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Reyhan Durmaz is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, affiliated with the School of Arts & Sciences and multiple interdisciplinary programs. Her research focuses on Syriac Christianity, medieval religious dynamics, and the intersection of Christianity and Islam in late antiquity. She holds a Ph.D. from Brown University (2019) and has received prestigious fellowships such as the Dumbarton Oaks Junior Fellowship and the Charlotte Newcombe Dissertation Fellowship. Her seminal book Stories between Christianity and Islam (2022) examines the transmission of saints' stories between religious traditions, earning Honorable Mention from the Middle East Medievalists. Current projects include a study of rural Christianity in the medieval Middle East through soldier-monk narratives and an analysis of the 19th-century Arabic newspaper Kawkab America . She co-leads the Digital Photograph Archive project Visualizing Countryside , documenting medieval religious sites. Dr. Durmaz teaches courses on global Christianity, material culture, and late antiquity, and serves as co-chair of the Philadelphia Seminar on Christian Origins. Her work bridges historical analysis, textual scholarship, and digital humanities, addressing themes of religious identity, cultural exchange, and marginalized communities.

• Syriac Christianity
• Medieval Studies
• Byzantine Studies
• +7 more

Delbert Burkett is the Jaak Seynaeve Professor of Biblical Studies and Professor of Religious Studies at Louisiana State University. He specializes in New Testament studies, particularly the history, religion, and literature of earliest Christianity. His research focuses on the Synoptic Problem and early Christian textual traditions. Before joining LSU in 1996, he taught at Western Kentucky University, Appalachian State University, and Lebanon Valley College. He served as Section Head of Religious Studies (2004-2007) and Department Chair (2010-2016). Education: B.A. in Koine and Classical Greek, Abilene Christian College (1971) M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School (1973) Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins, Duke University (1989) Research Interests: Burkett's work examines the literary relationships between the Synoptic Gospels, the 'Son of Man' title in the New Testament, and early Christian origins. His publications include Rethinking the Gospel Sources (multi-volume series) and The Case for Proto-Mark . Publications Trends: His recent articles address topics like Markan narrative analysis, Jewish ritual practices, and Luke-Acts theological unity. Earlier work engaged with Johannine resurrection narratives and Coptic liturgical texts. Awards: 2009-2010 ATLAS Grant 2007 Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award Repeated recognition for undergraduate instruction (Alpha Lambda Delta, 1999/2003) LSU Council on Research Summer Stipends (1997, 2000) 1992 Southern Regional Education Board Travel Grant Teaching & Grants: Teaches courses such as 'A History of God' and 'Apocalyptic Literature.' His grants supported research on gospel sources and early Christian texts. No formal lab affiliations are noted, though he collaborates on initiatives like the 'AI & Religion Collaborative.'

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christianity
• Biblical Studies
• +3 more

Paul Anderson serves as Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University's School of Theology, where he has taught since January 1989. His academic journey includes a PhD from Glasgow University, MDiv from Earlham School of Religion, graduate studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Portland State University, and a BA from Malone University. Anderson maintains significant international academic connections as extraordinary professor of religion at North-West University of Potchefstroom (South Africa) and adjunct professor at Barclay College and Portland Seminary. Anderson's research centers on the Gospel of John, Jesus studies, and Quaker theology. He pioneered cognitive-critical analysis of Johannine traditions to address Christological tensions, developing his "Bi-Optic Hypothesis" for understanding John's composition. His influential book The Fourth Gospel and the Quest for Jesus argues for John's significance in historical Jesus research, while From Crisis to Christ provides a contextual New Testament introduction bridging ancient and contemporary contexts. His work on Quaker spirituality, including Following Jesus , explores practical Christian discipleship within the Friends tradition. As a prolific scholar with over 400 published essays, Anderson has shaped Johannine studies through his founding role in the John, Jesus, and History Project (SBL 2002-2016) and co-editing of four major volumes in its series. His recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate continued scholarly vitality, focusing on Johannine theology, historical Jesus research, and Quaker thought. These works reveal his consistent engagement with dialectical tensions in John, universalism/exclusivism debates, and the application of biblical insights to contemporary spirituality. Founding member of the John, Jesus, and History Project (SBL 2002-2016) Editor of Biblical Interpretation series (E.J. Brill) Editor of Johannine Monograph Series Editor of Quakers and the Disciplines series (FAHE) Former editor of Evangelical Friend (1990-1994) and Quaker Religious Thought (2000-2011) Anderson's academic leadership extends through visiting professorships at Yale Divinity School (where he taught 1998-1999) and Princeton Theological Seminary, along with international appointments as DAAD professor at the University of Mainz and Fulbright Specialist at Radboud University of Nijmegen. His work bridges scholarly rigor and practical spirituality, particularly in Quaker contexts, while maintaining active engagement with contemporary theological debates through his extensive publication record and editorial work.

