Devin Stauffer is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin . Holding a Ph.D. from Boston College, he specializes in classical and early modern political philosophy, with a focus on Plato, Thomas Hobbes, and Leo Strauss. His career spans teaching roles at Kenyon College and St. John's College prior to joining UT Austin in 2004. Education: Ph.D., Boston College Professor Stauffer's research explores intersections of ancient and modern political thought, examining themes like justice, rhetoric, democracy, and the theological-political problem. His recent scholarly work continues to engage deeply with Strauss's interpretations of Hobbes, Locke, and classical texts. Key trends in his publications include: Interpretations of Strauss's correspondence and lectures Critical analyses of Hobbes's ethical and theological foundations Comparative studies of Socratic thinkers in classical texts Reconsideration of Locke's political conscience Debates on classical vs. modern approaches to natural right Scientific Awards : Two Teaching Excellence Awards at Kenyon College Three Teaching Awards at University of Texas Carl Friedrich von Siemens Foundation Fellowship (2013-14, Munich) He has taught courses including Machiavelli's Discourses , Socratic Political Philosophy , and Classical Quest for Justice . His visiting appointment at Harvard (2018) underscores his scholarly impact in political philosophy circles.
Daniel A. Smith, PhD, serves as Dean of Theology and Clark and Mary Wright Professor of New Testament Theology at Huron University College, where he has taught New Testament Language and Literature since 2004. An active member of the Society for New Testament Studies, Society of Biblical Literature, and Canadian Society for Biblical Studies, he frequently collaborates with KU Leuven's Leuven Centre for the Study of the Gospels. His research centers on contextual interpretation of New Testament texts, with specialized focus on Synoptic Gospels, Sayings Gospel Q, Passion/Resurrection Narratives, and Marcion's Gospel. He integrates historical-critical analysis with reception history, emphasizing how biblical interpretation impacts both faith communities and marginalized groups affected by scriptural misuse. Recent publications reveal sustained engagement with source criticism, particularly through 2020-2018 works on the Two-Document Hypothesis, Marcion's Gospel, and spatial analysis of Synoptic mission narratives. His scholarship consistently explores textual transmission, Q source traditions, and theological implications of early Christian writings while bridging academic rigor with ethical considerations in biblical hermeneutics.
Alexander R. Pruss is a tenured Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Baylor University , within the College of Arts and Sciences . He holds a dual PhD in Philosophy (University of Pittsburgh, 2001) and Mathematics (University of British Columbia, 1996), and has held previous academic positions at Georgetown University. His work is deeply interdisciplinary, bridging metaphysics, philosophy of religion, formal epistemology, and ethics. Education: Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh (2001) Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of British Columbia (1996) B.Sc. (Hon.) in Mathematics and Physics, University of Western Ontario (1991) Pruss’s research interests include metaphysics—particularly the Principle of Sufficient Reason , modality , and infinity —philosophy of religion, divine attributes , cosmological arguments , and sexual ethics . He is known for integrating rigorous formal methods with classical theistic metaphysics. His recent publications explore the intersection of probability theory, paradox, and theology, particularly in infinite domains. He has authored influential books such as The Principle of Sufficient Reason: A Reassessment (2006), Infinity, Causation and Paradox (2018), and One Body: An Essay in Christian Sexual Ethics (2012). The trends in his recent articles show a sustained focus on the philosophical implications of infinity, symmetry, and probability. He frequently investigates paradoxes in probability (e.g., infinite lotteries), challenges to modal realism, and the metaphysical coherence of divine attributes. His work combines analytic rigor with theological depth, often aiming to defend classical theism through logical and mathematical reasoning. Scientific awards and honors: Aquinas Medal, American Catholic Philosophical Association (2025) Wilde Lecturer, Oriel College, University of Oxford (2019) Outstanding Tenured Faculty Research Award, College of Arts and Sciences (2013) National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipend (2002) Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Fellowship (1997–2000) Pruss has been actively involved in academic service, including serving on the Executive Council of the American Catholic Philosophical Association (2021–2024) and the Society of Christian Philosophers (2011–2013) . He has held editorial roles for journals such as American Philosophical Quarterly and Analysis and Existence . He has delivered numerous invited lectures globally, including at Oxford, Notre Dame, and MIT. There is no mention of formal PhD or Master’s students in the provided text, but he advises through graduate seminars and research supervision. He has not received specific grant mentions beyond fellowships and stipends. He is affiliated with research groups such as the Baylor Institute for Faith and Learning and the Thomistic Institute , and contributes to philosophy of science and theology dialogues. His work continues to shape contemporary debates in analytic philosophy of religion and metaphysics.
