João Manuel Duque

João Manuel Duque is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Theology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), with academic presence in Braga, Porto, and Lisbon. He also serves as a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences (UCP), Faculdade Jesuíta de Filosofia e Teologia (Belo Horizonte), and Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais. He is the Director of the Research Centre for Theology and Religious Studies (CITER) and the Ephata journal, Revista Portuguesa de Teologia. He previously held leadership roles as Director of the Braga Centre of the Faculty of Theology (2007–2018), President of the Braga Regional Centre of UCP (2011–2020), and Pro-Rector of UCP (2020–2024).

He earned his doctorate in Fundamental Theology from Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Sankt Georgen, Frankfurt, with a thesis on Gadamer’s philosophy of art. He also holds an Agregação from UCP in theological metaphysics. His work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education.

João Manuel Duque’s research focuses on theology, religious studies, and philosophical hermeneutics, with particular interest in postmodern theology, religious identity, ethics, and the intersection of art and theology. His work explores the dynamics of truth, dialogue, and public theology in contemporary society. He is deeply engaged in theological discourse with modern and postmodern philosophical currents, especially through figures like Gadamer, Levinas, and Ricœur.

His most recent scholarly articles examine themes such as trinitarian mission inspired by Levinas, hospitality and nomadic religion, the challenge of post-truth to religious experience, and the future of theology. These works reflect a consistent engagement with philosophical theology, ethical responsibility, and the evolving nature of religious discourse in post-secular societies.

His scientific recognition includes five major awards: the Prémio Árvore da Vida P. Manuel Antunes (2021), Medalha de ouro da cidade de Braga (2020), and multiple Galardões "A Nossa Terra" for contributions to music and education. He also received early recognition in music (Concurso Jovens Músicos, 1988).

He actively supervises academic work, participates in editorial and peer-review boards (e.g., Religions, Diacrítica, Revista Eclesiástica Brasileira), and contributes to public discourse through media interviews and invited talks. He is a member of the scientific councils of several international theological journals, including Teologia (Milan), Salmanticensis (Salamanca), and Kairós (Fortaleza). His current research projects include 'Archaeology of Theological Knowledge' and 'Common Home and New Ways of Living Interculturally' (COLIVING), reflecting his commitment to public theology and intercultural dialogue.

He leads and contributes to major research centers such as CITER and CEFH, and is involved in the academic community through conferences like the IX Simpósio Luso Brasileiro de Estudos de Religião. His leadership in academic administration and research underscores his significant role in shaping theological education and discourse in Portugal and beyond.