• Gospel of John
• Jesus studies
• Quaker studies
• +4 more

Dr. Laura Vance is a Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Social Science Division at Brevard College. She holds a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University, an M.A., and a B.A. from Western Washington University. Her research focuses on the evolving roles of women in 19th-century American religions, particularly within Seventh-day Adventism and Mormonism. She emphasizes teaching sociology and anthropology, driven by her students' insights connecting academic concepts to their personal experiences. Her recent publications (2014–2017) explore themes such as women’s ordination, gender roles in religious institutions, and biographical studies of key religious figures like Ellen G. White. These works appear in journals like Nova Religio and book series like Palgrave Studies in New Religions and Alternative Spiritualties . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Her academic contributions include publications on gender dynamics in new religious movements and historical analyses of American religious practices. She has advised no listed students or led grants, though her research reflects a focus on intersectional themes of religion, gender, and history.

• Religious Studies
• Gender Studies
• Women's Studies
• +3 more

Casey Elledge is a Professor in the Department of Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College since 2002. His teaching and research focus on New Testament, Early Judaism, Archaeology, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He previously worked on the Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project and was a Fulbright Scholar at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Institute for Archaeology. Education : B.A. in English and Classics (1994) from Centenary College; M.Div (1997) and Ph.D. (2001) from Princeton Theological Seminary; studied at École Biblique de Jérusalem. Elledge's research integrates literary, historical, and theological studies of Early Christian and Jewish literature. His 2017 book, Resurrection of the Dead in Early Judaism, 200 BCE - CE 200 , explores resurrection theology in early Jewish texts. He teaches courses like The Bible (REL-110), New Testament (REL-210), and Jesus (REL-290). Scientific Awards : Faculty Scholarly Achievement Award Fulbright Scholar Elledge serves on the Faculty Senate and participates in Gustavus's International Friendship Family program. Outside academia, he enjoys physical conditioning, gospel music history, grilling, martial arts films, and Alabama football. He is currently reading the Mahabharata and studying Latin with his children.

• New Testament Studies
• Early Judaism
• Archaeology
• +3 more

Susannah Heschel is the Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College , chair of the Jewish Studies Program, and faculty member of the Religion Department. She is currently the Joseph Engel Visiting Professor for 2025-2026 at Swartz Hall, Cambridge, and a Guggenheim Fellow researching European Jewish scholarship on Islam. Education: A.B. from Trinity College, M.T.S. from Harvard Divinity School, Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Research Interests: Her work bridges Jewish and Protestant thought (19th-20th centuries), focusing on biblical scholarship, antisemitism, and Jewish perceptions of Islam. She explores intersections of race, gender, and ethics, particularly in Nazi Germany and modern prophetic traditions. Publications Trends: Recent articles examine Holocaust-era biblical interpretation, prophetic leadership in civil rights, racial theology, and sensory dimensions of antisemitism. Her scholarship spans historical analysis, ethical critique, and interdisciplinary engagements with theology and politics. Scientific Awards: Guggenheim Fellowship National Humanities Center Fellowship Wissenschaftskolleg in Berlin Fellowship Moses Mendelssohn Prize (Leo Baeck Institute) Five Honorary Doctorates Elected Member, American Society for the Study of Religion and American Academy for Jewish Research Grants & Visiting Roles: Recipient of Ford Foundation and Carnegie Corporation grants. Visiting professorships at Universities of Cape Town, Frankfurt, Princeton, Edinburgh, and Lucerne. Convening a 2026 conference on 'Sexual Violence and Antisemitism' with Carnegie support.

