Michael Morelli, PhD

Adjunct Professor, Theology
I am the in-house philosopher and theologian at Northwest, ready for any conversation that involves serious, and sometimes not so serious, thought.

Michael is Associate Professor of Theology & Ethics and Program Manager of Life-Long Learning at Northwest College & Seminary. He’s also an adjunct professor of theology of at Trinity Western University’s Religious Studies and Nursing Schools.

He has a PhD in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland and is the author of Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio: A Nascent Theological Tradition (Lexington Books) and editor of Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and Word: A New Essay by Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements (Pickwick).

  • PhD in Theological Ethics (University of Aberdeen, School of Divinity; 2019)
  • MTh in Theological Ethics (University of Aberdeen, School of Divinity; 2017)
  • MA in Christian Studies (ACTS Seminaries, Trinity Western University; 2014)
  • BA in English and Communication (Simon Fraser University; 2009)

Expertise

Orthodox Doctrine, Historical Theology, Early Church Studies, Ecclesiology, Christian Identity and Formation, Theology and Ethics, Theology and Technology, Media and Communication, Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio Studies, Technology and Culture, Surveillance Studies, Fine Arts and Aesthetics.

  • Northwest Seminary & College Internal Research Grant (2023)
  • ATS and Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Phase Two (grant application co-author and project contributor) (2021)
  • ATS and Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow: Canadian Schools Planning and Assessment Grant, Phase One (grant application co-author and project contributor) (2021)
  • In Trust Resource Grant (grant application co-author and project contributor) (2020–2021)
  • Trinity Western University Internal Research Grant: Educating for Human Flourishing in Nursing (project contributor) (2020–2021)

Awards & Honours

 

Recent Publications

Authored Books

  • Morelli, M. Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio (Lexington Books, Maryland; June 2020)

Edited Books

  • Morelli, M. (Ed.). Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and Word: A New Essay by Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements (Wipf and Stock, Eugene, OR; June 2023)

Forthcoming Edited Book

  • Morelli, M., Pang, F., & Tam, C. (Eds.). (Forthcoming). A deeper communion: Ecclesial engagement with disability. Hamilton, ON: McMaster Divinity College Press.

Selected Articles

  • Jantzen, D., Morelli, M., & Wolff, A. C. Wonder, Awe, and Imagination in Nursing Professional Practice Education. Nursing Philosophy, 27(2), e70088 (April 2026).
  • Morelli, M. “The Death of a Fascist Does Not Mean the End of Fascism: A Storied and Theological Proposal for Non-Violent, Disruptive Anti-Fascism.” Political Theology Network (September 27, 2024).
  • Morelli, M. “A Theological Rationale for Competency-Based Theological Education.” Northwest Institute for Ministry Education Research (2024).
  • Morelli, M. “Birds of the Air and Winged Creatures: An Ironic Critique of Surveillance in Ecclesiastes and an Ellulian Ethic of Language, Love, Fear, and Freedom.” Philosophical Journal of Conflict and Violence, 7(2) (2024).

Affiliations & Memberships

Board Directorship

  • Board Director, International Jacques Ellul Society (2024–Present)
  • Board Director, Bethesda Christian Association (2023–Present)
  • Steering Committee Member, Deeper Communion Disability Ministry Network (2023–Present)

Committees & Council

  • Selection Committee Member, Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s Program, Trinity Western University (2026)
  • Committee Member, Doctor of Ministry Committee, Associated Canadian Theological Schools (2022–Present)

  • RELS 381A Contemporary Christianity - Theological Anthropology Through the Lens of Disability