Lars Rydbeck is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Centre for Theology and Religious Studies at Lund University, specializing in New Testament Exegesis . His research focuses on biblical languages, narrative theology, and the intersection of oral history with gospel traditions. Primary Affiliation: Centre for Theology and Religious Studies, Lund University Email: lars.rydbeck@ctr.lu.se Research Overview Rydbeck's work explores: New Testament text analysis Evolution of biblical terminology Narrative structures in early Christian literature Oral transmission of religious stories Historical and cultural contexts of gospel passages Linguistic patterns in theological discourse Publication Trends His publications reveal consistent engagement with: Exegetical analysis of gospel passages Language studies in biblical contexts Interdisciplinary approaches combining theology and historiography Semantic investigations of religious terms
Marcus Milwright is Professor of Art History and Visual Studies in the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada, where he has taught since 2002 and is presently on research leave from February 2023 to February 2027. Educational background: MA, University of Edinburgh DPhil, Oriental Institute, University of Oxford (1999) His scholarship centres on the art, architecture and archaeology of the Islamic world, with particular attention to medieval and early-modern cross-cultural exchange in the Mediterranean, the history of medicine, and the continuity of traditional craft practices in Syria and Iraq. Through monographs, edited volumes, peer-reviewed articles, encyclopaedia entries and public-facing digital projects, he brings together archaeological evidence, visual analysis and textual sources to illuminate how objects, technologies and artistic ideas circulated across political, religious and linguistic boundaries. Recent publications engage themes as diverse as the occupational health of Islamic craftsmen, the destruction and re-presentation of art, ceramic drainage systems, and the revival of Mamluk metalwork. Collectively, his body of work charts the intersection of material culture with social, economic and intellectual history from the seventh to the twenty-first centuries. Honours and distinctions: Best Edited Volume, 2023 – University Art Association of Canada / L’Association d’Art des Universités du Canada for Made for the Eye of One Who Sees Research dissemination & public engagement: Co-editor, Brill book series Art and Archaeology of the Islamic World Editorial board, Journal of Material Cultures in the Muslim World Principal behind the websites Crafts of Syria and Crafts of Iraq Producer of podcasts and recorded lectures available via UVic’s Gateway to Art portal Curator of exhibitions at UVic’s McPherson Library and the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Current projects include the final publication of early Islamic ceramics excavated at Raqqa, Syria, alongside ongoing digital archiving of endangered craft traditions of the Levant and Mesopotamia.
Gilberto Ruiz serves as Professor and Department Chair of Theology at Saint Anselm College, where he teaches foundational courses in biblical studies and New Testament scholarship. Education: B.A. in Theology and English from Boston College (2003) M.T.S. in Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard Divinity School (2005) Ph.D. in New Testament from Emory University (2013) His research centers on New Testament exegesis with specialized focus on Gospel narratives, Pauline literature, and hermeneutical frameworks for biblical interpretation. He integrates historical-critical methods with contemporary theological applications in courses spanning introductory surveys to specialized topics like non-canonical gospels. Academic Leadership: Department Chair overseeing Theology curriculum and faculty Developer of online winter session course on apocryphal Christian texts
Marianna Klar is a Post-Doctoral Researcher on the QuCIP project and a Senior Research Associate at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, within the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. She concurrently serves as a Research Associate at the Centre of Islamic Studies, SOAS, University of London since 2002, and holds editorial positions on the Journal of Qur’anic Studies (since 2003) and the International Qur’anic Studies Association (since 2021). Her research centers on literary analysis of the Qur’an, medieval Islamic scriptural exegesis, and historiography, with specialized focus on Islamic popular literature and manuscript studies. She examines narrative structures, textual boundaries, and rhetorical devices within Quranic compositions, bridging literary theory with historical contextualization of early Islamic writings. Her work consistently engages with methodological approaches to Quranic structure and exegesis. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a pronounced trend toward text-critical examination of sura architecture, particularly in Medinan compositions like Sūrat al-Baqara. Her scholarship demonstrates sophisticated integration of synchronic and diachronic methodologies while exploring lexical layers, structural paradigms, and Late Antique narrative influences. Recurring themes include the function of sajʿ techniques, Isrā’īliyyāt materials, and prophetic narratives as frameworks for understanding power dynamics and theological concepts in Quranic interpretation.
