Stephen Garner
Head of School
Theology
Laidlaw College
New Zealand
Biography
Stephen joined Laidlaw as Head of School - Theology at the start of 2014. With a background in computer science and theology, his research focuses upon theology in dialogue with science, technology and new media, as well religion, media and popular culture. A central theme to Stephen’s research and teaching is that theology must engage with the everyday communities we find ourselves in, seeking to offer something distinctly gospel to church and world. He recently served for four years on the Interchurch Bioethics Council and is currently co-convenor of the PCANZ Leadership Subcommittee. Stephen is married to Kim with four children and they worship at Massey Presbyterian Church.
Research Interest
Theology in dialogue with science, technology and new media, as well religion, media and popular culture.
Publications
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"Christian Theology and Transhumanism: The “Created Co-Creator†and Bioethical Principles." In Religion and Transhumanism: The Unknown Future of Human Enhancement, edited by Calvin R. Mercer and Tracy J. Trothen, 229-244. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 2014.
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"Public Theology through Popular Culture." in The Bible, Justice and Public Theology, edited by David J. Neville, 174-189. Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2014.
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"Jesus Heals? Faith Claims in the Public Square." In Spirituality and Cancer: Christian Encounters, edited by TIm Meadowcroft and Caroline Blyth, 97-114. Auckland: Accent Publications, 2015.
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"Contextual and Public Theology: Passing Fads or Theological Imperatives?" Stimulus 22, no. 1 (2015): 20-28.
