Culbertson, Philip Leroy, 1944-

Philip Leroy Culbertson (born 1944, died 2022) was a scholar in practical theology. He was a lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Theology and was Director of Pastoral Studies at St John's Theological College until his retirement in 2007. Before this he taught at the School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, TN, from 1985 to 1992. He is an ordained priest of the Episcopalian tradition. He is also a psychotherapist in private practice and has taught at two training institutes in Auckland, New Zealand. He is well published in the fields of Pastoral ministry, counselling, gender and spirituality (particularly in relation to some of the Old Testament), and Jewish/Christian dialogue. He eventually converted to Judaism. In 2004 Culbertson was interviewed by Sunday, a current affairs show broadcast in New Zealand, regarding his opinion of the controversial Destiny Church led by Bishop Brian Tamaki in which among other things he stated, "As far as I can tell it's a cult". Culbertson died on February 4, 2022.