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Theodore Dedon

Creighton University, Theology, Faculty Member

Union Theological Seminary, Church History/Theology, Alumnus

Georgetown University, Theology and Religious Studies, Graduate Student

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Theodore Dedon is an Assistant Professor at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and a recent graduate of Georgetown University’s Ph.D. program in Theological and Religious Studies. He specializes in religious pluralism with an interest in religion and international affairs, the relationship between Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians, and also political theology. His dissertation, under the supervision of Fr. Drew Christiansen, S.J., is called “Conciliarity, Nationalism, and the Roman Social Imaginary: A History of Political and Ecclesiastical Ideas on the Separation and Integration of Powers.” In 2020, he received Georgetown University’s most prestigious award given to graduate students, naming him Teacher of the Year in the Humanities for his well-received course called “Religion and International Affairs: Nationalism, Globalism, and Thinking in World Orders.” He has written many articles ranging from the subjects of synodality to nuclear disarmament. When not discussing theology and its impact on the world, he loves to spend time with his wife, Lauren, and their daughters Anastasia Sophia and Hildegard.
Supervisors: Roger Haight, Gerard Mannion, Leo Lefebure, Drew Christiansen, and Jose Casanova

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Johannes Zachhuber

University of Oxford

The University of Texas at Austin

Australian Catholic University

Armando Salvatore

McGill University

Alejandra B Osorio

Wellesley College

Martin van Bruinessen

Universiteit Utrecht

Cristiana Facchini

Università di Bologna

Kansas State University

Shaun Gallagher

University of Memphis

University of East London

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Papers by Theodore Dedon

Synodality, Barlaam of Calabria on the Papacy, and Conciliar Theory

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, Dec 31, 2022

Religious Nationalism

Book Review: Understanding World Christianity: Russia

International bulletin of mission research, Aug 18, 2022

what a difficult question it is. Overall, this is a book to be recommended. It would have been im... more

Spiritual Warfare and the Struggle for Apatheia

Gorgias Press eBooks, Dec 31, 2015

Propaganda for Peace

Georgetown University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2023

Propaganda for Peace

Georgetown University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2023

Nationalism/Anti-Nationalism

Encyclopedia of the Bible Online, Apr 12, 2022

From Julius Evola to Anders Breivik: The Invented Tradition of Far-Right Christianity

Philanthropia as God’s Loving-Kindness: Origen of Alexandria and His Theology of Love

Spiritual Warfare And The Struggle For Apatheia

Syrisch-arabische Biographieen des Aristotles. Syrische Commentare zur <i>Eisagoge</i> des Porphyrios, 2016

Book Review: Understanding World Christianity, edited by Charles E. Farhadian

Ecclesiology, 2014

what a difficult question it is. Overall, this is a book to be recommended. It would have been im... more

Fr. John Long on Ukraine Between the Three Romes

Technocracy, Ecological Crisis, and the Parliament of the World's Religions

Buddhist-Christian Studies

THE COUNTER-TERROR CONUNDRUM: Islamism, Ariosophy, and the Challenge of Countering Violent Extremism

This paper will critically assess Daniel Koehler’s radicalization and deradicalization theory in ... more This paper will critically assess Daniel Koehler’s radicalization and deradicalization theory in light of the current landscape of countering violent extremism. It will also address the contours of the field in light of the glaring issue that most research focuses on international terrorism and specifically Islamism when it might be argued it should also more frequently analyze homegrown violent extremism and specifically non-Islamist types. Therefore the recommendation and analysis will focus on what we call Ariosophy, a far-right ideology which is plausibly at the root of many spurious forms of right-wing violent extremism. After analyzing the problems in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism, we will look at two landscapes where there are current and active work being done: Minnesota and Scandinavia. It will conclude with the recommendation that CVE initiatives need to focus more on extremism-itself and less on the counter-terror strategy of the United States, opening up the challenge to work done by civil society, and not just the national security apparatus.

