizing the Church’s witness to the world. Key areas include: Pauline Studies (theology of Paul, pneumatology) Relational Interpretation of the Holy Spirit Narrative Theology Intersections of Biblical Theology and missional practice His publications address both academic and pastoral audiences, reflecting his commitment to equipping ministry leaders. Dr. Vang’s work spans commentaries, theological handbooks, and biblical dictionaries, with a focus on doctrinal clarity and ecclesial application. Contact: preben_vang@baylor.edu | Phone: 254-710-6380

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Mauro MaggiView profile

Professor

Sapienza University of RomeItaly

Mauro Maggi is a Full Professor of Iranian Philology (L-OR/14) at Sapienza University of Rome since 2019, affiliated with the Italian Institute of Oriental Studies. Born in Como, he studied in Milan, Naples, and Hamburg, previously serving as Associate Professor at the University of Naples L'Orientale and as a librarian at the Italian Institute for Africa and the East in Rome. His research focuses on Khotanese language/texts, Central Asian Buddhism, Iranian language history, and New Persian development. Key Publications: The Khotanese Karmavibhaṅga (1995), Pelliot chinois 2928 (1997), and edited volumes like Buddhism among the Iranian peoples of Central Asia (2013) and A turquoise coronet (2020). Research Trends: His 2019-2023 articles analyze Khotanese Buddhist texts (e.g., Pradakṣiṇasūtra ), lexical evolution (e.g., maṇḍvaï- etymology), and scriptural parallels between Khotanese and Indian sources. He also investigates orthographic history, manuscript restoration, and Indo-Iranian linguistic borrowings. Collaborations: Frequent co-editor with scholars like Mohsen Ashtiany, Matteo De Chiara, and Alessandro Del Tomba.

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Craig D. AllertView profile

Professor

Trinity Western UniversityCanada

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.

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Ismail K. PoonawalaView profile

Professor

University of California, Los AngelesUnited States

Ismail K. Poonawala is a Professor in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Holding a PhD in Near Eastern Studies from UCLA (1968), he specializes in Ismaili studies, Islamic jurisprudence, and Arabic literature. PhD, Near Eastern Studies, UCLA (1968) MA with distinction, Arabic Language and Literatures, Cairo University (1964) MA, Arabic, Bombay University (1959) BA, Arabic, Bombay University (1957) His research focuses on Ismaili thought, particularly through critical editions and analyses of foundational texts like the Rasāʾil Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ and works of al-Qāḍī al-Nuʿmān. He has extensively studied Qur'anic exegesis, doctrinal controversies, and the historical intersection of Islamic theology and politics. Poonawala has contributed to debates on authorship attribution in Islamic manuscripts and addressed modern succession disputes within the Bohra community. His publications include critical editions of Ismaili texts and articles exploring Islamic messianism, humanism, and the translatability of the Qur'an.

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Gordon DavisView profile

Associate Professor

Carleton UniversityCanada

Gordon Davis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Carleton University , affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences . His work bridges historical and contemporary ethical theory, with a focus on Kantian and Buddhist frameworks. Education: B.A. (McGill), B.Phil. (Oxford), M.Ed. (Toronto), B.Ed. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Oxford) Research Interests include moral and political philosophy, metaethics, comparative history of ethics, and cross-cultural dialogues between Western and Buddhist traditions. His projects often explore synthetic approaches to consequentialism, Kantian deontology, and virtue ethics. Recent publications (2022) analyze intersections between Sartrean existentialism and Mahayana Buddhism, Humean virtue ethics in Buddhist contexts, and metaphysical concepts like natural light in Descartes and Vasubandhu. Earlier works (2010s) engage with multiculturalism, liberty rights, and philosophical psychology in Hume and Smith. Collaborations include co-edited volumes with scholars such as S. Hinzelin, Charles Goodman, and B.E. Neufeld, emphasizing cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural methodologies.

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Christoph GüntherView profile

Researcher

University of MainzGermany

Dr. Christoph Günther is a researcher at the Institute of Ethnology and African Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, where he leads a BMBF-funded Junior Research Group on Jihadism on the Internet since 2017. Previously, he served as a Guest Professor at the same institution during Summer Semester 2016, hosted by Prof. Dr. Matthias Krings. His academic journey includes research positions at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Halle/Saale until 2016 and teaching appointments at the Universities of Marburg and Leipzig. PhD from University of Leipzig (2013) MA in Islamic Studies, History and Arabic Studies from University of Bamberg (2002-2008) Studies at University of Cairo (2004/2005) DFG Research Training Group Fellow at University of Leipzig (2010-2013) Dr. Günther specializes in the ideology and visual culture of the Islamic State (IS), with particular focus on jihadist online propaganda, visual communication strategies, and the intersection of religious ideology with state-building aspirations. His research examines how IS constructs authority through visual media and how these materials are received and appropriated by various audiences. He is recognized as an expert in this field and is frequently consulted by media outlets for his in-depth knowledge of IS propaganda mechanisms. His research has identified significant shifts in jihadist propaganda quality since 2013, moving beyond traditional political or Islamic studies approaches to incorporate media-cultural and media-anthropological perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach provides novel insights into jihadists' self-perception and how their messaging resonates with different audiences, including non-regional viewers in the 'Global North' and regional Arabic-speaking populations. Regular media commentator on IS ideology and visual culture Organizer of the 'Jihadi Audiovisualities' conference (October 2018) Conducted research on IS propaganda targeting Western audiences Investigated regional Arabic material from Syria and Iraq Analyzed Boko Haram's Hausa-language propaganda Dr. Günther's work bridges academic research and practical counter-terrorism efforts through his contributions to understanding jihadist justification narratives and potential counter-narratives. His research has significant societal relevance given the evolving nature of online radicalization and the professionalization of jihadist media production.

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Stephen PlantView profile

Lecturer

University of CambridgeUnited Kingdom

Dr. Stephen Plant is Dean and Runcie Fellow at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge, and lectures in Christian theology and ethics within the Faculty of Divinity. His academic work focuses on 20th-century Protestant theology, Karl Barth, theology and international development, and political theology. Plant has authored and edited influential books, including Bonhoeffer (2004) and The SPCK Introduction to Simone Weil (2007). He previously edited Theology journal (2007–2013) and is currently writing a book on theology and international development for Bloomsbury Press. His research bridges theology with contemporary issues, emphasizing ethical and political dimensions. Plant supervises doctoral students in theology and development, and his work engages with historical figures like Bonhoeffer and Barth, exploring their relevance to modern challenges. Plant’s affiliations include Trinity Hall and the Faculty of Divinity. He is actively involved in theological education and interdisciplinary dialogue. His publications reflect a commitment to rigorous scholarship and practical theological engagement. Despite no listed awards, his contributions to theological discourse are widely recognized in academic circles. Plant advises students on topics such as 20th-century Protestant theology and political theology. His work often intersects with global development ethics, reflecting a holistic approach to faith and social justice.

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