Apply ecological thinking to the world of theology
Dr. Ryan Turnbull taking his PhD research into his role as the Diocesan Discipleship Developer in the Diocese of Rupert's Land
After his successful Ph.D. defence in Birminham, UK, Ryan Turnbull brought his knowledge of theology to his new role as the Diocesan Discipleship Developer in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land.
Growing up on a farm in Western Manitoba, Ryan early on developed an apprecation for the land, conservation, adn all the wonderful beings that make places special; little did he know that years later, he would return to his roots as he studied for a PhD on Christian theologies of place. Entitled, “Haunted and Held: A Christian Theology of Place” this work examines the ways that Christian theologies of place have all too often colluded with settler colonialism. Ryan offers an anticolonial and ecological hermeneutic of place that he hopes can help the Church in its ongoing work of reconciliation.
After defending his thesis in early December, Ryan is applying his vocation as a a theologian to his current role as he brings to life new events, programming, and future theology courses on behalf of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land at St John’s College.
Before arriving at St John’s, Ryan taught pastoral theology at Thorneloe University alongside his studies as he started his Ph.D work in 2019. Fast forward to 2023, the opportunity to serve the diocese came about for Ryan, and the timing could not be more perfect.
The first event of the 2024 year with the Diocese of Rupert’s Land is the Wilmot Lecture Panel Discussion entitled “Witness in a Post-secular Age” taking place on February 12 in the Robert Shultz Theatre from 7 pm – 9 pm, where we will host Dr. Jane Barter, Dr. Chris Huebner, and Dr. Daniel Rempel on this year’s panel.
Learn more about this event and other theology activities on our website.