Derek Bruns
Graduate Student in Systematic Theology
Derek is a first-year doctoral student in Systematic Theology. His interests lie in the intersection of the Christian doctrines of the Trinity, creation, and revelation. Pursuing these interests in dialogue with Medieval and Modern theologians, Derek aims to understand how traditional accounts of the divine missions speak to contemporary debates on the relationship between nature and grace.
After receiving his B.A. in Music from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Derek served as a contemporary music director at a church in his home state of Minnesota. While working in this capacity, Derek felt the need to pursue theological education, so he decided to move to Louisville, KY, to attend the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his M.Div. in Biblical Exegesis and his Th.M. in Systematic Theology. Derek’s academic interests developed in seminary and, being encouraged to pursue further studies, Derek engaged in advanced studies at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, Australia, prior to joining SMU in the fall of 2024. When he is not studying, Derek enjoys and stays busy with his young family.
Coursework Advisor: Dr. Bruce D. Marshall
Publications:
Review of Mark McIntosh, The Divine Ideas Tradition in Christian Mystical Theology (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021), in Journal of Reformed Theology 16.3 (2022): 289-290.
Review of Steven J. Duby, God in Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2019), in The Southern Journal of Theology 24.3 (Fall 2020): 143-148.
Presentations:
“On Barth’s (Mis)Understanding of the Potentia Oboedientialis.” Sacra Doctrina Conference, St. Paul, Minnesota, June 6-4, 2024.
“Divine Holiness in Light of Divine Paternity: On Karl Barth’s Appropriation of Holiness to the Father.” Evangelical Theological Society Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, November 17, 2022.
“Salvation as Eternal Imitation of Godself: John Owen on the Divine Ideas.” Lecture at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, April 1, 2021.
Fellowships/Awards:
2024-2029, Moody Graduate Fellowship, Southern Methodist University
2019, Basil Manly Jr. Award for Distinction in Theological Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