THE THIRD JIHAD: 'Abd al-Ghanī al-Nābulusī and the Possibility of a Social Jihād

This paper seeks to analyze the life and thought of ‘Abd al-Ghanī al-Nābulusī (1641-1731) in ligh... more This paper seeks to analyze the life and thought of ‘Abd al-Ghanī al-Nābulusī (1641-1731) in light of his conception of the two jihāds. The argument rests on the notion that by this analysis, it is possible to contend that for Nābulusī there may be a third jihād pertaining to the elevation of Islamic society, deployed by the elect. It will begin with a description of how the model for and distinction between the two jihāds operates in his thought, and how they may be blended or share some common unity. Then it will discuss Nābulusī’s commitment to Ibn ‘Arabī’s notion of wahdat al-wujud, paying particular attention to how this may operate in light of the reality of sin. Further, it will engage his social activism, his commitment to the idea of an elect, and his political-legal struggles in Damascene society as it related to Ottoman officials, jurists, reactionaries, and the common folk. It will conclude with the suggestion that in light of these three constitutive elements, it may be suggested that the possibility of a third understanding of jihād arises in the life and thought of Nābulusī. It is not to say that this third way is in fact articulated by Nābulusī, but it is to say that there is a possible framework for understanding his social activism in Islamic society, by considering these elements together. It is that for Nābulusī the elite—the people of perfection—must struggle not only against infidels and the temptations of the heart, but against Muslims led astray. This is all so that Islamic society may mirror the perfection of God.

THE COMMON CAUSE IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY: Nikolai Federov and Jacques Ellul on Technology, Ecology, and Design

This paper seeks to disrupt a common argument in the discourse of ecology and religion. It is cur... more This paper seeks to disrupt a common argument in the discourse of ecology and religion. It is currently a normative claim that technology is either a major factor in the human root of the ecological crisis or, indeed, its cause. Discussing the thought of Nikolai Federov (1828-1903) and Jacques Ellul (1912-1994), it will begin to draw out the potential for a new trajectory for humanity’s relationship with technology, ecology, and social design. Firstly, it will discuss the dichotomy between theologies of stewardship and dominion by analyzing Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, as well as the thought of Lynn White Jr., and Leonardo Boff. Secondly, it will discuss Jacques Ellul on technique, ecological personalism, and Christianity. Thirdly, it will discuss the thought of Nikolai Federov pertaining to the regulation of Nature as a holy endeavor, and humanity’s common task in its quest for immortality and the perfection of social design. Bringing these latter two thinkers together, it seems plausible to suggest there may be a way to synthesize a theology of stewardship and dominion positively. By suggesting that social design is indeed our dominion, which has been abused and misused especially as it relates to the environment, humans have been poor stewards. Against this, utilizing the Cosmic dream of Federov and the Technocratic nightmare of Ellul, there may be a new way to move forward in the quest to more perfectly care for our common home. As it is a struggle of life in the face of death, it will be asked whether it is possible this could be the common cause in our technological society.

Themistian Imperial Virtue and its Potential Application in Institutional Foundations and Social Design

Themistius, a fourth century rhetorician, philosopher, and court-advisor to a variety of Roman em... more Themistius, a fourth century rhetorician, philosopher, and court-advisor to a variety of Roman emperors, served during a time of great transition. He is famous for advising during the shift from the imperial cult religion, forcing him often to develop a synthesis between old world Hellenism and new world Christianity. His major addition to political philosophy of that era is his development of the concept of imperial virtue. To Themistius, imperial virtue was the foundation upon which the imperium rested as a reflection of cosmic order. It was, for him, the feature upon which all institutions rested and upon what basis they may be called valid, binding, or good. Generally, the way this was practiced is an agent—such as a court-advisor—would appeal to the emperor’s individual virtue by asking him to mirror the cosmic goodness which, at that time, was believed to be established by God. The way this worked is the emperor’s virtue would reflect in the imperium and, in turn, the citizenry. This chain of interconnected virtue was the object of Themistius’ orations, seeking to legitimate the foundation upon which the institutionalization of an emperor’s administration may rest. Today, however, we have no such power structure wherein authority is centralized and institutionalized. It is therefore argued that Pope Francis’ Laudato Si demonstrates a recovery of this ancient art-form, yet addresses it to new communities for a new time. Further, it is argued that a recovery of the sense that temporal design—the imperium—must reflect cosmic order even in this day. The discussion rests around the problem of pluralism and the problem of imperial monism, trying to strike a balance wherein institutional foundations may approximate order-itself by way of cosmic—or even divine—appeal. Discussed in some detail are the practices of Themistius, the encyclical of Pope Francis, and the problem of the technocratic and monistic paradigm which denies pluralism, the integrity of nature, and the dignity of the human being. In full, it is suggested that a sense of imperial virtue is helpful in establishing more proper foundations for all institutions in the modern technological imperium.

