Brian Howell

Brian Howell is an anthropologist of religion at Wheaton College, specializing in global Christianity, short-term missions, and the intersection of theology and anthropology. His teaching explores connections between anthropology and popular culture, tourism, performance, and theater.

Education:

• Ph.D., Sociocultural Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis (2002)
• M.A., Sociocultural Anthropology, Washington University (1997)
• M.A., Cross-Cultural Studies (Anthropology), Fuller Theological Seminary (1995)
• B.A., The College of Social Studies, Wesleyan University (1991)

Research Focus: Howell's work examines Christianity as a global/transnational phenomenon, integrating history, popular culture, congregational studies, and narrative analysis. He has published extensively on Philippine Baptists, U.S. Evangelicals, and short-term missions, with recent interests in ethnographic methodology and belief-inclusive research.

Publications Trends: His recent works analyze missionary epistemology, cultural preservation, and reflexive research practices. Key themes include the social imaginary of missions, theological anthropology, and the ethics of religious engagement.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Anthropological Society (AAA)
• American Ethnological Society
• Society for the Anthropology of Religion
• Society of Urban and Transnational Anthropology

Teaching: Courses include Introduction to Anthropology, Globalization, Culture Theory, and Power and Gender in Southeast Asia.