Barnabas Aspray

Junior Research Fellow in Religion and the Frontier Challenges

It took a long time for me to realise that I am a philosophical theologian. My first degree was Computer Science at Exeter University. After that I worked as a software engineer for the BBC. Then I went to Vancouver to complete a Masters in biblical studies, then to Cambridge for a systematic theology MPhil. My PhD finally hit the spot. Also done at Cambridge, it explores the theological potential in Paul Ricœur’s philosophy of finitude, especially in relation to evil, transcendence, and creation.

My current project applies philosophical theology to difficult ethical questions around refugees, asylum, and immigration. It is also practical, looking at how Christians around the world are responding to refugees. I’m partnered with Refugee Education UK, a charity which helps refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people build more hopeful futures through education.