Don Thorsen is Professor of Theology and Chair of Advanced Studies in the Haggard Graduate School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University, located in Azusa, California.

Thorsen was born in 1955 in Turlock, California, to Rodney and Esther Thorsen. He studied at Stanford University, where he majored in Religious Studies. Thorsen continued his religious education at Asbury Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Drew University (M.Phil., Ph.D.). His doctorate was in Theological and Religious Studies.

Thorsen began teaching at Montclair State College in New Jersey, and Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. In 1988, he moved to Azusa Pacific University, where he continues to teach and administrate.

In addition to teaching, Thorsen has lectured around the world, and written numerous articles, book chapters, and books. His books include The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience as a Model of Evangelical Theology (Zondervan); Theological Resources for Ministry (Evangel); Inclusive Language Handbook (Wesleyan/Holiness Women’s Clergy), with Vickie Becker; An Exploration of Christian Theology (Hendrickson); and The Holiness Manifesto (Eerdmans), with Kevin Mannoia. Books in progress include Evangelicals Are Not All… (Baker), with Steve Wilkens; Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality (InterVarsity); What Christians Believe about the Bible (Hendrickson), with Keith Reeves; and An Exploration of Christian Ethics (Hendrickson), with Craig Boyd.

Thorsen has done editorial work for Christianity Today, Christian Scholar’s Review, and Light & Life. His ecumenical involvements include the Commission on Faith & Order, Commission on Interfaith Relations, Southern California Ecumenical Council, Word Made Fresh, Society of Evangelical Scholars, and Wesleyan Holiness Study Project.