J. Todd Billings

J. Todd Billings is a distinguished theologian, author, and professor known for his profound reflections on Reformed theology, suffering, and the Christian hope. He serves as the Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he has taught since 2005. Billings is recognized for his ability to bridge academic rigor with pastoral sensitivity, offering insights that resonate with scholars, clergy, and laypeople alike.

A graduate of Wheaton College, Billings earned his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Theology from Harvard Divinity School. His scholarly work focuses on topics such as the theology of the sacraments, the nature of union with Christ, and the role of lament in the Christian life. His books, including Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church, Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life in Christ, and The End of the Christian Life: How Embracing Our Mortality Frees Us to Truly Live, have garnered widespread acclaim for their depth, accessibility, and spiritual richness.

Billings’ personal journey profoundly shapes his work. Diagnosed with an incurable cancer in 2012, he has written candidly about how this experience deepened his understanding of God’s grace and the Christian hope in the face of mortality. His reflections invite readers into a richer faith that embraces both the joy and sorrow of life.

In addition to his writing and teaching, Billings is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He is deeply committed to the life of the church, serving as a preacher, teacher, and mentor to students and pastors.

Through his scholarship, pastoral engagement, and personal witness, J. Todd Billings continues to inspire and challenge others to live more fully in the light of God’s eternal promises.