Benjamin Schliesser

Benjamin Schliesser is a Full Professor for the Literature and Theology of the New Testament at the Institute for New Testament Studies, University of Bern. Previously, he served as Associate Professor (since 2016) and Chief Assistant to Prof. Dr. Jörg Frey at the University of Zürich (2010-2016). His research focuses on Pauline Letters and Theology, Early Christian Identity Discourses, Social History of the New Testament, and Reception History of Biblical Texts.

• Education: Theological studies in Tübingen, Glasgow, and Pasadena; First (2006) and Second (2009) Theological Exams in Protestant Theology; Doctoral Degree (2006) with dissertation Abraham’s Faith in Romans 4, awarded the John Templeton Award for Theological Promise.

His publications address themes like doubt in early Christianity, faith in Pauline theology, and socio-historical contexts of New Testament texts. Recent works examine the Gospel of John’s portrayal of doubt and Paul’s missionary strategies. He leads editorial projects such as the History of Biblical Exegesis series and co-edits Church and Milieu, integrating theology with societal practice.

Notable awards include the John Templeton Award for Theological Promise (2006). He contributes to practical theology through handbooks on milieu-sensitive communication, baptism, and funeral practices, while engaging in voluntary roles with the Study Center for Faith and Society and the churchconvention network.