Preacher: Paul Fiddes

Paul Fiddes

The Rev Dr Paul Fiddes is an eminent British Baptist theologian and a leading academic in the fields of systematic theology and the relationship between theology and literature. He currently serves as the Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Oxford and is the Principal Emeritus of Regent's Park College, where he served as Principal from 1989 to 2007. He has served as a co-chair for international conversations between Baptists and the Anglican Communion, as well as the Roman Catholic Church. Paul is widely regarded for his work on the doctrine of the Trinity and the suffering of God. His 1988 book, The Creative Suffering of God, is considered a major contribution to modern theology, arguing that God chooses to be vulnerable and suffer alongside the world. He often explores how literary works—such as those by Shakespeare and C.S. Lewis—can offer deeper insights into divine mystery.