Dr. Jonathan Birch

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jonathan Birch is an intellectual historian working at the intersection of religion, philosophy, and European thought culture. He has an academic background in philosophy (BA Hons, MA) and New Testament early modern reception (PhD). His primary research interest is the relationship between biblical hermeneutics and modern philosophy in the context of the intellectual and cultural ferment of the European Enlightenment. Jonathan graduated with a PhD from the University of Glasgow in 2013 and has held several posts in Theology and Religious Studies at the university, teaching a wide range of courses across various academic levels, including access and postgraduate programs. With over twenty years of teaching experience, Jonathan has taught thousands of students in the United Kingdom, starting from his native Yorkshire and serving diverse backgrounds. In addition to his academic work, Jonathan has been committed to widening participation in lifelong learning in Glasgow for fifteen years, supporting students from atypical educational backgrounds to access higher education. He has significant professional experience in assessment, having maintained professional ties with major educational systems in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and currently serves as the chief A-Level philosophy examiner.

Research Interests

Courses

God Question: Exploring Christianity Search for Meaning: Judaism, Christianity, Islam Creation and Apocalypse: Introduction to the Bible Christian Traditions and Transformations Mysticism and Spirituality Texts and Cultures of the Bible New Testament Texts (with Greek option): Gospel Letters of John New Testament Themes and Topics (with Greek option): Ethics and Politics Historical Jesus (with Greek option) Doctrine of God Political Theology Religion and Violence Church History and Theology Bible, Doctrine, Freedom, and Interpretation