Dr. Topping earned an MA in Philosophy from the University of Manitoba as well as an M.Phil. and a Doctorate in Theology from the University of Oxford. He has held several academic posts and until 2024 was Full Professor of Theology and Director of the Benedict XVI Institute for the New Evangelization at Newman Theological College, in Edmonton, Alberta, where he also previously served as Academic Dean. While serving as Dean, he led the bid to launch NTC’s new Great Books BA program.
Dr. Topping has published ten books and numerous articles on Catholic education and culture. He is a popular speaker at conferences.
In recent years he has launched several successful programs, among them, an annual Faith and Reason Seminar for Catholic professionals, an annual Internship Program for Catholic young adults, a monthly city-wide apologetics gathering, and the John Paul II Leadership Camp for teens.
He has helped attract over one million dollars in funding for Catholic projects. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta). Dr. Topping and his wife have ten children.
Dr. Topping’s popular talks can be found here, and his academic CV, here.