Delbert Burkett is the Jaak Seynaeve Professor of Biblical Studies and Professor of Religious Studies at Louisiana State University. He specializes in New Testament studies, particularly the history, religion, and literature of earliest Christianity. His research focuses on the Synoptic Problem and early Christian textual traditions. Before joining LSU in 1996, he taught at Western Kentucky University, Appalachian State University, and Lebanon Valley College. He served as Section Head of Religious Studies (2004-2007) and Department Chair (2010-2016). Education: B.A. in Koine and Classical Greek, Abilene Christian College (1971) M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School (1973) Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins, Duke University (1989) Research Interests: Burkett's work examines the literary relationships between the Synoptic Gospels, the 'Son of Man' title in the New Testament, and early Christian origins. His publications include Rethinking the Gospel Sources (multi-volume series) and The Case for Proto-Mark . Publications Trends: His recent articles address topics like Markan narrative analysis, Jewish ritual practices, and Luke-Acts theological unity. Earlier work engaged with Johannine resurrection narratives and Coptic liturgical texts. Awards: 2009-2010 ATLAS Grant 2007 Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award Repeated recognition for undergraduate instruction (Alpha Lambda Delta, 1999/2003) LSU Council on Research Summer Stipends (1997, 2000) 1992 Southern Regional Education Board Travel Grant Teaching & Grants: Teaches courses such as 'A History of God' and 'Apocalyptic Literature.' His grants supported research on gospel sources and early Christian texts. No formal lab affiliations are noted, though he collaborates on initiatives like the 'AI & Religion Collaborative.'
Ilaria L. E. Ramelli is a distinguished scholar specializing in ancient philosophy, early Christianity, and the intersection of Greek philosophical traditions with Christian theological development. She holds multiple prestigious academic appointments including Distinguished Professor at Angelicum (US) Graduate School, Senior Fellow at Princeton University, Fellow at Durham University, Honorary Member of Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Platonism, and has maintained a continuous affiliation with Sacred Heart University since 1998. Her educational background includes two MAs (Classics with Specialisation in Early Christianity and Philosophy with Historical Specialisation), a PhD in Classics and Early Christianity (2000), a further Doctorate (honoris causa), and a postdoctorate in Late Antiquity and Religion. She has also completed Habilitations to Full Professor / Ordinarius / W3 in History of Philosophy, Classics, and Ancient Greek Language and Literature. Her scholarly credentials are further enhanced by her status as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS). Professor Ramelli's research focuses on the intricate relationships between ancient Greek philosophical traditions (particularly Platonism and Neoplatonism) and early Christian thought. She specializes in figures such as Origen of Alexandria and Gregory of Nyssa, examining how philosophical concepts were transformed and integrated into theological frameworks. Her work consistently explores themes of dialectic methodology, metaphysical concepts, and the development of doctrinal formulations in early Christianity. She has demonstrated particular expertise in tracing the reception of Greek philosophical ideas within Patristic literature and examining how philosophical concepts were adapted to Christian theological contexts. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a sustained scholarly trajectory examining the relationship between ancient Greek dialectic methods and early Christian theological development. Her work consistently centers on how figures like Origen synthesized Greek philosophical traditions with Christian doctrine, particularly focusing on concepts like apokatastasis (universal restoration), the relationship between Father and Son, and the adaptation of philosophical methodology to theological exegesis. Her scholarship demonstrates remarkable breadth across philosophical schools while maintaining rigorous philological attention to textual evidence. Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS) Professor Ramelli has established herself as a leading authority in the field of ancient philosophy and Patristics through her extensive publication record (147 publications documented) and editorial work on significant scholarly volumes. Her research demonstrates sustained engagement with major philosophical questions through careful examination of primary sources across Greek, Latin, and early Christian traditions. She has contributed significantly to our understanding of how philosophical concepts migrated across intellectual traditions and how early Christian thinkers engaged critically with philosophical frameworks while developing their theological systems.
Ryan Preston-Roedder serves as a Professor of Philosophy at Occidental College, appointed in 2017. His academic credentials include a B.A. from Rice University and a Ph.D. from New York University (2007). His campus office is located in Swan Hall #204, and he was on academic leave during Fall 2024 semester. Education: B.A., Rice University Ph.D., New York University (2007) His research program centers on moral and political philosophy, moral psychology, and philosophy of religion, with significant contributions to Africana philosophy and philosophy-literature intersections. Current investigations explore meaning in life, the problem of the absurd, religious outlooks, and love's moral-political dimensions, reflecting a sustained engagement with existential and ethical questions at the individual and societal levels. Analysis of his 2013-2023 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory examining faith (both religious and civic), emotional responses to existential conditions, and utopian political thought. His work consistently bridges analytic philosophy with continental concerns, particularly in addressing how humans navigate meaning, trust, and vulnerability in complex social landscapes. Scientific Awards: 2014 APA Article Prize Honorable Mention No available information exists regarding graduate student advising, research grant funding, or sponsored projects. Similarly, there are no disclosed details about laboratory facilities, research teams, or collaborative institutional partnerships.
