Our Faculty

At Duke Divinity, we’re not divided by rigid disciplinary boundaries between biblical studies, theology, and church history. We have people who move back and forth between these divides. Theologians here recognize the value of engaging the historic Christian tradition.

J. Warren Smith, Associate Professor of Historical Theology

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Meet Our Faculty

Our faculty are engaged in research and active in the life of the church.

Xi Lian: Learning from History about Changing the World

Douglas Campbell: Connecting Prison Ministry and Pauline Scholarship

Jerusha Neal poses in front of Duke Chapel

Jerusha Neal: Preaching and the Global Church

Brittany Wilson: The Importance of Context

Norman Wirzba: Connecting Theological Education with Ecology

Edgardo Colón-Emeric: Expanding the Vision of Ministry

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Faculty Books

Our faculty members publish extensively on scholarly and social issues that matter today. Their work influences academic thinking and ministerial practice, from biblical studies to theology to preaching to social justice. The worldwide community of scholars and ministry practitioners has been enriched by the innovative work of Duke Divinity School faculty—always through profound engagement with Scripture and tradition with an understanding of how this transforms our world.

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Religion in America

Kate Bowler and Russell E. Richey (Contributors)

John the Baptist in History and Theology

Joel Marcus

The Ways That Often Parted: Essays in Honor of Joel Marcus

Lori Baron, Jill Hicks-Keeton, and Matthew Thiessen (Editors)

Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating (second edition)

Norman Wirzba

The Dangers of Christian Practice: On Wayward Gifts, Characteristic Damage, and Sin

Lauren F. Winner

Óscar Romero’s Theological Vision: Liberation and the Transfiguration of the Poor

Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric

Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship

Luke A. Powery

A Peculiar Orthodoxy: Reflections on Theology and the Arts

Jeremy Begbie

Making Disciples: Mentor Guide

William H. Willimon

Image of Emperor Leo VI praying to Christ

Leo VI and the Transformation of Byzantine Christian Identity: Writings of an Unexpected Emperor

Meredith L.D. Riedel

Laughing at the Devil: Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich

Amy Laura Hall

Cover of new book by Sujin Pak with images of historical Protestant figures

The Reformation of Prophecy: Early Modern Interpretations of the Prophet & Old Testament

G. Sujin Pak

Cover image of church arches for new book titled The Journal Letters and Related Biographical Items of the Rev. Charles Wesley, M.A.

The Journal Letters and Related Biographical Items of the Reverend Charles Wesley, M.A.

Frank Baker, Richard P. Heitzenrater, Randy L. Maddox (Editors)

Faithful and Fractured: Responding to the Clergy Health Crisis

Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell and Jason Byassee

The Character of Virtue: Letters to a Godson

Stanley Hauerwas

Will Willimon’s Lectionary Sermon Resource, Year C Part 1

Will Willimon

Redeeming Transcendence in the Arts: Bearing Witness to the Triune God

Jeremy Begbie

Blood Letters: The Untold Story of Lin Zhao, a Martyr in Mao's China

Xi Lian

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Faculty Research

Intellectual Rigor in Service to the Church

At Duke Divinity School, students are exposed to a large and diverse community of some of the finest teachers and researchers in theological education. Their interests vary widely, but they share a commitment to the life of the Christian church. Through engagement with our faculty inside and outside of the classroom, our students are challenged to consider differing points of view and many avenues of theological thought and Christian ministry.

Amy Laura Hall on Julian of Norwich

Douglas Campbell: Uniting Paul's Life & Theology

Jerusha Neal: The Spirit & Body

Curtis Freeman: Religious Nonconformity

Will Willimon: Preaching to Confront Racism

Unexpected Intersections: Arts, Medicine, and Theology

Interdisciplinary Connections

Our faculty are at the forefront of interdisciplinary scholarship. Professors Ray Barfield and Jeremy Begbie are part of landmark initiatives based in Duke Divinity School that bring together students and faculty across the humanities, medicine, and theology.

Faculty Experts

Details for media and scholars

Our faculty experts list, organized by subject matter, is available to help media outlets, researchers, and others connect with Duke Divinity scholars who can share information on the topics they study.

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Scholarship That Matters

Faculty Dedicated to the Church

Professor Jerusha Neal talks about why she wanted to join the faculty at Duke Divinity School to work with colleagues on scholarship that matters to the life of the church.

Faculty News

Read the latest news about our faculty members and their research.

'Everything Happens' Podcast Returns for 2nd Season

Professor Kate Bowler's highly rated podcast, “Everything Happens,” returns for a second season with new episodes on how people have faced dark times in their lives.

Kate Bowler and Ray Barfield talk in Goodson Chapel

Everything Happens for a Reason: A Conversation with Professors Kate Bowler and Ray Barfield

Video from the conversation between Divinity School professors Kate Bowler and Ray Barfield is now available.

Dr. Barfield stands in a hallway at Duke Hospital

Reimagining Medicine

Dr. Ray Barfield, professor of pediatrics and Christian philosophy, almost walked away from medicine. Now he wants to prevent doctor burnout – and to reshape pre-medical education.

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