The lecture explores contrasting theological portrayals of Christ from medieval and modern times. While modern theologians portray the human nature of Christ as strongly conformed to our own traits and habits—in limited knowledge, in temptation and struggle, in cultural patterns and assumptions, even in moral growth and change—medieval theology portrays Christ as sinless, morally pure and in possession of perfect knowledge. “This lecture will explore the sea-change in Christology that has made Christ representative of nature rather than unique, and advocate for a theology of His humanity as ‘strongly unique,’” explained Sonderegger.

"Kate Sonderergger is one of the most distinctive and creative theologians writing in English today and is currently embarked on an ambitious multi-volume systematic theology. We are honored to have her address us on the essential topic of the doctrine of Christ, with material drawn from the next volume in her series,” said the Rev. Robert MacSwain, Associate Professor of Theology at the School of Theology.

In 2015, Sonderegger began work on a systematic theology, publishing two volumes with Fortress Press, The Doctrine of God (2015) and The Doctrine of the Holy Trinity (2020). A third volume is underway. The dogmatic theology of Karl Barth remains a central research interest, and she was recognized by the Evangelical Church in Germany with the Karl Barth Prize in 2022.

Sonderegger earned her Ph.D. from Brown University, where she completed a dissertation on Karl Barth's Doctrine of Israel, and a Doctor of Divinity (honorary) from King's College at the University of Aberdeen, awarded in 2022. She is also a priest of the Episcopal Church, resident in the Diocese of Virginia.