Davies was born on 11 February 1947 in Llwynypia, the Rhondda Valley, but was brought up in Bedlinog, Wales.[1] He was educated at Lewis School, Pengam, an old Grammar school in South Wales.[1] He studied anthropology at St John's College, Durham, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1969.[1][2] He studied for a Master of Letters (MLitt) research degree in Mormonism at St Peter's College, Oxford and the Oxford Institute of Social Anthropology under the supervision of Bryan R. Wilson; he completed the degree in 1972.[2][3] In 1971, he joined Cranmer Hall, an Anglican theological college attached to St John's College, Durham, to train for ordained ministry.[2] During this time he also studied theology, graduating from Durham with a further BA degree in 1973.[1]
Davies continued his studies post-ordination. He undertook research in meaning and salvation at the University of Nottingham,[3] completing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1980.[2] His doctoral thesis was titled "The notion of meaning and salvation in religious studies".[4] In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree by the University of Oxford; this is a higher doctorate awarded for research.[1]
In 1974, Davies joined the University of Nottingham as a lecturer in theology.[1] He was promoted to senior lecturer in 1990,[2] and appointed Professor of Religious Studies in 1993.[1][3] In 1997, he moved to Durham University, where he had been appointed Principal of the College of St Hild and St Bede and Professor of Theology.[1][2] In 2000, he stepped down as Principal and was appointed Professor in the Study of Religion.[1] He was Head of the Department of Theology from 2002 to 2005, and has served as Director of the Centre for Death and Life Studies since 2007.[1]
His current projects include writings on 'The Encyclopedia of Cremation', 'The Clergy and British Society: 1940–2000', 'A Brief History of Death', 'Inner-speech and prayer' and 'Ritual purity'.
He has also published a large number of articles on death, and contemporary Christianity.
Davies has been involved with various editorial boards and conferences, including the 'Editorial Board of Mortality' and the 'British Sociological; Association Religion Group' (Chairman: 2000–2003). He was also guest speaker at both the Scandinavian Sociological Society Conference in 2004 and the International Cremation Federation Conference in Barcelona, 2003.
Within the University of Durham he teaches the undergraduate modules: 'Study of Religion', 'Death, Ritual and Belief', 'Sects, Prophets and Gurus' and 'Theology and Anthropology'. He also teaches 'Ritual, Symbolism and Belief' to those studying a taught master's degree in theology.
He is a member of the Senior Common Room of St Chad's College Durham.
^ abcdefghijklm"Davies, Rev. Prof. Douglas James, (born 11 Feb. 1947), Professor in the Study of Religion, since 2000, and director, Centre for Death and Life Studies, since 2007, University of Durham (Head, Department of Theology, 2002–05)". Davies, Rev. Prof. Douglas James. Oxford University Press. 1 December 2017. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U12999. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
