Christian Robillard

Thesis supervisor: Lorenzo DiTommaso

Thesis title: The Necromantic Clerical Underground in 15th Century Europe

Christian is pursuing an M.A. in Religions and Cultures at Concordia University. He previously completed a B.A. in Religions and Cultures at Concordia University, with a minor in Law from Université de Montréal, and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, and computer science from McGill University and Université de Montréal.

His primary research interests concern Western esotericism and the history of ritual magic in medieval Europe, with a particular focus on the practice of necromancy and demonic conjuring by lower-level clergy in the late Middle Ages. His research examines the tension between the Roman Catholic Church’s official condemnation of such practices and their clandestine practice within clerical and academic circles, where access to theological texts, Latin literacy, and ritual knowledge facilitated the performance of magical operations. His broader interests include ritual magic, secret societies, cults, and ancient manuscripts.

His additional academic interests include artificial intelligence and personhood, particularly questions of intelligence, will, and agency in the thought of the Church Fathers.