May 1, 2026

About Christian Scharen

By Christian Scharen

A practical theologian, ordained pastor, and author of more than a dozen books.

writings about bio

About Christian Scharen

A practical theologian, I was ordained a pastor in the ELCA in 2001.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Religion — Emory University

Academic Work

My research and writing focuses on:

  • Theology
  • Worship and the arts
  • Pastoral leadership
  • Social justice
  • Theological education

My early work on theological ethnography helped spark an international movement bringing together sociology and theology in the study of the church.

Recent Publications

  • Ethnography as Christian Theology and Ethics: A Completely Revised 2nd Edition (T&T Clark) — co-authored with Aana Vigen

Current Projects

  • Decolonial theological memoir about my family and the Ingalls of The Little House on the Prairie books
  • Book on Christian worship before and after Christianity became the religion of Empire

Personal

  • Married to Pierrette Comulada
  • Three adult children: Isaiah, Finn, and Owen
  • A bulldog named Walt

I enjoy cooking, poetry, and music—especially learning to play on my grandfather's 1910 Washburn bowl back mandolin.

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