Emmanuel Israel was born into a Christian home, and at the age of five, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He is currently a fifth-year Ph.D. student at the Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto, where he explores Christian and moral ethics, covering fields such as Pauline studies, biblical studies, theological studies, and political theology (including decolonial studies and social justice). His academic journey has taken him from Lagos through Cyprus and to cities like Ottawa, Montreal, Waterloo, and Toronto, enriching his understanding of diverse perspectives and fueling his passion for exploring profound themes in his writing and speaking.

His current research focuses on the biblical-theological and psychological aspects of human behaviour, especially as they relate to “detrimental othering”—the tendency to see and treat others as fundamentally different or inferior. His aim is to add to the ongoing discussion on othering by offering a unique perspective that highlights the importance of the condition of sin (personal and structural) and liberation from sin’s influence linked to detrimental othering.

He proposes a holistic approach to overcoming this personal, social, and spiritual challenge by examining how our fallen social world shapes and distorts desires. Emmanuel explores the idea that only by putting on Christ and renewing the mind can we fulfill the love commands and move toward true reconciliation.

Deeply engaging with Pauline scholarship (Craig Keener, Susan Eastman, Grant Macaskill, etc.), James Cone, political theorist (Allan Kagedan), and social identity theorists (Bruce Link and Jo Phelan), Emmanuel examines early Christian views of sin and their modern interpretations to reveal their relevance to current experiences of detrimental othering. His work connects ancient wisdom with contemporary ethical and relational issues, providing insights for academic, political, and pastoral audiences.

Emmanuel lives with his wife, son, and daughter outside Toronto. He finds joy in playing and listening to music, songwriting, travelling whenever he can, and writing books. He also enjoys reading about social and political issues, as well as moral and ethical questions, which influence his work and personal reflections.

For other works by Emmanuel Israel, please check out the pen name Sunday Blackwell. Click here to view my other works as Sunday Blackwell.