Norman Wirzba

Norman Wirzba is a distinguished scholar, theologian, and author known for his work at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and ecology. He currently serves as a professor of theology, ecology, and the environment at Duke Divinity School, where he is also the director of the Environmental and Climate Justice Initiative. With a deep commitment to exploring how faith intersects with the care of creation, Wirzba has written extensively on the theological implications of food, land, and environmental stewardship.

Wirzba earned his Ph.D. in theology from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where he developed a passion for examining the role of creation care within the Christian faith. His work draws heavily on the writings of early Christian thinkers, as well as contemporary ecological movements, to show how a theology of creation can guide Christians in living more sustainably and justly.

One of his most influential books, Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating, explores the connections between food, faith, and the environment, challenging readers to rethink how food choices reflect deeper theological beliefs and practices. Wirzba emphasizes that food is not just a commodity but a gift from God, and how we treat food and the land speaks to the larger issues of justice, sustainability, and creation care.

In addition to his academic work, Wirzba is a frequent speaker at conferences and events that focus on environmental ethics and faith-based activism. His research contributes to the growing conversation about how religious communities can respond to the ecological crises facing the planet today. Norman Wirzba’s commitment to a holistic Christian view of creation, alongside his ability to connect theology and ecology, has made him a prominent voice in the dialogue between faith and the environment.