Dr Christian Stephens

B. Ex. Sc (ACU), MPhil (NDA), MA (CIS), PhD (c)
Lecturer in Philosophy and Theology

Email: christian.stephens@nd.edu.au

  • Biography

    Christian Stephens has been lecturing and tutoring in the School of Philosophy and Theology since 2012. Since 2026 he has also been the Director of Human Formation at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney.

  • Teaching Areas

    • Introductions to Philosophy and Theology
    • Fundamental Theology
    • Moral Theology
    • Spiritual Theology
    • Faith and Reason
    • Philosophy of the Human Person
    • Virtue Ethics and Personalism

  • Book Chapters

    • Stephens, Christian. "Are Images of Christ owed latria?" In Christology at the Beginning of the Third Millennium. Forthcoming.
    • Stephens, Christian. “Punishment in the Eschaton: C.S. Lewis’ imagination at the service of Aquinas’ theory.” In Eschatology at the Beginning of the Third Millennium, edited by Kevin Wagner et al. Pickwick, 2025.
    • Stephens, Christian. "Rediscovering Old Solutions to New Problems: From Slogans and Streaming to Wisdom and Enlightenment." In Education in an Age of Lies and Fake News: Regaining a Love of Truth, edited by Jānis Tālivaldis Ozoliņš. Routledge, 2022.
    • Stephens, Christian, “Revelation and Truth.” In An Introduction to Philosophy and Theology within Catholic Liberal Education, edited by Angus Brook. McGraw-Hill, 2015.
    • Stephens, Christian, “The Theological Virtues.” In An Introduction to Philosophy and Theology within Catholic Liberal Education, edited by Angus Brook. McGraw-Hill, 2015.
    • Stephens, C. & Morrissey, P., “Moral Theology.” In An Introduction to Philosophy and Theology within Catholic Liberal Education, edited by Angus Brook. McGraw-Hill, 2015.
    • Stephens, Christian, “Ultimate Happiness.” In An Introduction to Philosophy and Theology within Catholic Liberal Education, edited by Angus Brook. McGraw-Hill, 2015.
    • Stephens, C. & Brook, A., “Philosophical and Theological Reflection.” In An Introduction to Philosophy and Theology within Catholic Liberal Education, edited by Angus Brook. McGraw-Hill, 2015.

  • Journal Articles and Proceedings

    • Stephens, Christian. "Catholic or Utopian? Two Irreconcilable Views about Moral 'Ideals' in Veritatis Splendor." Nova et Vetera 18, no. 1 (2020): 1-13.
    • Stephens, Christian. "Mary and Youthfulness." Apostles of Mary 39, no. 4 (2018): 20-32.
    • Stephens, Christian. "Theology of the Body." Inform, no. 147 (2014).

  • Conference Papers

    • "Are Images of Christ owed Latria?" at Christology in the Third Millenium, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, 7th February 2026
    • “The Great Divorce and Punishment in the Eschaton” at Eschatology in the Third Millenium, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, 10th February 2024.
    • "Screwtape, Acedia and Curiositas: Diagnosing the Contemporary Crisis in Moral Education" at Truth, Lies, Fake News & Moral Education, the World Conference of Catholic University Institutions of Philosophy, Sydney, 28th May 2019.
    • "Is the moral good an ideal? An analysis of St John Paul II's Veritatis Splendor" at a Symposium on the 25th Anniversary of Veritatis Splendor, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, 18th October, 2018.
    • "Radical Inclusivity and Radical Exclusivity: St Thomas on the Unity of the Church" at Ecclesiology in the Third Millenium, Notre Dame, Sydney, 23rd February 2018.
    • "Aquinas and Imperfect Happiness" at Ethics, Virtue and the Catholic Tradition, Notre Dame, Sydney, 30th August 2017.

  • In the Media

    Christian has contributed numerous articles to The Catholic Weekly, as well as appearing on some Youtube and podcast shows.

  • Professional Affiliations

    Member of the Catholic Scholars Guild

    Member of the International Working Group, "Vatican II: Renewal within Tradition."

  • Community Engagement

    Dr Stephens is a frequent speaker at parishes and retreats all over Sydney. He has also been frequently involved in Professional Development sessions for teachers from across NSW.

  • Awards

    • University Letter of Merit (2021)
    • Vice-Chancellors Award for Initiatives enhancing Student Learning (2014)
    • Numerous School Letters of Merit in Teaching

  • Other

    Christian has served/is serving on the School of Philosophy and Theology Learning and Teaching Committee, the First-Year Experience Committee, and the Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology's Faculty Board, as well as groups overseeing the creation and implementation of the University's Core Curriculum.