Jonathan Birch

Biography

Jonathan Birch is an intellectual historian who works on the reception of the Bible in Western thought. With a background in philosophy (BA Hons, MA) and the New Testament and its modern reception (PhD), his primary research interest is the relationship between biblical hermeneutics and modern philosophy during the intellectual ferment of the European Enlightenment. Jonathan has enjoyed an eight year relationship with Theology and Religious Studies at Glasgow: initially as a doctoral student, and now as an early career academic. His current research remit is to raise the profile of the university's special collections of religious books, especially those concerning the New Testament and its modern reception. By vocational training Jonathan is a teacher (PGCE, QTS), and this remains his first love as a professional academic. With thirteen years experience, from high school to post-graduate, Jonathan has taught thousands of students in the UK. In addition to university teaching in Glasgow, Jonathan worked in widening participation for six years with the Recruitment and International Office, delivering programmes in schools throughout the West of Scotland to facilitate successful progression to higher education. As an assessment professional, Jonathan has served as a senior GCSE Religious Studies examiner, principal A Level philosophy examiner and lead examination writer. As of 2015, he will join a new A Level philosophy specification, leading the assessment process as principal examiner in the philosophy of religion and epistemology.

Research Interest

The New Testament and its reception Religion and the Enlightenment Philosophy of religion Religion and science Christian theology Religion and film