The Two Jihads: The Role of Theology in Countering Violent Extremism

This article will analyze the problem of religion and violence as a global and local phenomenon. ... more This article will analyze the problem of religion and violence as a global and local phenomenon. It will address current institutional responses to countering violent extremism, and address the factors of radicalization. Specifically looking at the problem of homegrown violent extremists, it will use Minneapolis-St. Paul as a case study, looking at the phenomenon of Somali youths joining ISIL and Al-Shabaab. It will further outline some of the particularly American narratives driving radicalization in this community and others inside national borders, especially paying attention to what is commonly called an “apocalyptic narrative,” or “conspiracy theory.” Finally, it will conclude by asking the question of what, if anything, theology and theologians can add to the conversation. Are there any discernible common denominators in the phenomenon of homegrown radicalization that theologians ought to take more seriously? What will be suggested is that there is. Though only briefly, it will be argued that by writing theology which is both political (outward) and spiritual (inward), there may be something by way of countering and subverting violent extremists through a sense of conversion (a change of heart and mind)—pulling on the precedent of Thomas Aquinas writing for the Cathar heretics for the sake of “winning the peace.” In effect, to use the language of the State Department, it is to give those who have radicalized a chance to “think again, [and] turn away.”

An Examination of the Controversy of Hesychasm and the Prayer of the Heart

Spiritual Warfare and the Struggle for Apatheia: Evagrian Influences on Lorenzo Scupoli

When the devils see that you are really fervent in our prayer they suggest certain matters to you... more When the devils see that you are really fervent in our prayer they suggest certain matters to your mind, giving you the impression there are pressing concerns demanding attention. In a little while they stir up your memory of these matters and move your mind to search into them. Stand resolute, fully intent on your prayer. Pay no heed to the concerns and thoughts that might arise the while. They do nothing better than disturb and upset you so as to dissolve the fixity of your purpose. Evagrius of Pontus, Praktikos 9-10

Synodality, Barlaam of Calabria on the Papacy, and Conciliar Theory

Pathways for ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, Dec 31, 2022

Religious Nationalism

Book Review: Understanding World Christianity: Russia

International bulletin of mission research, Aug 18, 2022

what a difficult question it is. Overall, this is a book to be recommended. It would have been im... more

Spiritual Warfare and the Struggle for Apatheia

Gorgias Press eBooks, Dec 31, 2015

Propaganda for Peace

Georgetown University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2023

Propaganda for Peace

Georgetown University Press eBooks, Feb 1, 2023

Nationalism/Anti-Nationalism

Encyclopedia of the Bible Online, Apr 12, 2022

From Julius Evola to Anders Breivik: The Invented Tradition of Far-Right Christianity

Philanthropia as God’s Loving-Kindness: Origen of Alexandria and His Theology of Love

Spiritual Warfare And The Struggle For Apatheia

Syrisch-arabische Biographieen des Aristotles. Syrische Commentare zur <i>Eisagoge</i> des Porphyrios, 2016

Book Review: Understanding World Christianity, edited by Charles E. Farhadian

Ecclesiology, 2014

what a difficult question it is. Overall, this is a book to be recommended. It would have been im... more

