Marius Timmann Mjaaland

Marius Timmann Mjaaland is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo, a position he has held since 2018. Previously, he served as Academic Director of PluRel at the University of Oslo (2014-17) and as Associate Professor at Østfold University College (2013-14). He has held numerous prestigious academic appointments including Humboldt Scholar at the University of Hamburg (2012-2013) and Visiting Professor at the University of Rostock (2012).

His educational background includes:

• Cand. theol., University of Oslo (1999)
• Mag. art. in Philosophy, University of Oslo (1999)
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow (NRC Project), University of Oslo (2006-2009)
• Doctoral Fellow in Philosophy of Religion (NRC Project), University of Oslo (2005)

Mjaaland's research spans multiple intersecting fields with a distinctive philosophical-theological approach. His work engages deeply with Kierkegaard studies while exploring contemporary challenges in political theology, eco-philosophy, and bioethics. His recent scholarship demonstrates a growing focus on the Anthropocene and its theological implications, examining how human-induced planetary change challenges traditional religious frameworks. His bioethics work, particularly on organ donation and the Dead Donor Rule, represents a significant contribution to medical ethics through philosophical-theological analysis.

His publications reveal consistent engagement with continental philosophy, particularly phenomenology and deconstruction, applied to theological questions. The 15 most recent articles show a clear trajectory from traditional philosophy of religion toward more interdisciplinary work addressing contemporary crises in ecology, politics, and medical ethics. His scholarship bridges historical theological analysis with urgent contemporary questions.

Among his notable recognitions:

• John Templeton Award for Theological Promise (2009)
• Alexander-von-Humboldt Scholarship for Advanced Scholars (2012-2014)
• Norwegian Research Council Project funding for 'Sola Scriptura' (1.8 million NOK, 2006)
• Norwegian Research Council Project funding for 'Autopsia' (1.5 million NOK, 2001)

Mjaaland has received significant research funding and leads the 'Debating the Dead Donor Rule [3DR]' project. He has held leadership positions in multiple scholarly organizations including serving as President of the Nordic Society for Philosophy of Religion (2006-present) and President of the Norwegian Søren Kierkegaard Society (2005-present). His academic influence extends through editorial roles including membership on the Editorial Advisory Board for Studies in Philosophical Theology at Peeters Publishers.

He is actively involved in interdisciplinary research networks including Religion in Pluralist Societies at the University of Oslo, the Nordic Society for Philosophy of Religion, the European Society for Philosophy of Religion, and the European Academy of Religion. His work bridges theological scholarship with contemporary philosophical discourse across multiple international contexts.