Prof. Dr. Johanna Rahner serves as Professor of Dogmatics, History of Dogma and Ecumenical Theology at the Catholic Theological Faculty of the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen since 2014. She also holds the position of Director of the Institute for Ecumenical and Interreligious Research at the same institution. Her research interests span a wide range of theological topics including: Biblical Hermeneutics for Systematic Theology (especially Christology), Ecumenical theology and its ecclesiological problem areas, the relationship between religion, culture, educational processes, politics and society, interaction of contemporary culture with worship and theology of the sacraments, theoretical foundations of dialogue between world religions in a globalized world, relationship between reason and faith, theology and philosophy, theology and natural sciences, patchwork religiosity and subjective religious pluralism, and religiosity of children and adolescents with special consideration of youth and cult literature and pop music. Prof. Rahner's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on contemporary challenges facing the Catholic Church, ecumenical dialogue, and the intersection of theology with modern culture. Her work frequently addresses the Second Vatican Council's implications for contemporary theology, the relationship between science and faith, and the practical application of theological concepts in interreligious contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding eschatology, ecclesiology, and the practical application of theological concepts in interreligious contexts. Wissenschaftlicher Beirat des Kuratoriums zur Vorbereitung des Reformationsjubiläums 2017 Ökumenischer Arbeitskreis evangelischer und katholischer Theologen Editorial-Board der Ökumenischen Rundschau Wissenschaftlicher Beirat der Europäischen Melanchthonakademie, Bretten Societas oecumenica AG der deutschsprachigen katholischen Dogmatiker und Fundamentaltheologen Europäische Gesellschaft für Katholische Theologie. Deutsche Sektion e.V. AGENDA – Forum katholischer Theologinnen e.V. Prof. Rahner has been involved in several significant research projects including Moralische Urteilsfindung im säkularen Diskurs als Herausforderung für die christlichen Konfessionen, Intergenerationelle LehrerInnen-Ausbildung, Theorie und Praxis des interreligiösen Lernens, Kirche und Bildungsregime in Lateinamerika, Reformationsgedenken und Ökumene, and Grundfragen theologischer Anthropologie in Auseinandersetzung mit aktuellen naturwissenschaftlichen Modellen. She leads the Institute for Ecumenical and Interreligious Research, which serves as a hub for scholarly research on contemporary challenges in interfaith relations and ecumenical theology.
Oliver Davies is a Professor specializing in contemporary theology, theology and continental philosophy, medieval theology, religion and literature, and mysticism. His research contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to peace, justice, and strong institutions. His scholarly work centers on Pneumatology (Holy Spirit studies), medieval theological traditions—particularly Meister Eckhart's thought—and intersections between theology, neuroscience, and Eastern philosophies like Confucianism. Key themes include ethical universalism, transformational theology, and the relationship between spirit, body, and textual interpretation in religious contexts. Davies' recent publications (2013-2015) reveal consistent engagement with Pentecostal theology, medieval mysticism, and interdisciplinary approaches bridging neuroscience with theological anthropology. His work demonstrates recurring methodological patterns: historical analysis of theological concepts, comparative religious studies, and application of continental philosophy to contemporary spiritual questions. He has supervised 21 research students and secured significant funding including a John Templeton Foundation grant for World Theology: Theology for All (2016) and multiple Arts and Humanities Research Council projects investigating Meister Eckhart's role at 14th-century Parisian and Erfurt universities. His collaborative project Translating Cultures, Transforming Societies (2014-2016) involved cross-institutional partnerships across Europe.
Marija Todorovska is a Full Professor at the Institute of Philosophy, Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. She teaches undergraduate courses (Introduction to Philosophy, Philosophical Terminology, Ontology, Theories of Religion, Philosophy of Religion) and graduate courses (History of the Notion of God, Theories of the Existence of God). She also co-teaches doctoral electives. Education: BA in Philosophy (2008) MA in Philosophy of Religion (2010) PhD on 'The Diabolical Nature of the Sacred' (2013) Advanced Certificate in Research Ethics (2013) Her research explores: The concepts of divinity across ancient and medieval traditions. Apophatic theology in Hellenistic, Gnostic, and early Christian texts. Ambivalence of the sacred in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Byzantine demonology. Philosophy education and curriculum development. Her publications emphasize: Negative theology in Philo of Alexandria and early Church Fathers. Sacred-profane dynamics in contemporary society. Cross-cultural analysis of evil in ancient religions. She serves on editorial boards for Filozofska tribina (Macedonia), Synthesis philosophica (Croatia), and Filozofija (international). As coordinator of the CEEPUS network 'Philosophy and Interdisciplinarity,' she fosters academic collaboration across Europe. No awards or specific grants are noted.
