Steffen Lösel
- ThD, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany, 1999
- MDiv, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany, 1994
- MA, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, PA, 1991
The Rev. Dr. Steffen Lösel, who came to Candler in 2002, focuses his research on Roman Catholic theology, with special emphasis on liturgical theology, the political mission of the church, and the relationship of theology and music and architecture. He has published a book on Hans Urs von Balthasar’s theology of the cross and numerous articles on various other aspects of von Balthasar’s theology, as well as on ecumenical ecclesiology and political theology.
Currently, Lösel is working on a theological commentary on the Johannine Epistles for Westminster John Knox’s “Belief” series, and a monograph that explores theological dimensions in the operatic works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, for which he has received a Henry Luce III Fellowship in Theology.
An ordained pastor in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Bavaria, Lösel has ministered in the correctional system and the local church. He is a board member of the Aquinas Center in Theology at Emory University and is a member of several scholarly associations.
In 2012-2013 and the 2016-2017 school years, Lösel received Candler’s “On Eagle’s Wings” Excellence in Teaching Award for faithful and dedicated service.
Selected Publications
Books
Theological Anthropology in Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito, Sin, Grace, and Conversion, Routledge, 2022
Editor and contributor,Reformed Sacramentality, Liturgical Press, 2017
Kreuzwege: Ein ökumenisches Gespräch mit Hans Urs von Balthasar, Verlag Ferdinand Schöningh, 2001
Chapters and Articles
"Monostatos: Racism," in Die Zauberflöte,” Soundings: An Interdisciplinary Journal 102, no. 4 November 01, 2019
“Church, Theology, and the Holiness of God,” The Scottish Journal of Theology, vol. 72, no. 2, Cambridge Core, April 03, 2019
“Clemency and Conversion: Theological Reflection on Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito,” Modern Theology, vol. 34, no. 4, John Wiley & Sons, July 17, 2018
"In Need of God: Mozart, Faith, and Così fan tutte." Theology Today, vol. 74, no. 2, July 01, 2017
"You Can't Have Cyril's Cake and Eat It, Too: Christological Conundrums in Christ the Key." Theology Today, vol. 68, no. 3, Sage, October 01, 2011
"The Kirchenkampf of the Countercultural Colony: A Critical Response," Theology Today, vol. 67, no. 3, Sage, October 01, 2010
"Fighting for Human Dignity: A Christian Vision for Punishment Reform," Political Theology, vol. 11, issue 2, Maney Publishing, June 01, 2010
"'May Such Great Effort Not Be in Vain': Mozart on Divine Love, Judgment, and Retribution," The Journal of Religion, vol. 89, no. 3, University of Chicago Press, July 01, 2009
"Prayer, Pain, and Priestly Privilege: Claude Langlois' New Perspective on Thérèse of Lisieux," The Journal of Religion, vol. 88, no. 3, University of Chicago Press, July 01, 2008
"Conciliar, Not Conciliatory: Von Balthasar's Ecclesiological Synthesis of Vatican II," Modern Theology, vol. 24, issue 1, John Wiley & Sons, December 10, 2007
"Guidance from the Gaps: The Holy Spirit, Ecclesial Authority, and the Principle of Juxtaposition," Scottish Journal of Theology, vol. 59, issue 2, Cambridge University Press, May 17, 2006
"Theologia Cantans: Mozart on Love, Forgiveness, and the Kenosis of Patriarchy," Soundings: An Interdisciplinary Journal, Penn State University Press, 2006
Selected Awards
On Eagle's Wings Excellence in Teaching Award, Candler School of Theology, 2016-17.
University Research Council Grant, Emory University
On Eagle's Wings Excellence in Teaching Award, Candler School of Theology, 2012-2013
Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology, 2013-14.
Faculty Research Grant, Candler School of Theology
Christian Faith and Life Grant, The Louisville Institute
Fellow in the European Studies Seminar, Emory University
Luce Faculty Fellowship, Society for the Arts in Religious and Theological Studies
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Dissertation Fellowship, 1995-1998.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Fellowship for Master's Studies, 1991-1993.
The Reformation at 501 Years - Response to Presentations by Amy E. Marga, associate professor of systematic theology and division chair for history and theology at Luther Seminary, and Deanna A. Thompson, professor of religion at Hamline University, October 25, 2018
Service of Word and Table, Cannon Chapel, November 15, 2016
Moderator - "Unfinished Worlds: Jürgen Moltmann at 90" Academic Conference, Cannon Chapel, October 19, 2016
Selected Courses
Modern Catholicism
Ecclesiologies in Action
Introduction to Systematic Theology
Liturgy and Architecture in Western Sacramental Traditions
Theological Proposals for Criminal Punishment Reform
Theology, Art and Urban Spaces
Theology and Religion in Cuba (Cuba Travel Seminar)