Arnold Y. Charles

Arnold Y. Charles is a doctoral student in Systematic Theology at Southern Methodist University, committed to the analytic tradition of theology. His research employs the tools of analytic philosophy to bring greater metaphysical clarity to Christian doctrine and perfect being theism, particularly the doctrine of divine eternity and how it relates to the temporal world. As such, his research lies at the intersection of metaphysics (ontology, cosmology, modality), philosophy of religion, philosophy of time, and theoretical physics.

Arnold has a B.A. in Political Science from Abilene Christian University and M.T.S. and Th.M. degrees from Perkins School of Theology at SMU. His broader work in analytic theology has engaged topics such as the modality of grace, the ontology of the Trinity, the existence of God, the justification of religious belief, and the problem of evil.

Born to an Indian mother and a Sri Lankan father, Arnold grew up in the multi-culturally rich United Arab Emirates from a young age and thus identifies as both a third culture kid (TCK) and a person of color. He moved to Texas in 2017 as an international student at ACU, where he met his wife, Leah Charles. Together, they enjoy exploring bookstores, museums, and going to the theater.

Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Frederick D. Aquino