Hermanni Friedrich is a Professor of Systematic Theology at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen , affiliated with the Evangelical Theological Faculty . He co-opts with the Faculty of Philosophy and History since 2007 and works on German Idealism, particularly Schelling and Hegel, blending theology and philosophy. Education : Double degree in Protestant theology and philosophy (Wuppertal, Tübingen, Munich, Bochum); Doctorate (1993, summa cum laude); Habilitation in Systematic Theology (2001). Research Interests include theodicy, the nature of evil, metaphysics, mind-body dualism, and religious pluralism. He explores intersections between theological doctrines and philosophical frameworks, especially in German Idealism. Publication Trends : His works focus on Schelling's philosophy, theodicy, and interdisciplinary dialogues between theology, ethics, and metaphysics. Topics range from divine attributes and freedom to the philosophical implications of religious truth claims. Projects & Collaborations : Leads the Interuniversity Research Association for Metaphysics and Philosophy of Religion , investigating Schelling's late philosophy and truth claims of world religions with colleagues like Friedrike Schick and Christian Steiner.
Martin Pickup serves as Associate Professor in Philosophy and Director of the Birmingham Centre for Philosophy of Religion at the University of Birmingham, having joined in 2021 after a decade of Oxford-based academic roles including the Turpin Junior Research Fellowship at Oriel College. His career spans teaching, research leadership, and international collaboration such as an Visiting Professorship at the University of Navarra. His educational foundation includes: DPhil in Philosophy (University of Oxford, 2012) BPhil in Philosophy (University of Oxford, 2009) MA in Philosophy (King’s College London, 2006) BA in Philosophy and Theology (University of Oxford, 2005) Pickup’s research integrates Philosophy of Religion, Metaphysics, and Early Modern Philosophy with distinctive methodology: he applies analytic metaphysics to test religious claims’ coherence without advocating theological positions, develops 'situationalism' to explain metaphysical indeterminacy in change and identity, and critically engages Leibniz’s framework for necessity/contingency. His work consistently bridges abstract theory and concrete religious practices, particularly focusing on Eucharistic metaphysics and petitionary prayer. Analysis of his 14 publications (2014-2025) reveals three evolving strands: early Leibniz scholarship (2014-2016), foundational situationalism papers resolving identity puzzles (2016), and mature work connecting indeterminacy frameworks to theology (2021-2025). Recent outputs demonstrate increasing synthesis between metaphysical tools and religious ritual analysis, exemplified by 2025 publications on Eucharistic presence and teleology. His professional recognition includes: Finalist in 'I’m a Researcher Get Me out of Here' (2017) Pickup actively supervises PhD candidates across his research domains and teaches from first-year 'Problems of Philosophy' to Masters-level 'Analytic Theology', though specific grants remain unmentioned in source materials. His leadership as Centre Director involves curating interdisciplinary dialogue through workshops and public engagements like the Institute of Art and Ideas fellowship (2016-17). As Director of the Birmingham Centre for Philosophy of Religion, he cultivates a collaborative hub for advancing philosophical theology through conferences, publications, and cross-departmental initiatives, positioning the Centre as a nexus for rigorous examination of religion’s conceptual foundations.