Fr. John Long on Ukraine Between the Three Romes

Technocracy, Ecological Crisis, and the Parliament of the World's Religions

Buddhist-Christian Studies

THE COUNTER-TERROR CONUNDRUM: Islamism, Ariosophy, and the Challenge of Countering Violent Extremism

This paper will critically assess Daniel Koehler’s radicalization and deradicalization theory in ... more This paper will critically assess Daniel Koehler’s radicalization and deradicalization theory in light of the current landscape of countering violent extremism. It will also address the contours of the field in light of the glaring issue that most research focuses on international terrorism and specifically Islamism when it might be argued it should also more frequently analyze homegrown violent extremism and specifically non-Islamist types. Therefore the recommendation and analysis will focus on what we call Ariosophy, a far-right ideology which is plausibly at the root of many spurious forms of right-wing violent extremism. After analyzing the problems in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism, we will look at two landscapes where there are current and active work being done: Minnesota and Scandinavia. It will conclude with the recommendation that CVE initiatives need to focus more on extremism-itself and less on the counter-terror strategy of the United States, opening up the challenge to work done by civil society, and not just the national security apparatus.

THE THIRD JIHAD: 'Abd al-Ghanī al-Nābulusī and the Possibility of a Social Jihād

This paper seeks to analyze the life and thought of ‘Abd al-Ghanī al-Nābulusī (1641-1731) in ligh... more This paper seeks to analyze the life and thought of ‘Abd al-Ghanī al-Nābulusī (1641-1731) in light of his conception of the two jihāds. The argument rests on the notion that by this analysis, it is possible to contend that for Nābulusī there may be a third jihād pertaining to the elevation of Islamic society, deployed by the elect. It will begin with a description of how the model for and distinction between the two jihāds operates in his thought, and how they may be blended or share some common unity. Then it will discuss Nābulusī’s commitment to Ibn ‘Arabī’s notion of wahdat al-wujud, paying particular attention to how this may operate in light of the reality of sin. Further, it will engage his social activism, his commitment to the idea of an elect, and his political-legal struggles in Damascene society as it related to Ottoman officials, jurists, reactionaries, and the common folk. It will conclude with the suggestion that in light of these three constitutive elements, it may be suggested that the possibility of a third understanding of jihād arises in the life and thought of Nābulusī. It is not to say that this third way is in fact articulated by Nābulusī, but it is to say that there is a possible framework for understanding his social activism in Islamic society, by considering these elements together. It is that for Nābulusī the elite—the people of perfection—must struggle not only against infidels and the temptations of the heart, but against Muslims led astray. This is all so that Islamic society may mirror the perfection of God.

THE COMMON CAUSE IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY: Nikolai Federov and Jacques Ellul on Technology, Ecology, and Design

This paper seeks to disrupt a common argument in the discourse of ecology and religion. It is cur... more This paper seeks to disrupt a common argument in the discourse of ecology and religion. It is currently a normative claim that technology is either a major factor in the human root of the ecological crisis or, indeed, its cause. Discussing the thought of Nikolai Federov (1828-1903) and Jacques Ellul (1912-1994), it will begin to draw out the potential for a new trajectory for humanity’s relationship with technology, ecology, and social design. Firstly, it will discuss the dichotomy between theologies of stewardship and dominion by analyzing Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, as well as the thought of Lynn White Jr., and Leonardo Boff. Secondly, it will discuss Jacques Ellul on technique, ecological personalism, and Christianity. Thirdly, it will discuss the thought of Nikolai Federov pertaining to the regulation of Nature as a holy endeavor, and humanity’s common task in its quest for immortality and the perfection of social design. Bringing these latter two thinkers together, it seems plausible to suggest there may be a way to synthesize a theology of stewardship and dominion positively. By suggesting that social design is indeed our dominion, which has been abused and misused especially as it relates to the environment, humans have been poor stewards. Against this, utilizing the Cosmic dream of Federov and the Technocratic nightmare of Ellul, there may be a new way to move forward in the quest to more perfectly care for our common home. As it is a struggle of life in the face of death, it will be asked whether it is possible this could be the common cause in our technological society.

