Berge Traboulsi, D.Th, MBA

Dr. Berge Traboulsi
Professor of History, Religion & Intercultural Studies
Coordinator, Intercultural Studies Program
Office: MEH 202A
Tel. ext.: 278
berge.traboulsi@haigazian.edu.lb
Academia: https://haigazian.academia.edu/BergeTraboulsi

BIO

Dr. Berge Traboulsi is Professor of History, Religion, and Intercultural Studies at Haigazian University. Over the past 25 years, he has presented academic papers at international conferences, delivered public lectures, and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. He has also appeared on local and regional TV stations to discuss issues such as human rights, politics in the Middle East, religious tolerance, and political and social change in Lebanon.

Professional Memberships

European Society for Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies (ESITIS) –Board Member, 2024-2028 (www.esitis.org)
European Society for the Study of Science and Theology (ESSSAT) — Member [www.esssat.net]
International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) — Ecclesiology Group Steering Committee Member (iota-web.org/)
European Forum for the Study of Religion and the Environment – Member (www.religion-environment.com/)

Teaching Interests

World Religions
Intercultural Studies
Applied Ethics
Leadership

Research Interest

World Religions
Applied Ethics
Human Rights
Intercultural & Interreligious Relationships
Theology, Religion, and Science in the 21^st Century
Higher Education in the 21^st Century: Online Learning and Generative AI
Nonprofit Administration: Leadership, Change Management, Organizational Culture & Climate, Organization Development
Church Issues: Modern Church Challenges, Reform, Administration, and AI

Selected Publications

Schism and Dialogue in Antioch: Melkite–Orthodox Relations, 1724–Present, The Journal of Social Encounters (forthcoming).
Navigating the Divine and the Digital: Eastern Orthodoxy and AI in Light of Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave and Pope Francis’ Artificial Intelligence and Peace, Reviews in Religion, Science and Theology (forthcoming).
Eastern Orthodoxy and Glocal Sustainability: Towards Shaping a Modern Church Organizational Culture, in Issues in Science and Theology – Global Sustainability: Science and Religion in Dialogue, vol. 7, Springer, Cham (2023), pp. 197–209. DOI link
Eastern Orthodoxy and Church Reform, Public Orthodoxy (August 10, 2023). Read online
Orthodox Traditionalism and Creative Pluralism: Praying with Icons and the Communication with Saints in the Digital Era, in Studies in Science and Theology, vol. 18, ESSSAT (2022), pp. 125–136.
Citizenship and Participation in Public Life – Middle East, in Towards a Culture of Co-Existence in Pluralistic Societies: The Middle East and India, Gorgias Press (2020), pp. 59–81.
Eastern Orthodox Theology and Naturalism: A Critical Analysis of a Controversial Relationship, in Studies in Science and Theology, vol. 17, ESSSAT (2020), pp. 149–165.
Curriculum Reform in Higher Education: Redesigning the Intercultural Studies Programs, in The Relevance of Intercultural Studies in the 21st Century: Religion, Education and Contemporary Concerns, vol. 2, Haigazian University Press (2020), pp. 45–54.
Human Uniqueness and God’s Image and Likeness: Analysis of Problematic and Paradoxical Ideals in a Corrupt and Changing World, in Studies in Science and Theology, vol. 16, ESSSAT (2018), pp. 171–191.
Emotions and Orthodox Spirituality during Turbulent Times: Analysis of FB Expressions over the Abduction of Metropolitan Paul (Yazigi) of Aleppo, in Studies in Science and Theology, vol. 15, ESSSAT (2016), pp. 167–181.
Being Fruitful and Filling the Earth: A Theological and Bioethical Dilemma about Technology and Surrogacy, in Studies in Science and Theology, vol. 14, ESSSAT (2014), pp. 243–259.
Freedom of Thought, Opinion and Expression within an Eastern Mediterranean Context: Critical Reflections, Annales de Philosophie & des Sciences Humaines, USEK (2012), pp. 465–474.
Bishop Euthymius El Saïfi and Uniatism: A Critical Reading, Nafhat al Moukhalliss, Saida (2012), pp. 20–35.
The Ethical Challenges of Executive Leadership: A Stakeholder Analysis, Pertinence, Antonine University (2011), pp. 237–253.
Ethical Challenges in Today’s Higher Education Institutions in Lebanon: A Stakeholder Analysis, in The Public Life of Ethics, Inter-Disciplinary Press, Oxford (2010), pp. 29–36.
Secularism in a Multi-Confessional Lebanon: Religious Obstacles and Prospective Solutions, Annales de Philosophie & des Sciences Humaines, USEK (2009), pp. 269–280.
Religiousness and Extremism: A Dialectic Perspective (in Arabic), Adyan, Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (2009), pp. 44–55.
The Challenges of Teaching about Religions in a Multi-confessional Lebanon: Case Study Haigazian University (1998–2008), Annales de Philosophie & des Sciences Humaines, USEK (2008), pp. 268–282.
From Pedagogy to Webagogy in Higher Education: Perspectives and Prospectives, I-TCE Proceedings, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait (2008), pp. 223–229.
Citizenship in Multicultural Lebanon: A Critical Approach, Annales de Philosophie & des Sciences Humaines, USEK (2007), pp. 97–113.
Some Aspects of Protestant-Orthodox Relations in Modern Times: A Historical Analysis, Chronos, University of Balamand (2007), pp. 69–94.
The Synodical Letter of the Council of Antioch (324/325) and the Nicene Creed (325): A Study in the History of Doctrine (in Arabic), Chronos, University of Balamand (2006), pp. 37–61.
Ethical Leadership in a Turbulent Lebanon, Annales de Philosophie & des Sciences Humaines, USEK (2005), pp. 21–32.
Cyril Lucaris, the Calvinist Patriarch (in Arabic), Al-Nashra, Evangelical Synod in Syria and Lebanon (2005), pp. 288–293, 336–342.
The Church and Civil Marriage (in Arabic), Al-Nashra, Evangelical Synod in Syria and Lebanon (2003), pp. 378–382.
The Theological Conflict between the Greek Orthodox and the Greek Catholics at the Antiochian Patriarchate, 1722–1848 (in Arabic), Chronos, University of Balamand (2003), pp. 53–99.
The Greek Catholics at the Antiochian Patriarchate, from an Ecclesiastical Community to Church-Millet, 1722–1848 (in Arabic), Chronos, University of Balamand (2001), pp. 91–128.

