Dr. Hank Spaulding is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Wesley Seminary. He teaches courses in theology, ethics, and philosophy, with particular focus on Karl Barth, Augustine, and the Wesleyan tradition. His research explores the intersections of time, virtue, and vulnerability, as well as the ethical challenges of modernity. He is the author of several forthcoming works, including projects on Bonhoeffer, Christian time, and theological virtue.
An ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, Dr. Spaulding also serves in pastoral leadership, connecting rigorous theological study with the life of the Church and the work of justice in the world. He enjoys mentoring students, leading discussions that connect classic texts with contemporary issues, and supporting the spiritual formation of future Christian leaders.
Hank and his wife, Michaela, live in Indiana with their beloved dog, Milly, who ensures there is always joy and laughter in their home. A deep commitment to faith, scholarship, and community marks his life and work.
PHD
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2018
Theology/Ethics
MTS
Duke University Divinity School, 2013
Theological Studies
BA
Trevecca Nazarene University, 2010
Pastoral Ministry/Philosophy
Learn more about Hank's education, professional experience, and more!
Book Reviews
- Review of Tobias Winright’s Serve and Protext: Selected Essays on Just Policing. (Eugene: Cascade Books. 2020). Studies in Christian Ethics. (Forthcoming)
- Review of Bradley B. Burroughs, Christianity, Politics, and the Predicament of Evil: A Constructive Theological Ethic of Soulcraft and Statecraft ” Studies in Christian Ethics Volume 34, Issue 2. Pp. 244-246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0953946820984085
- Review of Kevin Hargaden, Theological Ethics in a Neoliberal Age: Confronting the Christian Problem with Wealth (Eugene: Cascade Books. 2018). https://barth.ptsem.edu/theological-ethics-in-a-neoliberal-age/
- Review of Christianity, politics, and the predicament of evil: A constructive theological ethic of Soulcraft and Statecraft, Burroughs, Bradley B. (pp. ix– 248). Lanham: Lexington Books https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dial.12634
- Review of Messianic Political Theology and Diaspora Ethics: Essays in Exile, by P. Travis Kroeker, Reading Religion: Journal of the AAR. http://readingreligion.org/books/messianic-political-theology-and-diaspora-ethics
- Review of Militant Grace: The Apocalyptic Turn and the Future of Theology, by Philip Zeigler, Reading Religion: Journal of the AAR. 11/30/18, http://readingreligion.org/books/militant-grace
Journal Articles
- “Covid Capitalism: Economic Pressure and Christian Healthcare Ethics.” Review & Expositor. 2022, Vol. 119 (1-2). 86-99.
- “The Loophole of Retreat: Charles Wesley’s Political Worship,” Wesleyan Theological Journal. Fall 2021.
- “Embracing Finitude: Lament, War, and Pilgrimage.” Macrina Magazine Issue #7: Finitude. March 22, 2021. https://macrinamagazine.com/issue-7-finitude/guest/2021/05/22/embracing-finitude-lament-war-and-pilgrimage/
- With Marc Bragin, “Making Room for Both Inclusion and Dissent,” Interfaith America. November 4, 2020. https://ifyc.org/article/making-room-both-dissent-and-inclusion
- “Speech in the Order of Virtue: Freedom of Speech as an Act of Solidarity.” Macrina Magazine Issue #5: Solidarity. Sept. 19, 2020. https://macrinamagazine.com/issue-5-solidarity/guest/2020/09/19/speech-in-the-order-of-virtue-freedom-of-speech-as-an-act-of-solidarity/
- “Can You Say Patience?” Macrina Magazine Issue #3: Time. March 7, 2020. https://macrinamagazine.com/amp/theology/guest/2020/03/07/can-you-say-patience/
- “The Just and Erotic Gaze: Iris Murdoch’s Moral Ontology,” Studies in the Literary Imagination. 51.2, Fall 2018.
- “Sanctifying Atonement.” Wesleyan Theological Journal. Spring 2015. Vol. 50. No. 1. 2015.
- “The Lacerated God: Towards a Theology of Self-Mutilation.” Journal of Youth Ministry. Spring 2012. Vol. 10, No. 2.
- “Empire, Evil, Eschaton, and Location of Forgiveness as a Political/Apocalyptic Act.” Wesleyan Theological Journal. Spring 2012. Vol. 47. No. 1.
- “Be Ye Holy As I Am Holy: The Implications of Wesleyan Theological Aesthetics For Entire Sanctification Language.” Didache: Faithful Teaching 10:2 (Spring 2011) ISSN: 15360156 (web version) – http://didache.nts.edu
- “Generations” Didache: Faithful Teaching 9:1 (Summer 2009)
- ISSN: 15360156 (web version) – http://didache.nts.edu
Book Chapters
- “Manna or Mammon: Holiness as Economic Theology.” in Renovating Holiness. Ed. Thomas Jay Oord and Josh Broward. (Nampa: SacraSage Press. 2015)
- “The Triune Identity of the Church.” in Essential Church: A Wesleyan Paradigm. Ed. Mark Maddix and Diane LeClarec. (Kansas City: Beacon Hill. 2014).
Books
- Virtue and Vulnerability: Disability, Drones, and Resisting Technological Mastery in Christian Ethics (Waco: Baylor University Press. Forthcoming)
- Sacraments of Liberation: Reclaiming Justice for the Poor and the Planet (London: Seabury. Forthcoming)
- Redeeming Time through Karl Barth and Pauline Apocalyptic Theology and Ethics: The Sacred Gift of Time (London: T&T Clark. Forthcoming)
- The Rhythmn of Grace: A Proposal for Wesleyan Renewal (Eugene: Cascade. Forthcoming).
- Getting the Crucified Down: A Primer in Carceral-Resistant Christian Ethics (Eugene: Cascade. Forthcoming).
- Between Two Gileads: Christian Nationalism, Fundamentalism, Romans 13:1–7, and the Future of Political Theology (Eugene: Cascade. Forthcoming)
- The Just and Loving Gaze of God with Us: Paul’s Apocalyptic, Political Theology. Second Edition. (Eugene: Cascade Books. 2024)
- Iconoclastic Sex: Christian Sexual Ethics and Human Trafficking. (Eugene: Cascade Books. 2024).
- The Just and Loving Gaze of God with Us: Paul’s Apocalyptic, Political Theology. (Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers. 2019)
