Senior Lecturer – Theology and Public Issues
BA(VUW), BD(Melbourne College of Divinity), PhD(Otago)
Wellington Anglican Centre / Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Mob +64 27 602 3500
Email andrew.shepherd@otago.ac.nz
Dr Andrew Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues. His working life has alternated between academic teaching roles and leadership responsibilities in Christian and non-profit organisations. After his initial degree in English Literature and History he completed post-graduate studies in theology. His doctoral thesis offered a theological ethic of hospitality in conversation with French philosophers, Emmanuel Levinas and Jacques Derrida.
Teaching
- CHTH224 Theology and the Environment
- CHTH324 Theology and the Environment (Advanced)
- CHTH231 Christianity, War and Violence
- CHTH331 Christianity, War and Violence (Advanced)
- CHTH320 Public Theology and Social Justice
- CHTH420 Public Theology and Social Justice (Advanced)
Preferred areas of supervision
I am available to supervise in any of the areas listed under Main research interests below and open to considering supervising or co-supervising any research project around the broad areas of Christian social ethics, ecological theology, and/or political theology.
Main research interests
- Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics
- The Ethics and Practice of Hospitality
- Theology and Phenomenology
- Theology and Economics
- Peace Theology
- Contemporary theologies of social transformation – including social movements and neo-monasticism
Current postgraduate students
- Emma Gray (PhD) The formative relationship between the Eucharist and other practices of hospitality via Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice
Publications
Shepherd, A. (2025). A reacquaintance with grief: The Anthropocene and Ecclesial rites of mourning. International Journal of Public Theology, 19(3), 433-456. doi: 10.1163/15697320-20250012 Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2025). Centring the edge: Churches, crises and white-hot faith: A review essay on Duckworth and Jamieson, In-tensional: A way forward for the Church [Book Review Essay]. Journal of Anglican Studies. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1017/S1740355325000063 Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2025). In the face of such anxiety, we need to open ourselves to hope. The Post, (30 December). Retrieved from https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360922942/face-such-anxiety-we-need-open-ourselves-hope Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2025). Defence spending boost puts peacemaker role in doubt. The Press, (9 October). Retrieved from https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360847349/defence-spending-boost-puts-peacemaker-role-doubt Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2025, August). Haerenga Tuawhā: Part 1: Fossils, faith, and the future of our planet. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 4 (episode 1). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2025, August). Haerenga Tuawhā: Part 2: Violence, hope, and water. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 4 (episode 2). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2025, August). Haerenga Tuawhā: Part 3: Sanctuaries, arks, and possibility. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 4 (episode 3). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2025, August). Haerenga Tuawhā: Part 4: Grief, lament and faithfulness. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 4 (episode 4). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2025, August). Haerenga Tuawhā: Part 5: Whakapapa, floods and being remembered. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 4 (episode 5). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2025, August). Haerenga Tuawhā: Part 6: Covenant, creation and new beginnings. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 4 (episode 6). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2025, August). Poly-crisis, climate-crisis, and the need for a moral imagination. In the Sh-ft, episode 105, hosted by Michael Frost. Retrieved from https://intheshift.podbean.com/e/poly-crisis-climate-crisis-and-the-need-for-a-moral-imagination/ Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2025). Endure and remain true to an ethic of all-embracing and forgiving love. Otago Daily Times, (18 July). Retrieved from https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/endure-and-remain-true-ethic-all-embracing-and-forgiving-love Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2025). Against a bleak global backdrop, a song stirs hope. The Post, (19 June). Retrieved from https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360727884/against-bleak-global-backdrop-song-stirs-hope Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2024). Justice and joy. In J. Goroncy (Ed.), T&T Clark handbook of the doctrine of creation. (pp. 422-434). London, UK: Bloomsbury Academic. Chapter in Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2024). Humility could be the antidote to increasing social polarisation. Otago Daily Times, (18 October). Retrieved from https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/humility-could-be-antidote-increasing-social-polarisation Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2024, September). Haerenga Tuatoru: Part 1: Te Karanga. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 3 (episode 1). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2024, September). Haerenga Tuatoru: Part 2: Te Horopaki. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 3 (episode 2). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2024, September). Haerenga Tuatoru: Part 3: One kept flocks. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 3 (episode 3). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2024, September). Haerenga Tuatoru: Part 4: Rangiaowhia. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 3 (episode 4). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2024, September). Haerenga Tuatoru: Part 5: The land is crying out. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 3 (episode 5). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2024, September). Haerenga Tuatoru: Part 6: Fugitives, wanderers and reconciliation Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 3 (episode 6). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2024, September). Haerenga Tuatoru: Part 7: Questions, consequences and the way of peace. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 3 (episode 7). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2024). Attentiveness, moral formation, and a community of care. Proceedings of the Australian & New Zealand Association of Theological Studies (ANZATS) Conference: Context and Community. (pp. 31). Retrieved from https://anzats.edu.au Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Shepherd, A. (2024). High price to be paid for Government's ecological failings. The Press, (22 April). Retrieved from https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350249125/high-price-be-paid-governments-ecological-failings Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2024). Finding the good in Good Friday, and in humanity. The Press, (28 March). Retrieved from https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/350225378/finding-good-good-friday-and-humanity Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2024). Finding the good in Good Friday, and in humanity. The Post, (28 March). Retrieved from https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350225378/finding-good-good-friday-and-humanity Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2023). An election campaign of empty silences and emptier slogans. The Post, (20 Septmeber). Retrieved from https://www.thepost.co.nz/a/nz-news/350072866/election-campaign-empty-silences-and-emptier-slogans Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2023, September). Haerenga Tuarua: Part 1: Finding our place. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 2 (episode 1). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2023, September). Haerenga Tuarua: Part 2: Acceleration and alienation. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 2 (episode 2). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2023, September). Haerenga Tuarua: Part 3: Humans are dirt. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 2 (episode 3). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2023, September). Haerenga Tuarua: Part 4: The abundant life is rubbish. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 2 (episode 4). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2023, September). Haerenga Tuarua: Part 5: What happened in the garden. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 2 (episode 5). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2023, September). Haerenga Tuarua: Part 6: A sneaky snake and living waters. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 2 (episode 6). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2023). Comparisons with AI raise questions about the uniqueness of our brains. Otago Daily Times, (21 July). Retrieved from https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/comparisons-ai-raise-questions-about-uniqueness-our-brains Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2023). Cyclone Gabrielle will have been apocalyptic if it inspires change. Stuff, (22 February). Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/131287683/cyclone-gabrielle-will-have-been-apocalyptic-if-it-inspires-change Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2022). Living faithfully in a neoliberal age? From market rationality to neo-monasticism. In J. Byassee, J. Kidwell, J. Wilson-Hartgrove & L. Wilson-Hartgrove (Eds.), Kingdom come: Reflections in honor of Jonathan R. Wilson. (pp. 58-70). Wipf & Stock. Chapter in Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2022). Humanity's best friend? An ethical reflection on robotic dogs and the militarisiation of creatures. Proceedings of the Conference on Science and Christianity (COSAC): Christian Living in a Techno-Scientific World. Retrieved from http://cosac.iscast.org Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Shepherd, A. (2022, November-December). Apocalyptic imaginations: Shakespearean hope at the "end of the world". Verbal presentation at the Performing Global Crises Conference, [Hybrid]. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Shepherd, A. (2022, October). Surveillance and sociality: 'Smart living' in historical and future cities. Verbal presentation at the Global Network for Public Theology (GNPT) Consultation: Public Theologies in Vibrating Cities: Precious & Precarious, [Hybrid]. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2022, July). Haerenga Tuatahi: Part 1: The departure. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 1 (episode 1). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2022, July). Haerenga Tuatahi: Part 2: The problem. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 1 (episode 2). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2022, July). Haerenga Tuatahi: Part 3: Myths and braided rivers. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 1 (episode 3). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2022, July). Haerenga Tuatahi: Part 4: The human calling. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 1 (episode 4). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2022, July). Haerenga Tuatahi: Part 5: The response. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 1 (episode 5). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Beck, J., Te Moni, W., & Shepherd, A. (2022, July). Haerenga Tuatahi: Part 6: The return. Ngā Here: The Many Connections, Season 1 (episode 6). Retrieved from https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021350 Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2022). Te ao Māori, faith offer ways to reshape our ideas of tourism. Otago Daily Times, (15 July). Retrieved from https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/te-ao-maori-faith-offer-ways-reshape-our-ideas-tourism Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2022, May). Apocalyptic imaginations: Theology, science and literature at 'the end of the world'. ISCAST-NZCIS Conversations, Part One: Creation Care in the Climate-Change Century. Retrieved from http://www.nzcis.org/conversations-2022-creation-care Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2021). Freedom of choice does not exist in isolation: We are responsible for others too. Stuff, (10 November). Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/126935240/freedom-of-choice-does-not-exist-in-isolation--we-are-responsible-for-others-too Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2021). Cultural and faith narratives can help commission find answers. Otago Daily Times, (16 April). Retrieved from https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/cultural-and-faith-narratives-can-help-commission-find-answers Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2021). Apocalyptic visions and anthems of hope: Climate change communication and future possibilities. International Journal of Public Theology, 15, 463-483. doi: 10.1163/15697320-01540014 Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2020). Facing, naming and engaging violence: Reading Mark 5:1-20 in a military-digital complex age. Zadok Papers, S249, 2-10. doi: 10.3316/informit.597522140934410 Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2020). COVID-19: An invitation to ecological repentance? Stimulus, 27(2), 12-18. Retrieved from https://hail.to/laidlaw-college/publication/1tI5uq8/article/DbwFVdI Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2020). Creaturely theology. Word & World, 8, 17-22. Retrieved from https://ifesworld.org/journal Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2020). Neoliberal 'choice' not grounded in humanity. Otago Daily Times, (16 October). Retrieved from https://www.odt.co.nz/news/decision-2020/neoliberal-%E2%80%98choice%E2%80%99-not-grounded-humanity Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2020). After revelations of abuse, what becomes of Jean Vanier's legacy? ABC: Religion & Ethics, (12 May). Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/religion/after-revelations-of-abuse-what-remains-of-legacy-of-jean-vanier/12236544 Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2019). Being "rich towards God" in the Capitalocene: An ecological/economic reading of Luke 12.13-34. Bible Translator, 70(3), 240-260. doi: 10.1177/2051677019882979 Journal - Research Article
Hoggard Creegan, N., & Shepherd, A. (Eds.). (2018). Creation and hope: Reflections on ecological anticipation and action from Aotearoa New Zealand. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 230p. Edited Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2018). Spirit, seabirds, & sacramentality: Ponderings on petrels and pneumatology. In N. Hoggard Creegan & A. Shepherd (Eds.), Creation and hope: Reflections on ecological anticipation and action from Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 44-61). Eugene, OR: Pickwick. Chapter in Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2018). Restoring Karioi: Ecology, community and the practice of peace. In G. Troughton & P. Fountain (Eds.), Pursuing peace in Godzone: Christianity and the peace tradition in New Zealand. (pp. 178-193). Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University Press. Chapter in Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2018). Rich living: Food. A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.arocha.org.nz/rich-living-booklets/ Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2017). Rich living: Water. A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.arocha.org.nz/rich-living-booklets/ Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2017). Rich living: Climate change. A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.arocha.org.nz/rich-living-booklets/ Other Research Output
Shepherd, A. (2016). Restoring a mountain, reconciling communities: A Rocha in Aotearoa New Zealand. In C. Bell & R. S. White (Eds.), Creation care and the gospel: Reconsidering the mission of the church. (pp. 234-237). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. Chapter in Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2016). Being grounded, taking flight: Reflections on petrels and pneumatology. In N. Darragh (Ed.), Living in the planet Earth: Faith communities and ecology. (pp. 103-110). Auckland, New Zealand: Accent. Chapter in Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2016, January). Taking flight, being grounded: Theological reflections on petrels and pneumatology. Verbal presentation at the Ecology and Hope Conference, Auckland, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Shepherd, A. (2014). The gift of the other: Levinas, Derrida, and a theology of hospitality. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 264p. Authored Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2014). [Review of the book Animal suffering and the problem of evil]. Stimulus, 21(1), 60-62. [Book Review]. Journal - Research Other
Hoggard Creegan, N., & Shepherd, A. (Eds.). (2013). Taking rational trouble over the mysteries: Reactions to atheism. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 258p. Edited Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2013). Face to face with violence: Hitchens & religion, hospitality, and peace-building. In N. Hoggard Creegan & A. Shepherd (Eds.), Taking rational trouble over the mysteries: Reactions to atheism. (pp. 23-46). Eugene, OR: Pickwick. Chapter in Book - Research
Shepherd, A. (2013). Forecasting the future: Credit, debt and perfect storms. Stimulus, 20(1), 2-3. [Editorial]. Journal - Research Other
Shepherd, A. (2013). Crisis and the community of creation. Refresh, 12(1), 3-8. Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2012). The ecological crisis: A Christian response. Spanz, (52), 2. Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2012). A walk in the garden: Wooed by the Creator. Refresh, 11(1), 19-24. Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2010). Creation and Christology: The ecological crisis and eschatological ethics. Stimulus, 18(4), 51-57. Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2008). [Review of the book Beyond homelessness: Christian faith in a culture of displacement]. Stimulus, 16(4), 44-45. [Book Review]. Journal - Research Other
Shepherd, A. (2008). A spirituality of home-making in a property-dealing world. Refresh, 8(2), 21-24. Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2008). God is communion: A spirituality of being. Refresh, 8(1), 21-25. Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Shepherd, A. (2007). The 'other', the 'gift', and 'priesthood': Zizioulas' eucharistic and eschatological theology of creation. Stimulus, 15(4), 3-8. Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2007). Arks and spaceships: Children's stories, political visions, and the environmental crisis. Stimulus, 15(4), 52-58. Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2006). An Algerian and Aotearoa: Global aliens and strangers and the ethic of hospitality. South Pacific Journal of Mission Studies, 35, 4-11. Journal - Research Article
Shepherd, A. (2003). Evangelicals and development: Reclaiming a comprehensive vision of mission; reinterpreting "development". Stimulus, 11(3), 2-7. Journal - Research Article