Kristofer Labenske
Graduate Student in History of the Christian Tradition
Kristofer Labenske is a first-year Religious Studies doctoral student in the History of the Christian Tradition. His interests include the history of biblical reception, historical retrieval, theology of place, and ecotheology. In particular, he focuses on the persistent motif of wilderness in the Christian tradition and imagination, especially among the Desert Fathers and Mothers.
Before attending SMU, Kristofer received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy/Theology from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master of Divinity with a certificate in Wesleyan Studies from Beeson Divinity School (Samford University). He is also a licensed minister in the Church of the Nazarene.
Kristofer and his wife, Kaitlyn, grew up in Southern California and love the city of San Diego where they met. They now reside in East Dallas where they enjoy exploring museums, going on walks, and searching for the best ice cream in town. Kristofer also enjoys getting out of the city to hike and rock climb.
Coursework Advisor: Dr. James H. K. Lee
Presentations:
"A Conflict of Interests: Imperialism, Humanitarianism, and Hegemony in Britain's Response to the Armenian Genocide," Phi Alpha Theta National Conference, Orlando, Florida, January 2016.
"An Anglican Vision for Empire: The Origins and Ideals of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge and the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel," National Society for the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, March 2022.
