Christian D. Finnigan

Christian D. Finnigan is an intellectual historian whose work focuses on political thought within the Christian tradition, especially as it developed in early modern Europe. His research explores the theological and philosophical foundations of political authority in Reformation political thought, while also engaging broader currents in Anglo-American and European intellectual history. As a historian, he approaches political theory through historical sources and contexts, with particular attention to the interplay of law, religion, and political philosophy throughout the Western tradition. He is completing his PhD in Ecclesiastical History at McGill University, where his dissertation centers on the political thought of the Protestant Reformer Martin Bucer.

Before joining Cairn, he served as Assistant Professor of History and Politics at Colorado Christian University (CCU), where he was twice named Faculty Member of the Year, honored with the Junior Faculty Award, recognized as Student Organization Advisor of the Year, and chosen Professor of the Year by CCU student-athletes. He has also served as a Lecturer in Christian History at Davenant Hall, an Adjunct Professor of Government at Patrick Henry College, an Instructor in History at Sacred Heart University, and a Teaching Fellow in History at Yale University. He was an Emo F.J. Van Halsema Fellow at the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies at Calvin University, a Visiting Assistant in Research at Yale University, and a Fellow at the Centennial Institute.

Finnigan also brings to Cairn a background in politics and ministry. His experience in politics includes positions on various political campaigns, most notably serving as Director of Ballot Access and Delegate Selection for the 2008 presidential campaign of Sen. Fred Thompson, serving as a White House Intern, and working for the American Conservative Union. His work in ministry includes serving as a pastoral apprentice at the Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia, working for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and as a ministerial candidate in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), preaching in churches throughout the United States, England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The interdisciplinary Politics, Philosophy, and History program is critical to Cairn University’s mission to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character. Accordingly, Finnigan is excited to lead this department and help ground students in biblical, historical, and constitutional foundations.