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Dr Michael DeLashmutt

Contact: Michael DeLashmutt by email or phone, 01722 424818

 

Forthcoming publications

SCM Core text: Theology and Popular Culture (London: SCM) - contracted

“Apostolicity and Self-Supporting Ministry: Is there such a thing as a part-time priest? Rural Theology (under review)

“The Church and Climate Change: Understanding the actions and attitudes of Cornish Anglicans” Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (in process)

“Qualitative Research and Practical Theology: Technical and Methodological reflections on the Church and Climate Change pilot study” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion (in process)

Theology, Technology and Imagination: Finding God in the Posthuman Future (London: Routledge – under discussions)

Teaching experience

Christian Doctrine; Ecclesiology; Theology and Popular Culture; Practical Theology (methodology and theory); Reformation History; Theology of the Bios (Medical Ethics, Eschatology and Anthropology); Theology, Technology, Myth and Imagination; Church History; Theologies of Ministry; Church and Culture; Church History; Introductory modules in Biblical Studies; Introductory modules on World Religions

Previous academic appointments

September 2007-August 2010
Lecturer in the Study of the Christian Church
University of Exeter, Department of Theology (part-time from August 2010)

January -May 2007
Adjunct Professor of Theology
School of Ministry, Northwest University (Seattle, WA)

August 2006-August 2007
Research Associate
University of Glasgow, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Centre for Literature, Theology and the Arts.

September 2005-July 2007
Teaching Fellow in Practical Theology
University of Aberdeen, School of Divinity, History and Philosophy

September 2005-2006
Researcher
Templeton Funded Gifford Lecturers Archival Project, University of Glasgow http://www.giffordlectures.org

September 2003-August 2005
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Glasgow, Department of Theology and Religious Studies

September 2004-June 2005
Scribe/Amanuensis
University of Glasgow, Department of Theology and Religious Studies

September 2003-June 2004
Widening Participation Tutor
University of Glasgow, Top-Up Programme

Education

Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, University of Exeter (2008)

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Glasgow (2006)
Theses title: “Theological Confession in a Technological Age: Sketches Towards a Theology of Technology”
Supervision: Prof. David Jasper; Dr. Michael Fuller (Univ. of Edinburgh)
Examiners: Prof. Wilson Poon (Edinburgh), Prof. Julie Clague (Glasgow)

Master of Arts in Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary (2002)

Bachelor of Arts (Biblical Literature and Theology), Northwest University (1997)

Supervisory experience

PhD
“Postmodern Ecclesiology and the Emergent Church” Gary Black
“The impact of conservative Christianity on American military policy: 1991-2003” Martyn Gough

MA
“Postmodern a/theology and religious education” Natalie Hopkins
“Practical theology of the environment” Hannah Llewellyn
“Theology and the virtual city” Rachael Wilson

PGCert in PT
“The Theology of Deaf Churches in the South West” Rev’d Elisabeth Foot
“IME 4-7: An analysis of diocesan ministry formation and common tenure” Rev’d Philip Sourbut
“Anglican Missions to s Semi-Urban Council Estate in Cornwall: Developing a PAR approach to Practical Theology” Rev’d Stewart Toundswell

BA
“A History of Methodism in Cornwall” Carlie Barber
“Theology as Jazz / Jazz as Theology” Michaela Baker

Refereed Publications

“Exploring Formation for Ministry in a Learning Church: Mixed expectations and missed opportunities” Discourse: Learning and Teaching in Philosophical and Religious Studies, 9, no. 1 (2009), 211-236.

“Narrative Identity and the Rupture of Finitude: Paul Ricoeur and the Resurrection of the Body” Modern Theology, 25, no. 4 (2009), 589-616.

“Delusions and Dark Materials: The Challenge of New Atheism for Theological Education” Expository Times September, 120, no. 12 (2009), 586-593.

“Viewing the Real Presence” LutheranForum, Spring (2009), 38-42.

“Religionless in Seattle,” Exploring Religion and the Sacred in a Media Age, 85-104, edited by Christopher Deacy and Elisabeth Arweck (London: Ashgate), 2009.

With David Rhymer, “Theology as interdisciplinary partner”, International Journal of the Humanities, 6, no. 8 (2008), 43-52.

With Brannon Hancock, “Prophetic Profanity: On South Park on Religion, or, Thinking Theologically with Eric Cartman,” Taking South Park Seriously, 173-189, edited by Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock (New York: SUNY Press), 2008.