Selected Conference Papers

Navigating the Divine and the Digital: Eastern Orthodoxy and AI in Light of Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave and Pope Francis’ Artificial Intelligence and Peace (ESSSAT Conference, Split, Croatia, August 2024).
The Greek Orthodox Community in Contemporary Sectarian Lebanon: Navigating Social, Political, and Theological Dynamics, Paradoxes, and Dilemmas (University of Oslo – Norwegian Center for Human Rights, December 2023, online).
Eastern Orthodoxy and Church Reform: Towards Shaping a Modern Church Culture (International Orthodox Theological Association [IOTA] Mega-Conference, Volos, Greece, January 2023).
Eastern Orthodoxy and Glocal Sustainability: Towards Shaping a Modern Church Organizational Culture (ESSSAT Conference, Ålesund, Norway, May 2022).
Unsacred Protests in Lebanon 2019: Sacred Discourses in Contexts and Times of Turbulences and Chaos (ESITIS Conference, Bonn, Germany, March 2022, online).
Orthodox Traditionalism and Creative Pluralism: Praying with Icons and the Communication with Saints in the Digital Era (ESSSAT Conference, Madrid, Spain, June 2021, online).
The Orthodox Bishop as a Change Leader in Multi-cultural and Multi-religious Societies: A Stakeholder Analysis (ESITIS Conference, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 2019).
Curriculum Reform in Higher Education: Redesigning the Intercultural Studies Programs (Haigazian University Symposium, Beirut, Lebanon, January 2019).
Toward Reforming the Office of the Bishop in the Orthodox Church: The Importance of Modern Leadership Development (IOTA Inaugural Conference, Iaşi, Romania, January 2019). Video link
Eastern Orthodox Theology and Naturalism: A Critical Analysis of a Controversial Relationship (ESSSAT Conference, Lyon, France, 2018).
Toward a “Continuous Reform” in the Orthodox Church (International Colloquium RE:FORMATIONS↔MODERNITIES↔ORTHODOXIES, ICED-ISCC, Rome, Italy, 2017). Video link
Breaking Down the Current Complex Refugee & Migrant Crisis in Europe: Analysis of Paradoxical Integration Values, Challenges, Strategies and Solutions (ESITIS Conference, University of Münster, Germany, 2017).
The Role of the Middle East Council of Churches vis-à-vis the Migrant and Refugee Crisis in Europe (MECC Partners Meeting, Adma, Lebanon, 2016).
A Clash of Value Systems: Acculturation of Migrants & Refugees from the Middle East in Europe (International Seminar on Interreligious and Intercultural Relations, Haigazian University & College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, Beirut, 2016).
Human Uniqueness and God’s Image and Likeness: Analysis of Problematic and Paradoxical Ideals in a Corrupt and Changing World (ESSSAT Conference, Łódź, Poland, 2016).
Emotions and Orthodox Spirituality during Turbulent Times: Analysis of FB Expressions over the Abduction of Metropolitan Paul (Yazigi) of Aleppo (ESSSAT Conference, Assisi, Italy, 2014).
Citizenship and Participation in Public Life – Middle East (Fourth Colloquium Syriacum, PRO ORIENTE, Salzburg, Austria, 2013).
The Paradox of Christian Minorities: Contribution vs. Persecution (European–Arab Conference on Religious Minorities, University of Vienna, Austria, 2013).
Peace in a Turbulent Middle East: Cost of Change (International Colloquium Solidarité et Paix, USEK, Lebanon, 2012).
Being Fruitful and Filling the Earth: A Theological and Bioethical Dilemma about Technology and Surrogacy (ESSSAT Conference, Tartu, Estonia, 2012).
