Michael Bruner, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Practical Theology

Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5812
Fax: (616) 815-5469
Photo of Michael Bruner, Ph.D.

Biography

Michael Bruner, Ph.D., was born and raised in the Philippines as the child of missionary parents. Since 2003, he has taught in the departments of education, English, and, since 2010, in the department of practical theology, as well as in the Honors College. Bruner has presented at conferences both nationally and internationally and has published chapters and articles on topics ranging from the literary alchemy of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to the similarities of genius of GK Chesterton and JS Bach. Bruner is the author of A Subversive Gospel: Flannery O'Connor and the Reimagining of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth (IVP Academic, 2017), which is the fourth volume in the series, Studies in Theology and the Arts. His areas of interest include theology and art (especially literature), spiritual identity and formation, and cultural hermeneutics. Bruner is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), a resident scholar at the Huntington Library in San Marino, a Lily Fellow, and scholar-in-residence at First Presbyterian Church, Hollywood.

Education

  • Ph.D., Theology (Theology and Culture), Fuller Theological Seminary
  • M.Div., Spiritual Development and Christian Education, Princeton Theological Seminary
  • B.A., English, University of Washington

Courses Taught

  • ENGL 110 – Freshman Writing
  • ENGL 111 – Introduction to Literature
  • ENGL 354 – American Literature Since 1865
  • ENGL 403 – Principles of Language
  • ENGL 407 – Composition: Theory and Practice
  • ENGL 498 – Directed Research
  • HUM 322H – Humanities Seminar II: Literary Masterpieces (Honors)
  • MIN 108 – Christian Life, Faith, and Ministry
  • MIN 496 – Senior Seminar: Church and Society
  • MIN 495 – Topics in Ministry
  • MINC 416 – Communicating the Gospel
  • MINC 467 – Spiritual Transformation
  • WRIT 200 - Writing 2: Writing for Christian Practice