Dr. Paulien received his bachelor’s degree in theology from Atlantic Union College, which included a year abroad studying in West Germany.  His MDiv degree in 1975 and his PhD in the New Testament in 1987 were both earned from Andrews University.

Early in his career, Dr. Paulien was a church pastor in New York and Michigan before attending graduate school. After teaching at Adventist Seminary at Andrews University for many years, he came to Loma Linda University in 2007 as Dean of the newly formed School of Religion. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Adventist Society for Religious Study, and the Chicago Society for Biblical Research.  He has also served on numerous committees and study projects within the Adventist Church and professional organizations.

Dr. Paulien is a well-respected bible scholar and a prolific writer. He was written dozens of book reviews and has been published on topics relating to the history of the Adventist Church and book of Revelation. He is a specialist in the Johannine literature in the new Testament (Gospel of John and the book of Revelation), and the intersection of faith with contemporary culture. Many of his books have been translated into different languages.

Outside of academia, Dr Pauline enjoys begin with his wife and their three children. He also enjoys travel, golf and photography