Michael Durant
Graduate Candidate in History of the Christian Tradition
Michael is a Ph.D. candidate in History of the Christian Tradition, working under Bruce Marshall. Combining his interest in early Christianity with an equal interest in modern theology and philosophy, he is working on the reception of the Greek Fathers in nineteenth-century German Catholic theology. His dissertation is set to explore the influence of the Greek tradition on the thought of Matthias Joseph Scheeben, especially that of Cyril of Alexandria on Scheeben’s pneumatology and its implications for contemporary dialogue among Christian traditions, East and West.
His thesis at KU Leuven dealt with friendship themes in select letters and orations of the Cappadocian Fathers. Michael previously obtained a Master of Theological Studies degree from Boston College (2020), and a Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion (magna cum laude) from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium (2023).
In his spare time he enjoys winter backpacking, classical music, poetry, and the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Prior to his arrival in Dallas, Michael spent some years moving around the country and living overseas. He is a proud Michigander.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Bruce Marshall
Presentations:
“The Art of Appearing Unphilosophical: Grief and Suffering in Gregory Nazianzen’s Account of the Perfect Life.” Paper presented at the 19th International Conference on Patristic Studies, Oxford University, Oxford, UK, August 5-9 2024.
“Soteriology of the Lord’s Prayer in Gregory of Nyssa.” Paper presented at Ad Fontes Academic Week, Newman University, Wichita, Kansas, May 30-June 4, 2022.
“United Bishops and the Boundaries of Communion: The Mediating Role of the Bishop-Priest in Cyprian of Carthage.” Paper presented at the Graduate Conference in Early Christian Studies, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, May 23-25, 2022.
“Kierkegaard, Kenotic Love, and Preservation of the Self.” Paper presented at the AAR/SBL Conference, Kierkegaard, Religion, and Culture Unit, San Diego, California, November 23-26, 2019.
“The Charity of Co-Perception: Hermeneutics and Absolute Prohibitions Against Lying, With Attention to Augustine, Aquinas, and Gadamer.” Paper presented at the Psychology and the Other Conference, Boston College, Newton, Massachusetts, October 4-6, 2019.
“Athanasius, Monergism, and Synergism: Resources for the Mediation of Two ‘Mutually Exclusive’ Positions.” Paper presented at the Pappas Patristics Conference, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, Massachusetts, February 28-March 2, 2019.
Fellowships and Awards:
(Fall 2022-Spring 2023), Peter Kindekens Scholarship, Peter Kindekens Fund, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