Islam in the European Union: A Question of Acculturation or Incompatibility? (ESITIS Conference, University of Marmara, Turkey, 2011).
Bishop Euthymius El Saïfi and Uniatism: A Critical Reading (Symposium on Bishop Euthymius El Saïfi and St. Savior Monastery, Joun, Lebanon, 2011).
Freedom of Thought, Opinion and Expression within an Eastern Mediterranean Context: Critical Reflections (International Conference L’Espace Méditerranéen: Profils et Défis, USEK, Lebanon, 2011).
The “People of God” between Temptation and Damnation: Challenges and Prospective Solutions (Conference on The People of God in Bible and Tradition, University of Balamand, Lebanon, 2010).
Ethical Challenges in Today’s Higher Education Institutions in Lebanon: A Stakeholder Analysis (2nd Global Conference – Ethics in Public Life, Salzburg, Austria, 2010).
The Decline of the Christian Presence in a Multiconfessional Lebanon: Missions vs. Visions (Conference on Church and Mission in a Multiconfessional Third Millennium, Aarhus University, Denmark, 2010).
Secularism in a Multi-Confessional Lebanon: Religious Obstacles and Prospective Solutions (International Conference Vers une Laïcité Revisitée, USEK, Lebanon, 2009).
E-dialogue, E-discussion, or E-conflict about Religions, Human Rights, and Politics? A Problematic Use of “Sacred” Texts in the Christian–Muslim Cyber-relationship (ESITIS Conference, University of Salzburg, Austria, 2009).
The Challenges of Teaching about Religions in a Multi-confessional Lebanon: Case Study Haigazian University (1998–2008) (International Conference Trois Religions, Un Seul Homme, USEK, Lebanon, 2008).
From Pedagogy to Webagogy in Higher Education: Perspectives and Prospectives (I-TCE Conference, Gulf University for Science and Technology, Kuwait, 2008).
Citizenship in Multicultural Lebanon: A Critical Approach (International Conference La Citoyenneté, Projet d’État pour une Nouvelle Société, USEK, Lebanon, 2007).
Introduction to Election Monitoring (Haigazian University / Foundation for Human & Humanitarian Rights – Lebanon, 2006).
Lebanon in the Wind: Some Remarks on Lebanese Politics since February 14, 2005 (World Conference on Religion and Peace – Middle East Regional Workshop, Lebanon, 2006).
Ethical Leadership in a Turbulent Lebanon (International Conference God and the Right to Be Different, USEK, Lebanon, 2005).
Some Aspects of the Protestant Influence on Greek Orthodoxy in Modern Times (Near East School of Theology [NEST], Beirut, Lebanon, 2000).

Academic Degrees

Master of Business Administration, Arab Open University, Lebanon / The Open University, UK (2017)
Doctorate in Theology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece (1997)
License in Theology, University of Balamand, Lebanon (1991)

Professional Certificate

Certified eLearning Director, Association of Arab Universities (Jordan) / Academy-UK (UK) (2022)

MOOCs Completed

The Role of the CEO in Navigating GenAI (2024)
Setting a Generative AI Strategy (2024)
Empowering and Transforming your Organization (2024)
Navigating Generative AI for Leaders (2024)
Navigating Generative AI Risks for Leaders (2024)
Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT (2024)
Envisioning Educational Transformation (2024)
Leading Change in Teaching and Learning for a Digital World (2022)
Authentic Assessment for Online Learning (2022)