Joseph Powell

I studied Theology at the University of Exeter, before moving on to MPhil study in Theology (World Christianities) and then a PhD in Theology both at the University of Cambridge. I have now joined the Faculty of Divinity at Cambridge as a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow, having previously served as a Lecturer at Birmingham Newman University and a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham.

My primary research focus is Rastafari spirituality in the Caribbean and the UK. My recent PhD thesis explored Rastafari ecologies and ecotheologies through ethnographic fieldwork in St Lucia/Iyanola. This built on his MPhil research which explored contemporary dietary practices amongst Rastafari communities in Jamaica and the UK. I have has produced numerous journal articles, conference papers and encyclopedia entries on Rastafari, spanning the elemental language of Rastafari influenced music to Rastafari encounters with Covid-19. I also retain an active interest in the interaction between faith and football.