Areas of Research Excellence

LST produces research and scholarship within the classical sub-disciplines of Theology, namely Biblical Studies (Old Testament and New Testament), Church History, Historical and Systematic Theology, and Practical Theology, as well as innovative interdisciplinary approaches between theology, the humanities, social science and science.

LST’s research focuses on four main themes:

Church and Society

Researchers: Andy Everhart (lead person), Mark Cartledge, Cor Bennema, Sunil Chandy, Ike Odina, Parush Parushev, Alistair McKitterick  

The church is a major agent of influence in societies around the world. Therefore, the relationship between church and society is a matter of significant importance for theology. This theme asks how the church, informed by rigorous theological investigation and reflection, can engage with issues in society for the sake of the common good of all people. Areas of focus include: 

  • Early Christian ethics and their implications for today 
  • Theological reflections on justice, poverty, and inequality, particularly in the context of global poverty and human rights 
  • Environmental theology, particularly the Christian response to climate change and ecological sustainability 
  • Theological engagement with political theory, particularly regarding Christian participation in democratic and pluralistic societies 
  • Pentecostal public theology 
  • Science-engaged theology 

Evangelicalism and Ecumenism

Researchers: David Hilborn (lead person), Parush Parushev, Daniel Johnson

Evangelicalism is a hugely significantly constituency within global Christianity. Its influence can be seen across time and place. Its relationship with other Christian traditions is of great importance. This theme asks how this tradition can be quarried for the sake of contemporary ecumenical relationships. Areas of focus include: 

  • Historical approaches to Evangelical biblical interpretation 
  • The history of British and Global Evangelicalism 
  • The development of LST’s archive in British Evangelical history 
  • The relationship of Evangelicalism to Pentecostalism
  • Bilateral ecumenical dialogues 

Theology, Spirituality and Formation

Researchers: Mark Cartledge (lead person), Chloe Lynch, Sunil Chandy, Ike Odina, Marvin Oxenham, Brian Yeich, Kevin Kinghorn, Parush Parushev, Amanda Madden, Alistair McKitterick, Daniel Johnson 

Spirituality of all varieties permeates society and culture. How Christian theology informs spirituality, and how spiritual practices shape theological reflection are central elements to this theme. LST is committed to the integration of theology and spirituality in the whole of life, including research. It also sees many of its theological themes and approaches informed by the study of Christian spirituality broadly and within Evangelicalism in particular.  Specific areas of interest include:

  • The role of spiritual direction  
  • Biblical texts and spirituality, for example the use of Old Testament texts such wisdom literature and the psalms 
  • Historical studies of spirituality 
  • Theological interpretation of Scripture and its use within traditions 
  • Music and the arts in worship 
  • The role of spirituality in counselling 
  • Character and virtue ethics in theological education 

The Gospels and Jesus

Researchers: Cor Bennema (lead person), Graham Twelftree, Julie Robb, Andy Everhart, Andrea Hartmann, Tim Carter 

The person and work of Jesus Christ is central to Christianity. LST has a rich history in biblical scholarship over the decades, especially the study of the gospels. We aim to build on this heritage and focus in particular on the Gospels and the person of Jesus Christ.  

  • Synoptic and Johannine studies 
  • Jesus Christ in history and theology 
  • The use of the Old Testament by the Gospel writers 
  • Theological interpretation of Scripture and its use within traditions