Early-career Philosopher of Religion 2026
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Last month, we had an excellent gathering for our annual TF conference. Those who have attended our Study Group know that this Christian philosophical community continues stir the mind as well edify and encourage.
In keeping with our annual tradition, we are announcing the Early-Career Philosopher of Religion Contest for the IVP-Helm Memorial Prize. This year's name change is to honor the late Paul Helm (1940-2025), who founded our TF Philosophy of Religion Group. Here are the details.
The submission deadline is 20 September 2026. This year’s essay question:
'To what extent is divine hiddenness a function of God’s transcendent nature, or of God’s choice to place epistemic distance himself and creatures, or something else?'
Prizes: Book prizes are to be awarded to the value of: 1st Prize: £100 2nd Prize: £50 3rd Prize: Copy of We Believe
Books must be purchased from IVP books.
The winner is also to be named ‘IVP-Helm Early-Career Philosopher of Religion 2026’.
Submissions are welcome from anyone either within three years of their first permanent academic position or that has never held such. Submissions must be between 2,000 & 4,000 words, inclusive of any notes and bibliography, and are to be assessed on professional philosophy benchmarks, including:
Display of a questioning intelligence
Ability to engage critically with ideas
Clarity in making relevant distinctions
Ability to construct reasoned arguments
Ability to evaluate arguments critically
Knowledge of the history of Philosophy and the Philosophy of Religion
Essays must be written in English and submitted electronically as either a Word Document or a PDF to Paul Copan (paul_copan@pba.edu) by midnight on 20 September 2026 (Eastern Standard Time).
It is hoped that the winners will be announced within one month of the closing date.
One final note: Our 2027 TF conference will be Wednesday 30 June - Friday 2 July at High High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, UK. Please mark it on your calendars and join us.
Grace and peace to you all.
Prof Dr Paul Copan (Chair, Tyndale Fellowship’s Study Group in Philosophy of Religion)
Dr Max Baker-Hytch (Co-Chair, Tyndale Fellowship’s Study Group in Philosophy of Religion)
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