Centre for Philosophy of Religion and Theology

Exploring and promoting research across a broad range of approaches and religious traditions.

Our research

The Centre for Philosophy of Religion and Theology works across a range of different religious traditions. These include Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, African traditional religions and Afro-Brazilian traditions. We are also interested in different ways of conceptualising religious belief and commitment. Our research takes an interdisciplinary approach, working at the intersections between philosophy and cognate disciplines such as theology, religious studies, sociology and anthropology.

We are located in the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science, which provides a fertile environment for cross-disciplinary research in the fields of philosophy and religion, drawing together the perspectives of philosophers, scholars of religion, theologians, and historians of science. In addition to bringing the tools of philosophical analysis to religious concepts and beliefs, our distinctive approach to philosophy of religion comprises close attention to several key aspects:

living religion: the place of religion in people’s lives
religious practices: rituals, sacrifice, forms of worship
experience and emotions: happiness, depression, wellbeing
narratives: scriptural, mythological, biographical, artistic
a global perspective, encompassing religious traditions from every inhabited continent of the world.

Research interests and activities

We have a diverse range of research interests, including:

metaphysics and philosophy of mind
christology and conceptions of God
religion, mental health, neurodiversity and disability
religion, in/justice, politics and ethics
theodicy, the problem of evil and theologies of suffering
Wittgensteinian approaches to philosophy of religion
comparative and cross-cultural philosophy of religion
Conceptions of religious belief and commitment

We also host a number of public and private events.

Unless otherwise stated, all seminars will take place in person on Thursdays in the Botany House Seminar Room (Room 1.03) from 11.30am – 1pm.

If you wish to attend or be added to the mailing list, please email the Centre Director, Dr Tasia Scrutton. All are welcome to attend. Should you be unable to attend in person, you can still join online. Contact Tasia for the login details.

A full list of upcoming events can be found below and you can read about previous events here.

Research degrees

We offer supervision and support to students undertaking research degrees in a wide range of topics in the area of Philosophy of Religion and philosophical theology. Supervision is available for PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research. Centre members are currently supervising PhD students on topics including Indian philosophy of religion; philosophy of religion, emotion and mental health; divine attributes; God and time.

As well as supporting the work of research students in philosophy of religion and philosophical theology, members of the Centre also contribute to modules and teaching in the field.

Centre for Philosophy of Religion and Theology