• Jewish Thought
• Protestant Theology
• Biblical Scholarship
• +2 more

Frank Thielman is Professor of Divinity and holds the Presbyterian Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, where he has taught New Testament and Greek since 1989. He specializes in New Testament studies with a particular focus on Pauline theology and the cultural context of early Christianity. Dr. Thielman's educational background includes a PhD from Duke University, BA and MA degrees from the University of Cambridge, and a BA from Wheaton College. He also completed additional studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His research interests center on Paul and his letters, biblical theology, and the material and cultural setting of first century Christianity. Thielman's scholarly work provides deep insights into New Testament theology, particularly the Pauline corpus, with emphasis on how early Christian thought developed within its historical and cultural context. His approach combines careful exegesis with theological synthesis, examining how the New Testament writings form a coherent theological whole while addressing specific historical situations. Thielman's recent publications demonstrate consistent expertise in Pauline studies, with particular attention to Romans and the theology of grace. His scholarship bridges historical-critical analysis with constructive theological reflection, making significant contributions to understanding Paul's relationship with the Jewish law and the broader theological implications of New Testament writings. Dr. Thielman is an active member of several scholarly organizations including the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (Society for New Testament Studies), Society of Biblical Literature, Institute for Biblical Research, Evangelical Theological Society, and Catholic Biblical Association. As an ordained Presbyterian (PCA) minister, Dr. Thielman brings practical ministry experience to his academic work. His teaching and writing reflect a commitment to connecting rigorous scholarship with pastoral application. He has authored numerous books and articles that serve both academic and church communities, including his well-received commentaries and his recent 2025 publication Paul, Apostle of Grace , which has been praised as a definitive biography of Paul for a new generation.

• Pauline Theology
• New Testament Studies
• Biblical Theology
• +4 more

Susannah Heschel serves as the Eli M. Black Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies and Chair of the Jewish Studies Program at Dartmouth College, holding a faculty appointment in the Religion Department. Her academic leadership extends through elected memberships in the American Academy for Jewish Research and American Society for the Study of Religion, with visiting professorships at Frankfurt, Cape Town, and Princeton Universities. Her educational background includes: A.B. from Trinity College M.T.S. from Harvard Divinity School Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Heschel's research centers on 19th-20th century Jewish and Protestant intellectual history, with groundbreaking work on Christian theologians in Nazi Germany, Jewish scholarship on Islam, and the theological roots of antisemitism. Her scholarship uniquely bridges biblical studies, feminist theory, and Holocaust research, examining how religious frameworks shape identity and persecution. Current projects explore European Jewish scholarship on Islam through a Guggenheim Fellowship. Her recent publications reveal persistent engagement with prophetic tradition across Jewish-Christian contexts, Holocaust memory studies, and the intersection of race/gender in theological ethics. Works consistently analyze how religious texts are weaponized for oppression while recovering marginalized voices in interfaith dialogue. Honors include: National Jewish Book Award for Abraham Geiger and the Jewish Jesus Mendelssohn Prize from Leo Baeck Institute Five international honorary doctorates Guggenheim Fellowship Research support spans major foundations: Current: Guggenheim Fellowship (2023-2024) Maimonides Institute Fellowship (University of Hamburg, Winter 2024) Previous: Rockefeller Fellowship (National Humanities Center) Wissenschaftskolleg Berlin Fellowship (2011-2012) Carnegie Foundation grants Ford Foundation grants Though not directing formal labs, Heschel collaborates internationally through fellowships at Hamburg's Maimonides Institute and Berlin's Wissenschaftskolleg, advancing comparative research on Jewish-Muslim-Christian intellectual history while mentoring junior scholars through Dartmouth's Jewish Studies Program.

