David Burkhart Janssen

David Burkhart Janssen serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Church History at the Faculty of Protestant Theology, University of Tübingen, a position he has held since 2019. Specializing in Patristics and early Christian theology, he completed his doctoral research in 2023 on Augustine's construction of Pelagianism, earning the faculty's Promotionspreis. Currently pursuing habilitation on miahypostatic Christological controversies from Chalcedon to Constantinople II, his work bridges historical theology and late antique studies.

His academic formation includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in History and Evangelical Theology (University of Tübingen, 2015)
• Master of Arts in Classics with distinction (Durham University, 2017)
• First Theological Examination (Kiel, 2019)
• Doctorate in Church History (University of Tübingen, 2023)

Janssen's research centers on the intersection of Patristics, Church History, and Ancient History, with particular focus on Augustine of Hippo, Pelagian controversies, and Christological developments in late antiquity. His methodology combines rigorous textual analysis of primary sources with historical contextualization, examining theological concepts within their socio-political frameworks. Current projects explore the reception of Chalcedonian Christology and Augustinian influences on early medieval liturgy, demonstrating his commitment to understanding doctrinal evolution through interdisciplinary lenses.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent engagement with late antique theological controversies, particularly the Pelagian debates and Christological developments. His work demonstrates methodological sophistication through integration of epigraphic evidence, patristic writings, and historical analysis. Key thematic threads include the construction of heresy, development of grace doctrine, and liturgical expressions of theological concepts, reflecting a holistic approach to early Christian intellectual history.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Promotionspreis der evangelisch-theologischen Fakultät (2023)
• Stipendiat der Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (2015-2019)

Janssen has significantly contributed to academic governance as Chairman of the Interessensvertretung des Wissenschaftlichen Mittelbaus (2020-2021) and Speaker of Protestant Theology's Mittelbau at Tübingen (2021-2024). His teaching encompasses courses on Justinian, ancient councils, Augustine, and liturgical history across multiple semesters. Research support includes the prestigious Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes fellowship during doctoral studies, alongside collaborative projects with international scholars on church history methodology and Reformation texts.

As a core member of Professor Drecoll's Chair of Church History II, Janssen participates in the department's research initiatives focused on early Christianity and medieval theology, contributing to its reputation as a leading center for Patristic studies in German-speaking academia.