John Lyden

John Lyden is a Professor and Department Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), holding the Blizek Professorship of Religion and Film. He serves as Editor of the Journal of Religion & Film since 2011, attending Sundance Film Festival and organizing global conferences in Omaha, Toronto, Halifax, and Istanbul. His expertise bridges theology, film, and popular culture.

Lyden earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Wesleyan University, an M.A. in Theology from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Chicago, focusing on Karl Barth’s Kantian influences in theological epistemology. He co-chaired the American Academy of Religion’s Religion, Film, and Visual Culture Group and co-founded the Religion, Theology, and Popular Culture Network (UK/USA).

His research emphasizes religion’s intersection with film and mass media, interfaith dialogue, and the theological dimensions of popular culture. Major works include Film as Religion (2003/2019), Routledge Companion to Religion and Film (2009), and collaborative projects on Star Wars fandom. He teaches courses on world religions and religion-film studies.