“The Technological Imaginary: Bringing Myth and Imagination into Dialogue with Szerszynski’s Nature, Technology and the Sacred” Zygon, 41, no. 3 (2006), 801-810.

“The Sexualisation of Popular Culture: Towards a Christian Sexual Aesthetic”, Crucible (Summer 2006): 42-56.

“A Better Life Through Information Technology? The posthuman person in contemporary speculative science,” Zygon, 41, no. 2 (2006): 267-288.

“Immanence for Transcendence: Confronting the Techno-Theological Eschatology of Posthuman Speculative Science,” Golem: Journal of Religion and Monsters 1, no 1 (April 2006). Available online.

"Nathaniel William Taylor and Thomas Reid: Scottish Commonsense Philosophy and the Formation of New Haven Theology in Antebellum America," Scottish Journal of Theology, 58, no. 1 (2006): 59-82.

"Syncretism Or Correlation: Teilhard and Tillich's Contrasting Methodological Approaches to Science and Theology," Zygon, 40, no. 3 (2005): 739-50.

"Tillich and Teilhard: Theological Accommodations to Techno-Scientific Language," Bulletin of the North American Paul Tillich Association, 30, no. 2 (2004).

"Augustine's Quest for the Self: a Threefold Journey," eSharp, 1, Spring (2004) Available online.

Honours and Awards

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2009-present)

The Richard L. Hills Scholarship for Research in Science/Technology and Theology St. Deiniol’s Library (2006)

Grant for Advanced Theological Research Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (2002-2003; 2003-2004; 2004-2005)

Barclay and Gebbie Scholarships University of Glasgow (2003-2004; 2004-2005)

Findlater Prize University of Glasgow (2004)

Research Support Awards University of Glasgow, Faculty of Arts (2003, 2004, 2005)

Continuing Professional Development

University of Exeter
Postgraduate & PhD Research Supervision (Winter 09)
Research Methods: Speed Reading and Mind Mapping (Summer 08)
Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Winter-Summer 08)
University of Aberdeen
Providing Online Course Materials in WebCT (Winter 05)
Principles of Assessment (Winter 05)
Running Tutorials and Seminars with Students (Winter 05)
Assessing, Marking and Giving Feedback to Students (Winter 05)
Course Planning and Preparation (Winter 05)

Research Income Awarded

Nuffield Foundation Small Grant, “The Church and Climate Change: A Case Study of Anglican Churches in Cornwall” (As PI, to hire an RA for new research project, £7,600) 11/08 (awarded)

Pending
AHRC/ESRC Religion and Society Small Grant scheme “Films and Eschatology” (As Co-I with Dr Chris Deacy for a two year research project, £70,000) Submitted April 09 (pending).
AHRC Standard Grant “The Role of Values in Responding to Major Social Change: Christian Churches and the Transition Town Movement” (As Co-I with Prof Tim Gorringe, for a three year research project, £350,000) Submitted: Sept 09 (pending)

Service and Esteem

External Advisor for Programme Approval University of Chichester (2010)

Validating Examiner for Foundation Degree in Practical Theology University of Winchester (2009)

External Examiner for Undergraduate Programme University of Surrey - STETS (2009)

Assist. Secretary to the Association of University Departments of Theology and Religious Studies (AUDTRS) (2009-present)

Advisor and Lecturer for Kaleidoscope Theological Course Truro Cathedral (2008-present)

Departmental Representative to Association of University Departments of Theology and Religious Studies (AUDTRS) (2008-present)

Steering Group member Ecclesiological Investigations Network (EI N) (2008-present)

Film Reviews Editor Journal Political Theology (2006-2008)

Peer Reviewer Journal of the American Academy of Religion; Journal of Contemporary Religion; Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science (2007-present)

Coordinator for ‘Postgraduate Research Seminars in Practical Theology’ University of Aberdeen, School of Divinity History and Philosophy (2005-2006)

Conference coordinator and lead, “Being Religious: Cross-currents in Phenomenology, Religion and Technology” conference and symposium University of Glasgow, Scotland (2003-2005)

Webmaster International Society for Religion, Literature and Culture (2004-present)

Postgraduate Coordinator Centre for the Study of Literature, Theology and the Arts, University of Glasgow (2003–2005)

Associate Pastorfor Adult Education Christ Community Church (1998-9)

Youth Worker / Pastoral Intern Christ Community Church (1995-8)

Memberships

 British Sociological Association, Sociology of Religion Study Group (2009-present)

Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (2008-present)

The British Irish Association of Practical Theologians (2006-2008)

UK Research Network for Theology, Religion, and Popular Culture (2005-present)

