Dr. Sharon Dirckx is an independent speaker and author, as well as an adjunct lecturer at OCCA the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Originally from a scientific background, she has a PhD in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge and has held research positions in the UK and USA.
Sharon is invited to speak and lecture in a variety of contexts across the UK, Europe and North America on topics such as science, theology, human identity, “mind and soul,” and the problem of evil.
Sharon is a frequent contributor to podcasts around the world including Justin Brierley’s program “Unbelievable?” and The Big Conversation, where she dialogued with psychiatrist and philosopher Iain McGilchrist in 2022. Sharon has also appeared on several BBC programs including Songs of Praise, Radio 2 Good Morning Sunday, and Radio 4 Beyond Belief.
Her first book, Why?: Looking at God, Evil and Personal Suffering (2013), won the prize for best book at the 2014 Speaking Volumes UK Christian Book Awards (presented by Pam Rhodes). Why? interweaves the stories of people who have suffered, with a practical look at some “why?” questions on suffering. Sharon’s second book, Am I Just My Brain? (2019), examines questions of human identity from the perspectives of neuroscience, philosophy, and theology. Her latest book, Broken Planet (February 2023), looks at the question of why God would possibly allow devastating natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunami, hurricanes and more.
Sharon lives in Oxford with her husband and two children.
