Victor Lee Austin

Victor Lee Austin is a theologian and pastor with special interests in ethics and how people work together. His book "Up with Authority: Why We Need Authority to Flourish as Human Beings" was shortlisted for the Michael Ramsey Prize in theological writing. He has taught at colleges and seminary, and was for many years Theologian-in-residence at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City. Since 2016 he has been Theologian-in-residence in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas and is now also Cathedral Theologian-in-residence at St. Matthew's in Dallas.

His book "Christian Ethics: A Guide for the Perplexed" continues to be used in classrooms.

Austin's book "Losing Susan" places theology in the context of everyday life. He tells the story of his wife, Susan, from his meeting her at college through her death from brain disease. The book faces questions about God and faith that arise from such experiences.

After "Losing Susan," Austin wrote "Friendship: The Heart of Being Human." He is persuaded that friendship is "the long game," the final frontier of being human, the most important thing for any of us.

His most recent book is the short "Post-Covid Catechesis," in which he develops five key claims of Christianity that he reckons of particular importance to our world now. It has built-in study questions for small groups.

Austin welcomes invitations to speak and has done so in churches of various denominations from Buffalo and Boston to St. Louis and Phoenix.