Simon Cunningham

Curriculum vitae

Areas of competence

Christian phenomenology (Michel Henry), existential theology, biblical studies

Areas of interest

Interplay of theophilosophy and affectivity/force


Education

PhD in Existential Theology, 2026University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

Doctorate under the supervision of Conor Cunningham on the phenomenology of Michel Henry. My dissertation resolves Henry’s monism. Henry does not achieve a rigorous phenomenology of exteriority because of an overcommitment to the Life of God as a unity. Through resolving God as a paradox of unity and difference, what is exteriorly given in life gains new reality. Relation operates via Henryan/Biranian force, and the world is made real.

Masters of Divinity (Biblical studies), 2008Africa International University, Nairobi, Kenya

Focus on biblical languages. Anthropological fieldwork with the Masai.

Bach. Social Work, 2005Calvin University, Grand Rapids, Michigan


Publications

Monograph resolving Michel Henry’s monism (in progress)

The Crush of Life’s Passion: Interiority in Michel Henry as potential for the experience of God Religions – MDPI https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15121418

Resolves the debate around if Absolute Life can be experienced firsthand, done through clarifying both a dualism and a duality in Michel Henry. Henry’s term of the Holy Spirit is Absolute Life when given in experience.


Presentations

The Manifestation of Essence: Resolving the World of Michel Henry

Fordham University – Jun 18, 2025 – Phenomenology, Religious Experience, and Spiritual Practices

The Crush of Life’s Passion: Interiority in Michel Henry as potential for the experience of God

Duquesne University – Oct 30, 2024 – SoPheRE

Michel Henry and Phenomenological Divine Simplicity

University of Nottingham – Nov 4, 2023 – Centre of Theology and Philosophy

Janicaud’s Critique of the Theological Turn and the Affective Givenness of Michel Henry

University of Nottingham – May 27, 2023 – Centre of Theology and Philosophy


Work experience

LendingMemo 2013-2016 | Seattle, Washington

Founded a peer-to-peer lending educational site, LendingMemo.com

Roots Church 2009-2013 | Seattle, Washington

Founded a church in urban Seattle as a pastor in the CRCNA

Aid work 2005-2008 | Kenya and Sudan


Philosophical organizations

CoTP (Centre of Theology and Philosophy), Link

INPR (International Network in Philosophy of Religion) – Network-INPR.org

AAR (American Academy of Religion) – AARweb.org

SPEP (Society of Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy) – SPEP.org

APA – Eastern Division (American Philosophical Association) – APAOnline.org