Dr. Eugenia Torrance is a Postdoctoral Fellow on the Quantum Worldviews project. She is a systematic theologian working at the intersection of science and Eastern Christian thought. More particularly, she studies the ways that Christian views of matter and the body influence and are influenced by physics, neuroscience, and medicine. She takes both a historical and constructive approach to this intersection: uncovering the ways that Eastern Christian communities have engaged with scientific discourses and then bringing those insights to bear on contemporary issues in science and religion. Prior to coming to Oxford, she held teaching positions at the University of Notre Dame where she received a joint PhD in both History and Philosophy of Science and Systematic Theology.
Research Interests
Theology and Science, Orthodox Systematic Theology
Research Centres and Projects
Quantum Worldviews Project, Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion, University of Oxford
Science as a Contemplative Activity, Faraday Institute, University of Cambridge
Current Projects
As part of the Quantum Worldviews project, Dr Torrance is writing a monograph that will attempt to bring Eastern Christian thought into dialogue with quantum mechanics and its interpretation. Quantum mechanics undermines many common-sense metaphysical presuppositions (reductionism, determinism, observer-neutrality, etc.). In doing so, it both threatens long-standing theological assumptions and opens the door to unconsidered metaphysical alternatives. Many traditions deemed “mystical” have capitalized on the decay of classical physics as opening a door for the reconsideration of “ancient wisdom.” Eastern Christians have benefitted from this greater openness in the 20th century but have also suffered from the corresponding stigmas attached to traditions perceived as anti-rationalist, experiential, and focused on the past. Her monograph will seek to redress these stigmas and to offer a more sober assessment of the implications of quantum theory for the Eastern Christian approach to nature.
Educational Background
University of Notre Dame, PhD History and Philosophy of Science [Theology Track]
Durham University, MA Theology and Religion
University of South Carolina Honors College, BS Physics
University of South Carolina Honors College, BA Religious Studies
Recent Publications
2026. “The Humourless Body: Gregory of Sinai on the Biology of the Resurrection,” Studia Patristica (forthcoming).
2025. ‘Some New Greek World: Eastern Christianity as a Contrast Case in the History of the Supernatural,’ special issue of Philosophy, Theology and the Sciences. 12:2, 179-190.
2025. “An Apophaticism of the Human: Gregory of Nyssa and Neuroscientific Naturalism,” Philosophy, Theology, and the Sciences 12:1, 41-52.
2025. [with Matthew Gummess] “A Fuller Vision of ‘After Science and Religion’: A Conversation with Peter Harrison,” Philosophy, Theology, and the Sciences 12:1, 84-101.
2023. “God of the Gaps or God of Design and Dominion: Revisiting Newton’s Theology,” Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 58:1, 64-78.
2021. “Flesh of my Flesh: In Defense of the Resurrection of This Body,” St. Vladimir’s Theological Quarterly 65:1, 29-56.
2020. “Entropy and Theodicy: A New Patristic Framework for Understanding Corruption,” Theology and Science 18:4 (2020), 589-603.
2019. “Acquiring Incorruption: Maximian Theosis and Scientific Transhumanism,” Studies in Christian Ethics 32:2 (2019), 177-186.