Seth Perry is an Associate Professor of Religion at Princeton University, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. Currently on leave for the 2024-2025 academic year, he maintains an office in 1879 Hall and can be contacted via sethp@princeton.edu. His research centers on American religious history with emphasis on print culture and religious authority in the early United States. Perry's scholarly work explores the performative, rhetorical, and material dimensions of biblical authority, as demonstrated in his monograph Bible Culture and Authority in the Early United States (Princeton University Press, 2018). Current projects include a biography of itinerant preacher Lorenzo Dow, an analysis of "scriptural failure," and investigations into animals in early American religious contexts. His methodological approach integrates textual analysis with cultural and material history frameworks. His publication record reveals consistent engagement with how religious texts function in public spheres, particularly examining slavery, deism, and biblical interpretation during the early American republic. Perry frequently connects historical analysis to contemporary religious discourse through contributions to The Chronicle of Higher Education and LA Review of Books . Awards: President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching Perry actively participates in undergraduate education as an academic advisor in Butler College and served as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Religion during the 2023-2024 academic year, demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and curriculum development within Princeton's religious studies program.
David Wacks is a Professor of Spanish at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the Department of Romance Languages and the School of Global Studies and Languages. His research focuses on Medieval Iberian literature and culture, Sephardic studies, and Mediterranean studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Literatures and Languages from UC Berkeley (2003), an M.A. from Boston College (1997), and an A.B. in English Literature from Columbia University (1991). His work explores the intersections of Hebrew, Arabic, and Romance literatures in premodern Iberia, emphasizing cultural memory, diaspora, and interfaith dialogue. He has authored and edited several monographs, including Double Diaspora in Sephardic Literature (2015) and Framing Iberia: Maqamat and Frametale Narratives in Medieval Spain (2007). Recent publications analyze Aljamiado retellings of the Hebrew Bible, Sephardic translation practices, and Iberian crusade fiction. Wacks’ scholarly activities include co-editing The Study of al-Andalus (2018) and contributing to open-access pedagogical projects like Open Iberia/América . His research interests span multilingualism, post-1492 Sephardic identity, and Mediterranean cultural networks. He advocates for open education and digital humanities through platforms like Knowledge Commons and Bluesky social media.
Mark F. Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Theology Department at Marquette University, specializing in Historical Theology. He holds a BA from Cornell College (1983), an MSL from the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (1988), and a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto (1990). He previously taught at Saint Joseph's College (1990–1996) before joining Marquette in 1996. His research focuses on the life and thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, particularly moral theology, medieval philosophy, and systematic theology. Ongoing projects include a monograph on Aquinas' moral universe and a critical edition of Paul of Hungary's 13th-century penitential treatise. His work bridges historical theology with ethical discourse, emphasizing scholastic methodologies. Johnson's publications primarily explore Aquinas' theological framework, scriptural interpretation, and moral doctrines. Recent articles analyze divine mercy and medieval penitential literature, while earlier works examine Aristotelian influences, virtue ethics, and hermeneutics. His scholarship consistently engages with Thomistic philosophy and its applications to contemporary theological questions.
