Over 45 books in the fields of theology, apologetics, and philosophy form the primary body of work authored or edited by Paul Copan. A specialist in religious thought, he has dedicated his career to examining the intersection of ethics, biblical studies, and the history of ideas, contributing to both academic journals and broader discourse within the American theological landscape.
Academic Foundation
Born in Cleveland in 1962, Copan pursued extensive higher education before entering the professoriate. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies from Columbia International University in 1984. His graduate work included an M.A. in philosophy of religion and an M.Div. at Trinity International University, where he received the Prof. C.B. Bjuge Award. In 2000, he attained his Ph.D. from Marquette University, presenting a dissertation focused on the moral dimensions of Michael Martin’s atheology.
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His academic career includes multiple teaching appointments at institutions such as Trinity International University, Alliance Theological Seminary, and Bethel Seminary. Since 2004, he has served as a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he holds the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics and helped launch a master’s program in philosophy of religion.
Philosophical Inquiries
Much of Copan's research addresses the philosophy of religion, specifically challenging contemporary atheistic arguments. He rejects the notion of atheism as a default position, suggesting that scientific naturalism often relies on arbitrary philosophical pronouncements rather than verifiable scientific data. Additionally, he has engaged in critical analysis of presuppositionalism, arguing that Christian apologists should seek common ground with non-believers through the use of shared logical principles and public evidence.
Old Testament Ethical Research
A significant portion of his scholarship examines ethical challenges found within the Old Testament, particularly accusations regarding genocide and slavery. He posits that violent language, such as the command to "utterly destroy" enemies, should be understood as hyperbole. By comparing these texts to contemporary Near Eastern military records, he suggests such terminology often functioned as rhetorical bravado rather than literal accounts of total annihilation.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, Cleveland, Ohio
- Citizenship: United States
- Current Position: Professor, Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Education: Ph.D., Marquette University
- Religion: Presbyterianism
- Published Works: Over 45 books
- Professional Society Role: Served six years as president of the Evangelical Philosophical Society
Questions readers ask
What is Paul Copan's primary area of study?
He specializes in the philosophy of religion, apologetics, systematic theology, and Old Testament ethics.
Does Copan believe atheism is a default worldview?
No, he argues that the only natural default position is agnosticism, as he considers atheism to be a positive claim to knowledge.
