Jonathan Linman

The Rev. Jonathan W. Linman
Associate Professor of Ascetical Theology
Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality
B.A., Carleton College
M.Div., Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Ph.D., Duquesne University
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Jonathan Linman is the Director of the Center for Christian Spirituality and Associate Professor of Ascetical Theology. An ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and currently a member of its Church Council (national board of directors), he served as pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1989 – 2001).  Professor Linman is something of an expert on lectio divina, the devotional reading of the Bible. His Ph.D. dissertation is entitled, “Toward a Theory of Lectio Divina: A Reader Response, Psychoanalytic and Embodied Approach.” 

His current scholarly interests focus on liturgical hermeneutics, especially the application of the principles of lectio divina to liturgical participation. He also has an avid interest in ecumenism, the biblical, historical and theological foundations for Christian spirituality, and the theory and practice of ministry as a form of spiritual guidance.

In addition to academic teaching, he is a well-received leader of retreats, quiet days and other experientially-based events.  Jonathan is married to Jennifer, who is an Episcopal priest.