Themistian Imperial Virtue and its Potential Application in Institutional Foundations and Social Design

Themistius, a fourth century rhetorician, philosopher, and court-advisor to a variety of Roman em... more Themistius, a fourth century rhetorician, philosopher, and court-advisor to a variety of Roman emperors, served during a time of great transition. He is famous for advising during the shift from the imperial cult religion, forcing him often to develop a synthesis between old world Hellenism and new world Christianity. His major addition to political philosophy of that era is his development of the concept of imperial virtue. To Themistius, imperial virtue was the foundation upon which the imperium rested as a reflection of cosmic order. It was, for him, the feature upon which all institutions rested and upon what basis they may be called valid, binding, or good. Generally, the way this was practiced is an agent—such as a court-advisor—would appeal to the emperor’s individual virtue by asking him to mirror the cosmic goodness which, at that time, was believed to be established by God. The way this worked is the emperor’s virtue would reflect in the imperium and, in turn, the citizenry. This chain of interconnected virtue was the object of Themistius’ orations, seeking to legitimate the foundation upon which the institutionalization of an emperor’s administration may rest. Today, however, we have no such power structure wherein authority is centralized and institutionalized. It is therefore argued that Pope Francis’ Laudato Si demonstrates a recovery of this ancient art-form, yet addresses it to new communities for a new time. Further, it is argued that a recovery of the sense that temporal design—the imperium—must reflect cosmic order even in this day. The discussion rests around the problem of pluralism and the problem of imperial monism, trying to strike a balance wherein institutional foundations may approximate order-itself by way of cosmic—or even divine—appeal. Discussed in some detail are the practices of Themistius, the encyclical of Pope Francis, and the problem of the technocratic and monistic paradigm which denies pluralism, the integrity of nature, and the dignity of the human being. In full, it is suggested that a sense of imperial virtue is helpful in establishing more proper foundations for all institutions in the modern technological imperium.

The Two Jihads: The Role of Theology in Countering Violent Extremism

This article will analyze the problem of religion and violence as a global and local phenomenon. ... more This article will analyze the problem of religion and violence as a global and local phenomenon. It will address current institutional responses to countering violent extremism, and address the factors of radicalization. Specifically looking at the problem of homegrown violent extremists, it will use Minneapolis-St. Paul as a case study, looking at the phenomenon of Somali youths joining ISIL and Al-Shabaab. It will further outline some of the particularly American narratives driving radicalization in this community and others inside national borders, especially paying attention to what is commonly called an “apocalyptic narrative,” or “conspiracy theory.” Finally, it will conclude by asking the question of what, if anything, theology and theologians can add to the conversation. Are there any discernible common denominators in the phenomenon of homegrown radicalization that theologians ought to take more seriously? What will be suggested is that there is. Though only briefly, it will be argued that by writing theology which is both political (outward) and spiritual (inward), there may be something by way of countering and subverting violent extremists through a sense of conversion (a change of heart and mind)—pulling on the precedent of Thomas Aquinas writing for the Cathar heretics for the sake of “winning the peace.” In effect, to use the language of the State Department, it is to give those who have radicalized a chance to “think again, [and] turn away.”

An Examination of the Controversy of Hesychasm and the Prayer of the Heart

Spiritual Warfare and the Struggle for Apatheia: Evagrian Influences on Lorenzo Scupoli

When the devils see that you are really fervent in our prayer they suggest certain matters to you... more When the devils see that you are really fervent in our prayer they suggest certain matters to your mind, giving you the impression there are pressing concerns demanding attention. In a little while they stir up your memory of these matters and move your mind to search into them. Stand resolute, fully intent on your prayer. Pay no heed to the concerns and thoughts that might arise the while. They do nothing better than disturb and upset you so as to dissolve the fixity of your purpose. Evagrius of Pontus, Praktikos 9-10