International Society for Religion, Literature and Culture (2005-present)

Society for the Study of Theology (2003-2007)

American Academy of Religion (2002-present)

Papers and Presentations

Invited paper, with Gerard Mannion, ‘Towards a Public Ecclesiology of Creation’ for Pete Ward’s ‘Ecclesiology and Ethnography Workshop’, University of Aberdeen (March 2010)

Invited plenary speaker, “A Christian Response to Technology” Christians in Science annual meeting, Edinburgh (March 2010)

Invited plenary speaker, “Theology and the Imagination” workshop for Canon Theologians at Sarum College, Salisbury (January 2010)

Invited panelist, Paul Ricoeur and Theology, Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion, Montreal, Canada (November 2009)

Invited paper: “Delusions and Dark Materials” for David Hampshire, Head of RE in Cornwall (May 2009)

Invited paper: “The Word made digital: Proclamation and Mediation in Ricoeur’s Reading of John.” Pacific Northwest Meeting of the American Academy of Religion, Seattle, WA (April 2009)

“Delusions and Dark Materials: Radical Atheism and Theological Education” BSA, Sociology of Religion Group, Durham University (March 2009)

Invited paper: “The Melting Pot as Source of Public Theology – Perspectives from the USA”. New Horizons in Public Theology Seminar at the Fondazoione Bruno Kessler, University of Trento, Italy (March 2009)

Invited presentation: “Reading Popular Music and Theology”. Bolitho School (December 2008)
“The Vicar’s a Locksmith: Non-stipendiary Ministry in England’s South West.” Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Annual Meeting, Louisville Kentucky (October 2008)

“Religionless in Seattle: Exploring the practical implications of techno-theology amongst information technology workers in the greater Puget Sound region.” British Sociological Association, Sociology of Religion study group, Oxford (April 2007)

“The future shape of the theology of technology,” invited presentation for the annual meeting of the UK Research Network for Theology Religion and Popular Culture, Oxford (April 2006)

“A Better Life Through Information Technology? The posthuman person in contemporary speculative science”, presented at Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion, Philosophy of Religion Group ( November 2005)

“Parody and Prophecy: a serious look at South Park”, presented at Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion, Religion and Popular Culture Group (November 2005)

“Thinking Theologically in a Post-modern World: A Ricoeurian Occlusion to Tillich’s Theological Circle”, Society for the Study of Theology Annual Meeting, Dublin, Ireland (April 2005)

“The shifting form of Tillich’s theological circle, and a Ricoeurian analysis”, Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion, Paul Tillich Group (November 2004)

“Mel Gibson’s The Passion: Cruci-fiction as Cruci-faction”, presented at a co-operative meeting of the Universities of Stirling and Glasgow (May 2004)

“Technology and Selfhood: New Definitions”, The Centre for Literature Theology and the Arts, University Glasgow (May 2004)

“The Theological World of Philip K. Dick”, The Centre for Literature Theology and the Arts, University of Glasgow (April 2004)

“Techno-theological Virtual Worlds”, invited plenary speaker at Christians in Computers, the annual meeting of Christians in Science, Sheffield (March 2004)

“Tillich and Teilhard: Christology and Cosmology as expressions of techno-theological hope”, Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion, Paul Tillich Society of North America (November 2003)

“Augustine’s Quest for the Self: A threefold journey”, Trailblazing, University of Glasgow (October 2003)

“Narrative Identity: The Development of Self-Consciousness as Self-Constancy-in-Time from Augustine to Ricoeur”, Towards a Science of Consciousness: Between Phenomenology and Neuroscience, Prague (July 2003)

“Openness to the World: The Staging of Identity in the Anthropologies of Pannenberg and Ricoeur”, Scotland’s Postgraduates in Theology (June 2003)

“Paul Ricoeur at the Foot of the Cross: Narrative Identity and the Ontological Rupture of Finitude”, Society for the Study of Theology Annual Meeting, Newcastle, England (April 2003)

“Nathaniel William Taylor and Thomas Reid: Scottish Commonsense Philosophy and New Haven Theology in Ante-Bellum America”, Scottish World Influence Conference, University of Glasgow (March 2003)

“Letters of the Law: Prison Letters as Sacred Text”, Centre for Whistler Studies / 19th Century Letter Writing Seminar, University of Glasgow (February 2003)

Minor Publications, Book and Film Reviews

"Posthumans, Cyborgs and Androids in Film: Finding Ourselves in Our Creations," in The Encyclopedia of Religion and Film ed. Eric Mazur (Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishers) (forthcoming)

“A Review of Practical Theology and Qualitative Research by John Swinton and Herriot Mowat” Expository Times (forthcoming)

“A Review of Lions for Lambs” Political Theology 9, no. 1 (2008).

