Guwahati, February 26, 2026: Paul Thigpen, Catholic theologian, author and convert to the faith, died on February 24 at the age of 71. His passing was announced by TAN Books, which published many of his works. He was widely known for his writings on the saints, spiritual life and the theological exploration of extraterrestrial intelligence.
Born on May 18, 1954, in Savannah, Georgia, Thigpen was raised Presbyterian and later identified as an atheist before returning to Christianity. He pursued academic studies in religious studies at Yale University and earned advanced degrees in historical theology from Emory University. After serving as a Protestant pastor, he entered full communion with the Catholic Church in 1993.
Following his conversion, Thigpen dedicated his work to presenting Catholic teaching with clarity and fidelity. Among his widely read books are Manual for Spiritual Warfare, A Year with the Saints, Saints Who Saw Hell, and The Biblical Names of Jesus. His writings sought to assist readers in deepening their understanding of Scripture, tradition and the spiritual life.
He also addressed the long-standing theological discussion on extraterrestrial life in his book Extraterrestrial Intelligence and the Catholic Faith: Are We Alone in the Universe with God and the Angels? In his reflections, Thigpen noted that Catholic thought, across centuries, has allowed scholarly inquiry into the possibility of intelligent life beyond Earth, while affirming the central truths of Christian revelation. He drew attention to figures such as St. Albert the Great, who described the question of other worlds as worthy of consideration.
Thigpen remained active in Catholic media and scholarship until shortly before his death. Church leaders and Catholic commentators have remembered him for his intellectual contribution, pastoral sensitivity and dedication to family life.
His journey from Protestant ministry to Catholic communion reflects the Church’s enduring openness to dialogue, theological exploration and conversion rooted in conscience and study. For communities where inter-Christian engagement remains significant, including regions with strong Protestant presence, his life offers an example of respectful theological search and fidelity to faith.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.