Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Dr. Ishaya Anthony is a distinguished scholar and researcher specializing in religion, theology, and education sciences. With over a decade of experience in academia, community service, and pastoral care, he has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary research on religion, public theology, and media studies. His scholarly pursuits focus on the intersection of faith, contemporary global issues, and social justice, making him a key voice in theological discourse. Currently, he is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, where he continues to advance knowledge in religious studies.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Dr. Anthony holds a PhD in Religion & Theology, with a specialization in Education Sciences, from the University of the Western Cape and Ghent University. His doctoral research explored public pedagogy and the socio-political economy of religious media in Nigeria. He also earned a Master of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies from the University of Geneva and the Ecumenical Institute, a Master of Theology in Practical Theology from Stellenbosch University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology. His academic foundation was laid at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, where he completed a Bachelor of Divinity degree.
Experience
Dr. Anthony has extensive experience in both academic and ecclesiastical settings. He is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Religion Studies, where he is engaged in high-level theological and social research. Previously, he served as a research associate at Stellenbosch University and contributed to various research groups, including those focused on culture, education, and religion in media. His pastoral roles include serving as a priest-in-charge and parish priest in various Anglican communities in South Africa and Nigeria. Additionally, he has been actively involved in ecumenical initiatives, including an internship at the World Council of Churches and a research visit to the Vatican.
Research Interest
Dr. Anthony’s research interests encompass religion and media, public theology, ecumenical studies, homiletics, and the intersection of faith with socio-political realities. His work critically examines how religious institutions and leaders navigate contemporary global challenges, including corruption, human dignity, and social transformation. His research contributions aim to provide theological insights that influence public discourse and policy, particularly in African contexts.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Anthony has received multiple honors for his contributions to theology, community service, and academic research. In December 2020, he was recognized for his role as an outstanding community leader and role model. He was also honored for his service as an Assistant Anglican Chaplain at Stellenbosch University in 2017. Additionally, he has been a recipient of prestigious academic scholarships, including the Ecumenical Formation Scholarship from the World Council of Churches and a conference grant from the United Society Partners in the Gospel (USPG).
Publications
Dr. Anthony has authored several impactful academic works. His notable publications include:
“Reimagining Ecumenical Theology: Towards Promoting the African Union Agenda 2063,” accepted by the Journal of Religious and Theological Information (2024).
“Trajectories in the Study of Preaching in Africa,” a forthcoming book chapter in A Companion to Preaching and the Sermon, 1890–2010 (Brill, 2024).
“Media Trajectories of the Anglican Church in Nigeria from 1853-2020,” published in Alternation Special Edition 38c (2021).
“Prophetic Preaching as Public Theological Engagement in a Context of Socio-Political Fear,” published in the International Journal of Public Theology (2021).
“New Nigeria: A Socio-Religious Dimension of Prophetic Envisioning,” published in HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies (2018).
Prophetic Preaching in a Context of Corruption in Nigeria, Master’s thesis (2017).
Preaching Human Dignity: Reflection on the Death Penalty, Postgraduate Diploma thesis (2014).
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