John Philip Newell

Distinguished Visiting Scholar of Spirituality

Bio

John Philip Newell, a Church of Scotland minister whose Ph.D. is from the University of Edinburgh, is internationally acclaimed for his work in the field of Celtic spirituality and his commitment to interfaith relationship and peacemaking. In his contributions at Iliff and in his inaugural lecture, he will draw from the Celtic understanding of Earth’s sacredness that is reflected in many other great religious traditions, and he will explore the implication of this for the work of spiritual and theological transformation in our lives and our world. While at Iliff, Newell will lead one course each spring for students and the community.

The author of more than 15 books, including The Rebirthing of God, Christianity’s Struggle for New Beginnings, Listening for the Heartbeat of God, Praying with the Earth, and A New Harmony: the Spirit, the Earth, & the Human Soul, he is also the recipient of the 2011 Contemplative Voices Award from the Shalem Institute, Washington, D.C. In addition, he is the co-founder of Heartbeat: A Journey Towards Earth’s Wellbeing.

Newell will be teaching and lecturing in his role as Distinguished Visiting Scholar of Spirituality during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 academic years. View the video of John Philip Newell’s inaugural lecture at Iliff, May 12, 2015.