Dwight H Friesen, PhD

Assistant Professor of Foundations Core
I endeavour to practice learning, teaching and research as an exercise in love seeking understanding, informed by a vision of humanity rooted in Jesus Christ.

Dwight is grateful to be a husband, father and grandfather and to have lived and studied on three continents. Those intersecting experiences inform his curiosity about the ways in which theology, culture and technology intersect in daily life to shape how we perceive and respond to the world, to others, to God. He enjoys playing soccer and occasionally tries his hand at watercolour and block printing, but few things bring greater delight than his grandchildren.

  • PhD, University of Edinburgh (2010)
  • MA, Briercrest Seminary (2002)
  • BA, Briercrest College (1990)

Expertise

Interdisciplinary approaches to human flourishing / Film, media, technology and religion, culture / Jesus in film / history of Christianity / documentary film

Bodner ME, Friesen DH, Chang J, Cote A, Reimer JE. Religiosity and physical activity in religious liberal arts university students: A pilot study. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 54(9S):215-215 DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000877696.54265.fb American College of Sports Medicine Conference, San Diego, CA, May 31st-June 4th, 2022

Awards & Honours

Graduate Proficiency & Excellence Award in Research Skills, Briercrest Seminary, 2002

Recent Publications

Select research publications include:
  • “Biographical Approaches to Jesus Films: Prospects for Bible and Film.” In T&T Clark Companion to the Bible and Film, edited by Richard Walsh, 104–114. Bloomsbury Companions. London: T&T CLARK, 2018.
  • “The Reception of Biblical Films in India: Observations and a Case Study” In The Bible in Motion edited by Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch, 751-762. Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, 2016.
  • “La vie et Passion de notre seigneur Jesus Christ (Pathé-Frères ,1907): The Preservation and Transformation of Zecca’s Passion” in The Silents of Jesus in the Cinema
    (1897-1927), edited by David Shepherd, 78-97. New York, Routledge: 2016.
  • “Showing Compassion and Suggesting Peace in Karunamayudu, an Indian Jesus Film,” in Studies in World Christianity, 14.2 (2008), 125-141.

Affiliations & Memberships

  • American Academy of Religion (2007-2010 , 2023-)
  • INTERFILM (2007-2009)
  • Society of Biblical Literature (2009-2011)
  • CDP (Certified Design Professional), Design Professionals of Canada (1997-)

  • FNDN 102 Human Flourishing
  • FNDN 201 Ideas that Inspire
  • LDRS 375 Culture & Christianity
  • RELS 110 Introduction to Christianity