Associate Professor David Neville is a Lecturer in New Testament Studies at St Mark's National Theological Centre, a partner institution within Charles Sturt University's School of Theology. With academic qualifications from Berea College (BA), Melbourne College of Divinity (BD), and Murdoch University (PhD), Neville integrates his transnational scholarly background into teaching and research. His work bridges biblical exegesis, ethics, and public theology, focusing on early Christian texts and their contemporary applications. Specializes in Synoptic Gospels and Acts Key areas: Eschatology, Parables, Peace Theology Engages with environmental ethics through biblical frameworks Neville's research interrogates violent divine imagery in scripture, proposing peace-oriented interpretations. He actively contributes to theological discourse through monographs and peer-reviewed chapters, notably exploring the intersection of biblical justice and public theology. His supervision of 11 postgraduate works reflects a commitment to mentoring emerging scholars in theological fields. Recent publications examine: 2 Peter 3's cosmic eschatology Environmental ethics in Revelation Eschatological violence in Matthew Parables as public theology models Interfaith interpretations of Luke
Dr. Edeltraud Gaus is a part-time lecturer at the University of Tübingen in the Faculty of Catholic Theology , specializing in Religious Education . She is affiliated with the Tübinger School of Education (TüSE) and collaborates with institutions like the Institut national supérieur du professorat et de l'éducation in Marseille and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven . Her current roles include teaching modules on professional development and interreligious topics. PhD in Catholic Theology (2017-2022), University of Tübingen Part-time lecturer at University of Tübingen since 2009 Visiting scholar at Australian Catholic University (2018-2019) Erasmus+ exchange at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (2019) Her research focuses on teacher professionalism , reflective practice , interfaith education , and relational teaching . She explores how educators maintain pedagogical integrity during crises , integrates embodied learning from biblical texts, and develops intercultural and interreligious curricula . Recent work addresses antisemitism in education and applied theology for modern teaching challenges. Her publications emphasize critical reflection , ethical education , and communal theological understanding . She contributes to educational resources like the Klett-Auer Verlag series and engages in collaborative projects such as the Springer VS interreligious hermeneutics volume (2024). Teaching Board Member , Tübingen School of Education Ansprechperson for sexual harassment issues Part-time lecturer for modules like 'Integrative Social Work' and 'Religious and Intercultural Competencies' Contributor to accreditation processes for theology programs
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.
Dr. Brandon Watson serves as a Research Associate in the Department of Systematic Theology at the Faculty of Protestant Theology, University of Münster. He completed his doctoral studies (Dr. theol.) at Heidelberg University (2018-2022) with a dissertation on Karl Barth's Trinitarian Ontology of Faith. Currently pursuing his habilitation under Professor Hans-Peter Großhans with the working title 'Religious Language, Metaphor and Narrative: The Quest for (Self-)Discovery,' Watson has established himself as a significant scholar in contemporary theological discourse. PhD (Dr. theol.) from Heidelberg University (2018-2022) MA and MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary (2014-2018) BA in Humanities from The College at Southwestern Seminary (2009-2014) Watson's research focuses on metaphor and religious language, faith and ontology, hermeneutics, and philosophy of religion. His work demonstrates deep engagement with Karl Barth's theology, particularly examining Barth's understanding of faith, salvation, and divine ontology. He has developed a distinctive approach to theological language that explores how metaphor functions in religious discourse and contributes to theological understanding. His scholarship bridges systematic theology with philosophical inquiry, particularly in the area of theological ontology. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on Karl Barth's theology, with particular attention to Barth's understanding of faith, salvation, and divine ontology. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in handling complex theological concepts while maintaining accessibility. Watson's publications span multiple languages and appear in both German and international theological journals, showing his ability to contribute to theological discourse across cultural boundaries. His interdisciplinary approach incorporates insights from philosophy, biblical studies, and cultural analysis. Watson is actively involved in several academic societies: Karl Heim Gesellschaft (since 2019) Scripture and Theology (Chair since 2019) European Academy of Religion (EuARe) (since 2018) Karl Barth Society of North America (since 2017) Presbyterian Church (USA) (Ordination candidate since 2017) He teaches multiple seminars at the University of Münster, including introductory courses on systematic theology, hermeneutics, and specialized seminars on Eberhard Jüngel's theology and Paul Tillich's work. His teaching reflects his research interests while providing students with foundational knowledge in systematic theology. Watson also presents regularly at international conferences, demonstrating his active engagement with the global theological community.
