Stevan L Davies

Stevan L. Davies, born in 1948, is an Emeritus Professor of Religious Studies at Misericordia University. His academic career, spanning from 1979 to 2015, focused significantly on the study and analysis of Christian apocrypha, with a particular emphasis on the Gospel of Thomas. Davies earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and holds a doctorate in philosophy from Temple University. He is married to Sally Watkins Davies and is the father of two children.

His scholarly contributions include numerous books, book chapters, and articles that delve into various aspects of early Christianity, Gnosticism, and religious history. Davies has explored themes such as spirit possession, the origins of Christianity, and the social worlds of early Christian texts. His work often involves annotated and explained editions of apocryphal texts, making them accessible to a wider audience. Beyond his academic publications, Davies has also appeared on television programs discussing religious topics, including Gnosticism and the historical Jesus.

Stevan L. Davies has dedicated a significant portion of his career to the academic study of religion. From 1979 to 2015, he served as a Professor of Religious Studies at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a doctorate in philosophy from Temple University. Davies's research has primarily centered on Christian apocrypha, a body of ancient religious texts not included in the New Testament canon. He is particularly recognized for his extensive work on the Gospel of Thomas, a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus.

Davies's published works offer deep dives into early Christian texts and religious phenomena. His books explore subjects such as spirit possession and its connection to the origins of Christianity, as well as analyses of the New Testament. He has produced annotated and explained editions of significant apocryphal texts, including the Infancy Gospels of Jesus, the Secret Book of John (a Gnostic gospel), and the Gospel of Thomas. His research also extends to the social and historical contexts of these texts, examining topics like the social world of the Apocryphal Acts and the role of women in early Christian literature. Davies has also contributed chapters to edited volumes and published articles in various academic journals.

Beyond his written scholarship, Stevan L. Davies has shared his expertise through various media platforms. He has appeared as a contributor on television programs for networks such as the History Channel, BBC, National Geographic Channel, and the Arts and Entertainment Network. These appearances have often focused on his areas of specialization, including Gnosticism, the miracles of Jesus, and the historical figures and texts of early Christianity. His television work has aimed to bring scholarly insights on religious history and apocryphal texts to a broader public audience.