Tel: 01722 424804
E-mail: vpwhite@stets.ac.uk

Brief Biography:

After growing up in south-east London I worked for a year with VSO in West Africa, then studied English and Theology at Cambridge, before ordination training, further study, and research at Oxford. At ordination my first post was as tutor in doctrine and ethics at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. I then moved to be chaplain and lecturer at Exeter University. For the next 6 years I was a parish priest and Director of Ordinands in Guildford Diocese, and then for nearly 8 years Chancellor (Canon Theologian) of Lincoln Cathedral. During this time I was also a special lecturer in theology at Nottingham University. I became Principal of STETS in 2001, and was also appointed (Hon.) Canon Theologian of Winchester Cathedral in 2006. I have been a Senior Selector for ABM, served on the Governing Bodies of a number of theological colleges and other HE institutions, and a member of the Church of England Faith & Order Advisory Group. I am married, with one son at University – and 2 dogs at home!

Teaching & Research:

My main area of theological interest is philosophical theology and moral theology. I’m particularly concerned with how we conceive (and teach) our beliefs in ways which are credible, or at least comprehensible, in contemporary discourse. I also have a longstanding love of literature, especially late 19th early 20th century English literature, and I’m actively exploring how faith and doubt are expressed specifically in and through literary form – particularly Thomas Hardy.

Publications:

Books -

The Fall of a Sparrow: a concept of special divine action (2O8pp Exeter 1985)

Atonement & Incarnation: an essay in universalism and particularity (134pp Cambridge 1991)

Paying Attention to People: an essay on individualism & Christian belief (199pp London1996)

Identity (152pp SCM, London, 2002)

Counterpoints: believing Christian faith in a difficult world (97pp Sarum, 2005)

Life beyond Death: Threads of Hope in Faith, Life, and Theology (Sarum Lectures 2005: DLT, 2006)

Articles/ Contributions to books -

‘Honest to Goodness: an essay on moral experience and the existence of God’ (Grove, 1981)

Lincoln Studies in Theology 1-6 (editor: LCP 1996-2000)

‘The Future of Theology’ in Calling Time (ed. Martyn Percy, Sheffield Academic Press, 2000)

‘Re-Enchanting the World: A Fresh Look at the God of Mystical Theology’ in Theology Vol. C111 (2000)

‘Varieties of Uniqueness and the Person of Christ: does uniqueness matter?’ in Comparative Theology: essays for Keith Ward (ed. Timothy Bartel, SPCK, London, 2003)

‘Identity & Fidelity’ in Unity Digest (CCU, 2004)

Book Reviews -

Journal of Theological Studies, Theology, Religious Studies, Expository Times, Anvil, Epworth, Ecclesiology

Community interests and leisure activities:

I served for a while on a Lord Chancellors Advisory Committee for selection of magistrates. I’m a member of a charity for the homeless, continue to read a good deal of novels and poetry (especially early 20th century English literature), and when I get the chance enjoy mountain walking, travel, and cricket (the latter from an armchair!).