Dion Forster

Prof. Dion Forster is an Associate Professor in the Department of Beliefs and Practices, School of Religion and Theology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and an Extraordinary Professor in Systematic Theology at Stellenbosch University. He holds dual PhDs in Systematic Theology (2006) and New Testament Studies (2017). His research focuses on public theology, decolonization of Christian theology, Methodist traditions, and religion-law intersections. He has authored/co-edited books like *African Public Theology* (2020) and *Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Violence in Africa* (2020).

• Education:
• PhD in New Testament Studies (Radboud University, 2017)
• PhD in Systematic Theology (University of South Africa, 2006)
• Masters and Bachelors in Systematic Theology (Rhodes University, 2001 & 1998)
• Research Interests:
• Public Theology
• Decolonial Methodologies
• Methodist Theology
• Religion and Social Justice
• Biblical Hermeneutics
• Awards:
• NRF Rated Scientist (South Africa)
• 2017 Distinguished Teacher Award

He chairs the editorial board of the *International Journal for Public Theology* and serves on boards for *Wesley and Methodist Studies* and *The Methodist Review*. His work addresses global challenges like reconciliation in post-conflict societies and the decolonization of biblical studies. Recent grants include the John Templeton Foundation project on Divine Forgiveness and the IRTG Transformative Religion program.