The theologian who almost wasn’t: Neil Ormerod
Neil Ormerod’s 40-year career as a theologian almost never happened.
It’s surprising, considering his track record: he spent 20 years in various theological settings, before teaching for 14 years as a professor of theology at Australian Catholic University. He then worked for some time at Sydney College of Divinity and Australian College of Theology, helping to improve their research culture and quality. More recently, he was appointed Honorary Professor at Alphacrucis University College.
He’s a prolific writer, with 14 books, 40 book chapters and more than 90 articles in academic journals. In 2013, he became a fellow of the Australian Catholic Theological Association (FACTA), making history as the first non-clerical member to receive this honour.
But he never intended to become a theologian. Neil’s first passion, and intended career path, was mathematics. So what changed his mind?