Ellen Ott Marshall is a Professor of Christian Ethics and Conflict Transformation at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and Director of the Graduate Division of Religion. She holds degrees from Vanderbilt University (PhD, MA), the University of Notre Dame (MA), and Davidson College (BA). Her work bridges academic scholarship and practical engagement, focusing on contemporary Christian ethics, violence prevention, peacebuilding, and theological hope. She has authored/co-authored six books, including Parenting for a Better World (2022) and Introduction to Christian Ethics (2018), and numerous articles on gun violence, film in ethics education, and faith-based conflict resolution. Marshall’s research emphasizes ethical practices that foster moral discernment and civil discourse, particularly in contentious contexts. She co-leads Emory’s Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding Initiative and chairs the New American Pathways Advisory Councils. Her teaching excellence has earned prestigious awards, including the Emory Williams Teaching Award (2015) and the Provost’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2019). She also serves in leadership roles with the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Christian Ethics. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates theology, history, and practical ethics, with notable contributions to maternal ethics, pacifism, and the dynamic interplay between faith and social justice. Marshall’s work often involves collaborative research, such as her Louisville Institute-funded project on forming Christian conflict workers. She advocates for hope as a practiced virtue rooted in attentiveness to both suffering and transformative possibilities.
Henk van den Belt is a Full Professor in Religious Beliefs and Ethics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Faculty of Religion and Theology. His research examines Reformed theology, biblical interpretation, and divine presence, with recent publications on hermeneutics and theological engagement.
Clare Veronica Johnson is Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology at Australian Catholic University, where she directs the Centre for Liturgy. Her scholarship examines liturgical reform, sacramental theology, and the reception of Vatican II reforms in contemporary worship practices. Research explores the intersection of tradition and innovation through concepts like 'liturgico-plasticity'—a framework for understanding adaptive liturgical development. Current work focuses on ecological dimensions of worship, mercy theology in Jubilee celebrations, and women's participation in liturgical leadership. Publications demonstrate ongoing engagement with ritual inculturation, sacramental hermeneutics, and theological aesthetics. Recent creative collaborations include interdisciplinary projects like 'The Faces of Mercy' performance for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. Johnson has contributed to international liturgical scholarship through leadership in ecumenical dialogues and methodological innovations in ritual studies research design.
Professor Pedro Zamora García is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Theology, Comillas Pontifical University, where he has been teaching since 1997. He is affiliated with the Department of Sacred Scripture and Church History, specializing in Biblical Studies with a focus on Hebrew Bible interpretation and exegesis. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the Faculty of Theology of Catalonia, followed by a Licentiate (specializing in Biblical Studies) and Doctorate from Comillas Pontifical University after a four-year research period at the Toronto School of Theology. Professor Zamora García's research focuses on: Exegetical methods Wisdom books (particularly Ecclesiastes/Qohelet) Society and economy of ancient Israel Biblical Hebrew studies Reformation theology and its contemporary implications His scholarly work demonstrates a deep engagement with both historical-critical approaches to scripture and contemporary theological applications. His extensive publication record shows a consistent focus on biblical interpretation, particularly regarding the Books of Kings, and the development of Protestantism in Spain. His recent work has particularly emphasized ecclesial implications of the Reformation and contemporary evangelical perspectives within the Spanish context. With 29 years of teaching experience, he has instructed numerous courses including Biblical Hebrew I-III, Exegetical Methods, and specialized topics on Psalms and the Books of Kings. His teaching reflects his dual expertise in language instruction and theological interpretation. Outside his university role, Professor Zamora García has served as Director of the Federico Fliedner Foundation (2010-2013) and previously as Pastor of the Spanish Evangelical Church (1990-1994), demonstrating a commitment to both academic and practical theological engagement.