“Breaking the Ties that Bind: A Review of Babel.” Political Theology 8, no. 4 (2007): 493-496.

“Finding an American Jesus in Film: A 2006 Retrospective.” Political Theology 8, no. 3 (2007): 380-86.

“A Review of Stages on Life’s Way: Orthodox Thinking on Bioethics by John and Lyn Breck” Reviews in Religion and Theology 14, no.1 (2007): 102-03.

"A Review of Queer Fish: Christian Unreason From Darwin to Derrida By John Schad." Reviews in Religion and Theology 12, no. 3 (2005): 428-31.

"A Review of the Nature of Time By G. Deweese." Reviews in Religion and Theology 12, no. 2 (2005): 121-25.

"A Review of Pink Beams of Light From the God in the Gutter: The Science-Fictional Religion of Philip K. Dick," Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 7, Summer (2004).

"A Review of Technology and Transcendence Ed. By M. Breen," Reviews in Religion and Theology, 11, no. 4 (2004): 546-9.

"A Review of Embodied Spirituality in a Sacred World By M. Washburn." Reviews in Religion and Theology 11, no. 4 (2004): 542-46.

"A Short Notice of the Critical Spirit Ed. By A. Pierce." Reviews in Religion and Theology 11, no. 4 (2004): 577-78.

"A Review of Identifying the Image of God By D. Mckanan." Reviews in Religion and Theology 11, no. 1 (2004): 55-57.

"A Review of Creation By H. Schwarz," Reviews in Religion and Theology, 11, no. 1 (2004): 83-86.

"A Review of God and the Future By C. Mostert." Reviews in Religion and Theology 11, no. 1 (2004): 86-89.

"A Review of Is Nature Ever Evil? By W. B. Drees, Ed." Reviews in Religion and Theology 11, no. 1 (2004): 92-94.

"A Review of Ricoeur As Another Ed. By Cohen and Marsh." Reviews in Religion and Theology 11, no. 1 (2004): 102-03.

"A Review of in Our Image By N. Herzfeld." Reviews in Religion and Theology 10, no. 4 (2003): 442-44.

"A Review of Representations of the Post/human By E. Graham." Reviews, The Journal of the Science and Religion Forum, April (2003).

Contributions to the Templeton Foundation’s online collection of Gifford Lectures
http://www.giffordlectures.org

“Lectures and Essays on Natural Theology and Ethics: William Wallace’s Gifford Lectures 1892-4.”

“Science et Religion dans la philosophie contemporaine: Emil Boutroux’s Gifford Lectures 1903-05.”

“Theism and Humanism/Theism and Thought: Arthur James Balfour’s Gifford Lectures 1913-1914.”

“A Biographical Sketch for John Alexander Smith’s Gifford Lectures, The Heritage of Idealism, 1929-31.”

“Nature, Man and God: William Temple’s Gifford Lectures 1932-4.”

“The Human Situation: William McNeile Dixon’s Gifford Lectures 1935-7.”

“Mind and Deity/Theism and Cosmology: John Laird’s Gifford Lectures 1938-40.”

“Revelation and Religion/Reconciliation and Religion: H. H. Farmer’s Gifford Lectures 1949-50.”

“For Faith and Freedom: Leonard Hodgson’s Gifford Lectures 1955-7.”

“Scholastic Humanism and the Unification of Europe: Richard William Southern’s Gifford Lectures 1970-2.”

“Models, Mind and Man: Anthony J. Sanford’s Gifford Lectures 1982-3.”

“A Biographical Sketch for Carl Sagan’s Gifford Lectures 1985.”

“Behind the Eye: D. M. MacKay’s Gifford Lectures 1986.”

“Inner Space and Outer Space, Nature and Culture, Worlds in Microcosm, Social Darwinism or Darwinian Socialism, Is there Reliable Knowledge About God?, The Kingdom of the Mind, and History and Environment: John D. Barrow, Don Cupitt, Richard Dawkins, John S Habgood, Anthony J. P. Kenry, and John Morris Roberts’ Gifford Lectures 1988.”

“Reconstructing Nature: John Hedley Brooke’s Gifford Lectures 1995-6.”

“God’s, Genes, Greens and Everything: R. J. (Sam) Berry’s Gifford Lectures 1997-8.”

“Truth: Simon Blackburn’s Gifford Lectures 2003.”