Dr. Jon Pahl
Dr. Jon Pahl is the Peter Paul and Elizabeth Hagan Chair and Professor of the History of Christianity at United Lutheran Seminary. A historian, author, educator, and internationally recognized speaker, Dr. Pahl explores the intersections of religion, violence, peacebuilding, and social transformation.
He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School and has taught at Valparaiso, Temple, and Princeton Universities. He is the author or editor of seven books, including Empire of Sacrifice: The Religious Origins of American Violence, Shopping Malls and Other Sacred Spaces, and Fethullah Gülen: A Life of Hizmet.
Dr. Pahl is the scholar behind the Five Seeds of Deep Peace framework, which identifies education, engagement, empathy, pluralism, and sustainability as interconnected practices for cultivating peace. His scholarship examines how religious communities can move beyond cycles of violence and division to foster reconciliation, meaningful relationships, and lasting social change.
An advocate for interreligious dialogue and community transformation, Dr. Pahl brings historical insight, theological reflection, and practical approaches to peacebuilding. His work invites individuals and communities to imagine and cultivate a more just, inclusive, and peaceful commonwealth.
Areas of expertise
Fethullah Gulen and the global Hizmet (Service) Movement | Religions and Violence (violence linked to age, race, and/or gender) | Religions and Peacebuilding Religions in America (Indigenous, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist) | The History of Christianity, from the beginnings to the present | Saxophonology
Dr. Pahl’s BOOKS
Websites directly related to Dr. Jon Pahl, including his official faculty biography, academic research, published books, and speaking engagements:
Peacebuilding: Sowing Seeds of Deep Peace Video Series
The Kindling Faith Community, in partnership with Lower Susquehanna and Delaware-Maryland Synods, shares stories and reflections of reconciliation and healing from the field.
Source for professional biography, academic credentials, publications, and current faculty position.
Five Seeds of Peacemaking Lecture
Particularly relevant to Dr. Pahl’s Five Seeds framework and the conference’s focus on peacebuilding, belonging, and community transformation.
Research publications and scholarly work related to peacebuilding, religious history, and social transformation.
The ULS Public Fethullah Gülen Lecture
Highlights Dr. Pahl’s work in interreligious dialogue, religious movements, and peacebuilding.
