We are always excited to hear about the ongoing achievements and collaborations of our UCSIA Summer School alumni! Dr. Nathan R. B. Loewen, an alumnus of the 2011 cohort, shared how his experience in Antwerp continues to shape his academic journey and global connections.
Sustaining Academic Friendships
Dr. Loewen and his fellow 2011 Summer School participants have maintained a strong academic and personal bond over the years. Their collaborations extend beyond online discussions, with alumni guest lecturing in each other’s classrooms and sharing insights across disciplines. This Spring (2025), he welcomed fellow UCSIA Summer School alumnus Dr. Renny Thomas to his campus for lectures in Asian Studies and Religious Studies.
Advancing the Global-Critical Philosophy of Religion
Dr. Loewen’s primary research focuses on the Global-Critical Philosophy of Religion project, a scholarly initiative deeply connected to his UCSIA Summer School experience. His work challenges traditional paradigms in philosophy of religion by incorporating cross-cultural perspectives and critical global analysis.
Some of his recent and forthcoming publications include:
- Diversifying Philosophy of Religion (2023), co-authored with Agnieszka Rostalska (Ghent University)
- Engaging Philosophies of Religion (2024), co-edited with Gereon Kopf and Purushottama Bilimoria
- Philosophies of Self: A Cross-Cultural Introduction (2025, in progress)
Leadership in Global-Critical Scholarship
As chair of the Global-Critical Philosophy of Religion program unit at the American Academy of Religion, Dr. Loewen continues to advance interdisciplinary scholarship. Last year’s theme, “Theodicies Under Suspicion”, resonates deeply with UCSIA’s mission, questioning how theodicies function in legitimizing socio-economic orders and political-imperial powers rather than solely addressing theological concerns.
About Dr. Nathan R. B. Loewen
Nathan Loewen earned his PhD in 2009 in Modern Philosophy of Religion at McGill University’s School of Religious Studies. He was a lecturer at McGill University (2005-2009) and in the Department of Humanities at Vanier College (2009-14), both in Montreal, Canada.
Currently, he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at The University of Alabama, where he also serves as Faculty Technology Liaison for the College of Arts and Sciences. His work focuses on philosophy of religion, global-critical approaches to religious studies, and digital pedagogy. He is actively involved in initiatives that expand the field of religious studies beyond Western-centric frameworks, integrating interdisciplinary methods and perspectives.
We celebrate Dr. Loewen’s ongoing contributions to academia and are proud to see UCSIA Summer School alumni fostering international collaborations and shaping global debates.
Are you a UCSIA alumnus with exciting news to share? Get in touch with us!