About me

Hi, I’m Stephen Garner and I’m currently a lecturer in Practical Theology at the School of Theology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, where I lecture in contextual theology, ethics, spirituality, popular culture, and science-technology-religion interaction (See my profile here). As well as being a theologian I have an academic and commercial background in Computer Science.

My research interests include Christian anthropology, the doctrine of creation, eschatology, and the relationships of theology and religion with science, technology and media. I’m also interested in the interaction of spirituality with technology, and social justice issues relating to technology and the environment. (My PhD thesis was concerned with the interaction of the Christian doctrine of the imago Dei with emergent digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, particularly within the context of transhumanist thought.)

I’ve lectured Theology and Biblical Studies over the past few years at the Bible College of New Zealand (before it became Laidlaw College) and Carey Baptist College. I’ve also done eLearning work with those institutions as well as with Good Shepherd College.

I read and watch a lot of science fiction (Babylon 5, the new Battlestar Galactica, and Firefly are favourites), as well as historical novels, non-fiction books and documentaries. I also have a soft spot for cooking shows and comic books. In an perfect world I’ll have time to write the definitive paper on the use of traditional eschatologies within the superhero narratives of contemporary comic books.

Most of my life (including now) I’ve been part of the Presbyterian church, with occasional excurses into the Anglican tradition.

During the rugby (union) season you’ll find me supporting the Hurricanes in the Super 14, and the Wellington Lions in the provincial championship. In summer it’s the Wellington Firebirds cricket team. (I bleed black and gold)

I’m married to Kim, and we have four children.

A old list of my theology and computer science publications and presentations can be found here.