Curriculum Vitae

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Theological Studies (ABD)

Wycliffe College, University of Toronto (2019–Present)
Dissertation: Doxological Atonement: A Liturgical Theology of the Cross
Supervisor: Joseph Mangina

Dissertation Abstract

This dissertation offers a constructive account of the atonement that reframes worship as the organizing principle for interpreting Christ’s atoning work. Drawing on eucharistic practice, eschatological anticipation, and the formation of an inclusive worshipping community, it develops a doxological approach to atonement theology in critical dialogue with penal substitutionary models. Engaging a range of modern theological traditions, and particularly the work of Jürgen Moltmann, the project articulates a liturgically grounded vision of Christian identity shaped by the crucified and risen Christ.

Master of Arts (MA), Theological Studies

McMaster Divinity College (2017–2019)
Supervisor: Steven M. Studebaker

Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE)

Heritage College & Seminary (2016–2017)

Academic Distinctions & Awards

  • Canadian Doctoral Full-Tuition Scholarship — Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
  • The John Billes Scholarship — McMaster Divinity College
  • The Dundas Prize in Church History — McMaster Divinity College
  • The Gerry Benn Award for Christian Education — Heritage College & Seminary
  • Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE), Cum Laude — Heritage College & Seminary

Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant

Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

  • The God of the Gospel: Systematic Theology I (Fall 2024) — tutorials, grading, office hours
  • The Church, the Faith, and Our World (Winter 2024) — tutorials, grading
  • Basics of Preaching (Fall 2022) — grading, instructional support
  • Who Is Jesus? (Winter 2022) — tutorials, grading
  • Introduction to Systematic Theology (Fall 2021) — tutorials, grading

Grading Assistant

Tyndale University

  • History of Christianity II (Summer 2024) — grading
  • History of Christianity I (Winter/Summer 2026) — grading

Grading Assistant

Providence University College & Theological Seminary

  • Introduction to the New Testament (Summer 2024) — grading
  • Christian Spirituality: Formations (Fall 2023; Winter 2024) — grading

Guest Lecturer

  • “Jesus Came in the Flesh,” Wycliffe College (February 2024)
  • “Nineteenth-Century Atonement Theology,” Wycliffe College (December 2021)
  • “The New Perspective on Paul and N. T. Wright,” McMaster Divinity College (March 2019)
  • “2 Corinthians 3–5,” Heritage College & Seminary (November 2018)

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Burkholder, Matthew D. “God Our Suffering Mother? Kenotic Atonement in Julian of Norwich’s Revelation of Divine Love.” McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry 21 (2020): 27–51.

Public Scholarship

Burkholder, Matthew D. “Evangelical ‘Holy War’: Why Some Christians Think Trump Will End the World.” The Conversation, 2024.

(24,000+ reads; republished by MSN; engages public discussion at the intersection of Christianity, violence, and political theology.)

Works in Progress

  • “Revelation’s Paracanonical History and Its Liturgical Implications.”
  • “Moral Discourse, Social Control, and the Persistence of Sin in Secular Cultures.”

Public Scholarship and Media

Podcast Co-Host (2021–Present)

Theology Jam — Co-host and producer of a public theology podcast engaging contemporary theological, ecclesial, and cultural issues.

Documentary Interviewee

Those Who Wrestle with God. Elytra Collective & CBC Creator Network, 2024.

Ecclesial Leadership and Ministry Experience

Elder

Village Green Community Church
2025–Present

  • Participates in congregational leadership, discernment, and spiritual oversight
  • Supports the formation and pastoral life of the church community

Worship Arts Coordinator

Village Green Community Church
2017–2021

  • Coordinated worship ministries and volunteers
  • Planned and organized worship services in collaboration with church leadership
  • Led congregational worship and supported broader ministry initiatives

Languages

  • Koine Greek — university-level reading competence (intermediate)
  • German — university-level reading competence (intermediate)

Research Interests

Liturgical Theology · Atonement Theology · Ecclesiology · Soteriology · Christianity and Violence · Political Theology · Eucharistic Theology · Trinitarian Theology · Theodicy · Jürgen Moltmann · New Perspective on Paul