Irena Backus

Irena Backus (born 1952) is a Swiss historian specializing in the history of the Reformation, particularly focusing on Reformed theology and its reception. She is also known for her work on Renaissance humanism and its engagement with religious thought.

Backus holds a doctorate from the University of Geneva and has taught at various universities, including the University of Geneva and, most notably, the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland, where she served as Professor of Reformation History.

Her research interests encompass a broad range of topics within the Reformation era, including:

• The theology of John Calvin and other Reformed theologians.
• The development and spread of Reformed ideas across Europe.
• The intellectual and social context of the Reformation.
• The reception and interpretation of patristic thought during the Reformation.
• The role of women in the Reformation.

Backus is the author of numerous books and articles, including works on the Bible and its interpretation during the Reformation, and significant contributions to understanding the intellectual currents of the 16th century. She has also edited collections of essays on related topics, fostering scholarship in the field of Reformation studies. Her work is noted for its thoroughness, intellectual rigor, and nuanced understanding of the complexities of the Reformation period.