Armin D. Baum is Professor of New Testament at the Freie Theologische Hochschule (FTH) Giessen (since 2010) and has additionally served as Prorector for Research since 2016. He is also Adjunct Professor in the doctoral programme of the Evangelical Theological Faculty, Leuven (Belgium) and was Visiting Professor at the Theological University Kampen (Netherlands) from 2012-2017. Education 1993 – Dr. theol., Theological University Kampen, Netherlands 1990 – Drs. theol., Theological University Kampen, Netherlands 1989 – M.Div., Freie Theologische Akademie, Giessen, Germany 1984 – Abitur, Elsa Brändström-Schule Hannover, Germany Research Focus Baum’s scholarship centres on the historical reliability of the New Testament writings , the formation of the biblical canon , and literary questions of authorship, anonymity and pseudepigraphy . A second strand of research engages contemporary ethical debates , producing detailed exegetical studies on homosexuality, women in ministry and sexual ethics. His methodological interests include the historical-critical method , the relationship between faith and historical scholarship, and the use of ancient historiographical conventions in the Gospels. Publications & Trends Across more than 120 scholarly works, Baum consistently explores how ancient literary and rhetorical conventions shape the New Testament text. Recent monographs such as Einleitung in das Neue Testament (2017) and edited volumes like Kernthemen neutestamentlicher Theologie (2022) consolidate decades of research on Gospel genre, Pauline authenticity, and canon theology. His 2024 articles extend this trajectory by addressing anonymity in Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles and by offering exegetical foundations for evangelical sexual ethics. Professional Memberships & Awards Society for New Testament Studies (SNTS) Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) Institute for Biblical Research (IBR) Tyndale Fellowship (TF) Rhein-Main-Exegesetreffen Coordinator, New Testament Study Group of the Arbeitskreis für evangelikale Theologie (AfeT) Advising & Research Leadership As Dean of Research (2012-2016) and Prorector for Research (2016-), Baum oversees doctoral training at FTH Giessen and mentors candidates in New Testament and canon studies. He has directed externally funded projects on the origins of the New Testament canon and regularly convenes colloquia for doctoral students and international guests.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His work focuses on New Testament textual criticism, early Christian apocrypha, and the historical Jesus. Ehrman holds a Ph.D. (1985) and M.Div. (1981) from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a B.A. (1978) from Wheaton College. His research explores the evolution of early Christian texts, the role of forgery in ancient polemics, and the intersection of religion with social history. Notable publications include How Jesus Became God , Misquoting Jesus , and God’s Problem , many of which have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. Ehrman has received awards such as the Religious Liberty Award (2011) and the Bowman and Gordon Gray Professorship (1998–2001). He teaches courses on the New Testament, early Christian apocrypha, and textual criticism, and has produced numerous online lectures and media appearances. His current projects include a study on millenarianism ( Expecting Armageddon ) and advocacy through his Biblical Studies Academy.
Daniel D. De Haan serves as the Frederick Copleston Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer in Philosophy and Theology in the Catholic Tradition at Campion Hall and Blackfriars, University of Oxford. He is also a Research Fellow in the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. As principal investigator, he leads the "Conceptual Clarity Concerning Human Nature" project sponsored by the Templeton World Charity Foundation. Dr. De Haan received his doctorate in philosophy in 2015 from the Center for Thomistic Studies at the University of St Thomas, Houston, Texas, and the De Wulf-Mansion Centre for Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. Prior to Oxford, he was a postdoctoral fellow on the neuroscience strand of the "Theology, Philosophy of Religion, and the Sciences" project at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on philosophical anthropology, examining how moral psychology, phenomenology, neuroscience, and metaphysics inform our understanding of human persons. He investigates challenges neuroscience and evolution pose for hylomorphism, along with questions in philosophy of religion and medieval philosophy, particularly Thomas Aquinas and Avicenna. His work demonstrates a distinctive integration of Thomistic philosophy with contemporary cognitive science and neuroscience. Analysis of Dr. De Haan's publications reveals consistent engagement with Thomistic philosophical anthropology, exploring the relationship between intellectual operations and psychosomatic processes. His work spans medieval philosophy, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, and theology-science dialogue, with notable application of Thomistic concepts to contemporary philosophical challenges in cognitive science. Dr. De Haan has secured significant research funding as principal investigator for the Templeton World Charity Foundation project "Conceptual Clarity Concerning Human Nature." His scholarly activities include editorial work on collections related to medieval philosophy and active participation in interdisciplinary research bridging theology, philosophy, and cognitive science. At Oxford, Dr. De Haan is affiliated with both Campion Hall and Blackfriars, institutions with strong connections to Catholic intellectual tradition. His work with the Ian Ramsey Centre positions him at the intersection of theological inquiry and scientific investigation, contributing to dialogues about religion and scientific understanding.
State University of New York at BuffaloUnited States
Stewart Duncan is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University at Buffalo. His research focuses on early modern philosophy, particularly the works of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Ralph Cudworth, with special attention to debates about materialism and the metaphysics of mind. He holds a PhD from Rutgers University's Department of Philosophy (2003) and has published extensively on topics including Hobbesian political language, Locke's theological arguments against materialism, and the philosophical exchanges between Leibniz, Toland, and their contemporaries. Research Trends: His publications examine materialism's role in 17th/18th-century philosophy, the activity of matter in early modern thought, and the relationship between moral language and political conflict in Hobbes' writings. Recent Work: Includes contributions to The Oxford Handbook of Hellenistic Philosophy and The History and Philosophy of Materialism , alongside editorial work for Ergo .
