Writer & Independent Researcher

Ersun Augustinus
Kayra

Catholic lay writer based in Istanbul, working at the intersection of theology, Christian–Muslim dialogue, and ecological thought.

Interreligious Studies Kalām & Polemics Ecological Theology Catholic Ethics
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Research Focus

I

Christian–Muslim Relations

Classical kalām, taḥrīf discourse, modern Muslim apologetics, and dialogical frameworks grounded in doctrinal clarity.

II

Pauline Interpretation

New Perspective debates (Sanders, Dunn, Wright) and their relation to Muslim reception of St Paul.

III

Ecological Theology

Bioethics, Catholic social ethics, and the theology of creation in dialogue with Islamic tawḥīd.


Location
Istanbul, Türkiye
Publications
17 Works (2025–2026)
ORCID
0009-0008-0174-6898
Email
[email protected]

Languages

TurkishEnglishGermanFrenchBulgarian
MA in Christian Leadership
Dallas Theological Seminary, USA · 2015
MA in Export Marketing Management
Brunel University, London · 1996–1997
BA in Business Administration
Anadolu University, Türkiye · 1991–1995

About

Catholic Lay Writer & Independent Researcher

Ersun Augustinus Kayra is a Catholic lay writer and independent researcher based in Istanbul. His work focuses on the intersection of theology and ethics, Christian–Muslim relations, and ecological questions from a Catholic perspective.

In interreligious studies, he concentrates on classical kalām and polemical traditions, modern Muslim apologetics — particularly the Deedat school and its successors — and dialogical frameworks grounded in doctrinal clarity and fair theological description.

Beyond academic writing, Kayra contributes essays and journalism to international outlets in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese — from National Catholic Reporter and Plough Quarterly to Stimmen der Zeit, Le Devoir, Internazionale, and Vida Nueva Digital.


Publications


Ongoing Research

Current Projects

In Preparation · Target: September 2026

“The Pauline Problem in Islamic Theology: From Corruption Narrative to Honest Disagreement”

A critical examination of how Islamic theology has historically framed St Paul and the taḥrīf (corruption) narrative.

Islamochristiana, PISAI, Rome

In Development

Comparative Study: Islamic Tawḥīd-centred Creation Theology and Christian Ecological Ethics

An exploration of convergences and divergences between Islamic environmental ethics grounded in tawḥīd and Catholic ecological theology in the tradition of Laudato Si’.

Academic Journal (TBD)


Ministry & Leadership

Humanitarian Aid Leadership (2012–2024)

Led home visits, accompaniment, and material-assistance initiatives serving 600+ families annually in Türkiye. Founded and directed two aid associations over twelve years.


Get in Touch

Contact

[email protected] ORCID 0009-0008-0174-6898 Based in Istanbul, Türkiye