Dr Steve Knowles

Lecturer in Theology

My current interests include examining theological engagements with postmodernism, and exploring the relationship between religion and culture, with a particular focus on the interface between religion and popular music.

Telephone 01244 511075
Email s.knowles@chester.ac.uk

Qualifications

BTh (Liv), PhD (Liv), PGCertHE

Overview

I am a product of the Theology & Religious Studies Department at the University of Chester, having successfully completed all undergraduate and postgraduate study at this institute. After gaining a First Class degree in theology and also being the recipient of the Hollybank Prize for ‘outstanding contribution to theology', I embarked upon postgraduate studies.

The focus of this was analyzing the theological method of Stanley J. Grenz and his engagement with postmodernism. During my time as a doctoral student at Chester, I was invited to teach on a range of theological topics at undergraduate level. On completion of my PhD in 2007 I became a visiting lecturer, increasing my level of responsibility. I was appointed as a full-time member of staff in January 2010.

Teaching

I am part of a team who deliver a variety of modules in theology and religious studies. Although I still have some teaching responsibilities within the subject area of theology my research interests lie in religious studies. I am currently developing modules that examine contemporary spirituality and popular culture at both undergraduate and masters levels, as well as expanding the current provision in philosophy of religion.

Supervision

Current areas of PhD supervision include the mysticism of Matthew Fox and apparitions and the resurrection. I am also happy to receive interest from prospective PhD candidates in the research interest areas listed below.

Research

  • Religion and popular culture
  • Philosophy of religion
  • Influence of spirituality/religion in popular music
  • Charismatic Christianity
  • Postmodern theology
  • Contemporary Apocalyptic Beliefs

Published work

• Beyond Evangelicalism: The Theological Methodology of Stanley J. Grenz (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2010).

• 'Postmodernism: Reasons to be Cheerful', in H. Bacon, W. Morris and S. Knowles (eds), Transforming Exclusion: Engaging with Faith Perspectives (London: T&T Clark, 2011) forthcoming.

• 'Who Cares?' Apocalyptic imagery in the lyrics of Extreme', in C. H. Partridge (ed.), Apocalypse and Popular Music (Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2011), forthcoming.

• ‘Stanley J. Grenz', in New Dictionary of Theology (Leicester: IVP), forthcoming.

Edited Work

• With H. Bacon and W. Morris, Transforming Exclusion: Engaging with Faith Perspectives (London: T&T Clark, 2011).

Current Projects

Currently I am editing a volume with Prof Chris Partridge provisionally entitled, Altered States: Reflections on Induced Transcendence in Popular Culture. This work seeks to engage with and examine notions of transcendence through altered states in the last two hundred years.

Memberships of learned societies

Society of Study of Theology

Mediating Religion Network

American Academy of Religion

Member of steering group for UK Network for Theology & Religious Studies and Popular Culture 

Reviews

I currently review books for the Journal of Religion and Popular Culture.

Who to contact