Justin David Strong

Justin David Strong is an Associate Professor of New Testament at MF University's University College of Theology, Religion and Society. His research focuses on early Christianity and Judaism within the ancient Mediterranean's cultural and religious landscape, with a specialization in ancient folk literature, particularly fables and their intersections with biblical parables and gospels. He is also engaged in transdisciplinary work, bridging Classics and Biblical Studies while employing frameworks like posthumanism and Animal Studies.

Education:

• Ph.D., Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity (2019), University of Notre Dame
• M.T.S., New Testament and Early Christianity (2012), Harvard University
• B.A., Biblical Studies (2008), Azusa Pacific University

Research Interests: His work explores the Fables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (2021), awarded the Manfred Lautenschläger Prize, and his forthcoming Animals in the New Testament (2025). He emphasizes methodological innovation, including digital humanities and counterfactual history.

Professional Activities: He led the German Research Foundation's three-year project The Ancient Fable Tradition and Early Christian Literature (2022–2025) and served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Durham University (2019–2020). His recent lectures and publications reflect a focus on interdisciplinary dialogue, ancient fables, and modern ethical frameworks.

Awards and Grants: Manfred Lautenschläger Prize (2022); DFG-funded project (2022–2025); Fulbright Research Fellowship (2013–2014).