• Jewish Studies
• Christian-Jewish Relations
• History of Anti-Semitism
• +5 more

J. Albert Harrill is a Professor of History at The Ohio State University , where he has been affiliated with the Department of History since at least 2010. Holding a Ph.D. in New Testament and Early Christian Literature from the University of Chicago , Harrill specializes in the intersection of New Testament , early Christianity , and Roman social history , particularly focusing on ancient slaves and marginalized communities . Education: Ph.D., New Testament and Early Christian Literature, University of Chicago His research explores social and cultural dynamics in early Christian texts, with significant contributions to slavery studies through works like Slaves in the New Testament (2006) and The Manumission of Slaves in Early Christianity (1995). He also investigates ethnic fluidity in Ephesians, exegetical methodologies , and classical literary topoi in patristic writings. Recent Publications examine: Ephesians as a circular letter 1 Corinthians 7:21 and evolving scholarship on Pauline slavery Atheist catalogues in classical and Christian contexts Architectural ekphrasis in Roman culture Origen's exegetical techniques Scientific Awards: 2021 Sphinx and Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty 2019 Honors Faculty Service Award in Arts and Sciences 2017 Clio Award for Distinguished Teaching in History 2012 Distinguished Teaching Award in Religious Studies (Indiana University) With nearly 35 years of teaching experience , Harrill has received consistent recognition for courses on Paul's apostleship , historical Jesus , Greek/Roman slavery , and ancient Roman religion . He maintains active academic engagement through the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean World .

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christianity
• Roman Social History
• +6 more

Michael Licona is a Professor of New Testament Studies and Program Coordinator for the Christian Leadership (MA) and Master of Divinity (MDiv) programs at Houston Christian University. He holds a PhD in New Testament Studies from the University of Pretoria and an MA in Religious Studies from Liberty University. His research focuses on New Testament Studies and Apologetics, particularly addressing the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection and Gospel reliability. Dr. Licona’s work includes influential books like *The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach* (2010), which redefined resurrection studies, and *Why are there differences in the Gospels?* (2017), exploring ancient biography methods. He has been honored with Christianity Today’s Award of Merit for his apologetic contributions. He frequently speaks on university campuses and engages in public debates about resurrection historiography. Active in scholarly societies, Licona is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and Society of Biblical Literature. His work bridges historical analysis, theology, and apologetics, emphasizing rigorous scholarship in defending Christian claims.

• New Testament Studies
• Biblical Apologetics
• Historical Jesus Studies
• +3 more

Shaye J.D. Cohen is the Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy at Harvard University's Department of Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations (NELC). He is currently on leave. Before joining Harvard in 2001, he served as the Samuel Ungerleider Professor of Judaic Studies and Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University, and held roles at the Jewish Theological Seminary, including ordination and serving as Dean of the Graduate School and Shenkman Professor of Jewish History. He earned his Ph.D. in Ancient History with distinction from Columbia University in 1975. His research interrogates the boundaries between Jews and gentiles, and between Judaism and its surrounding cultures. Central questions include the definition of Jewish identity, processes of conversion, gender distinctions within Judaism, and comparisons with other cultural and religious boundaries. His scholarship is widely recognized, with notable works such as Why aren't Jewish Women Circumcised? (2005), From the Maccabees to the Mishnah (1987; 2nd ed. 2006), and The Beginnings of Jewishness (1999). These publications explore topics like ritual practices, socio-religious dynamics, and historical transitions in Jewish communities. Prof. Cohen has been honored with an honorary doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary and multiple fellowships. He has also held distinguished visiting roles, including the Croghan Visiting Professorship at Williams College, the Louis Jacobs Lecturer at Oxford University, and the Lady Davis Visiting Professor of Jewish History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In addition to his academic work, Cohen has contributed to public education through appearances on PBS ( From Jesus to Christ , Nova ), A&E ( Mysteries of the Bible ), and History Channel programs. His administrative experience includes leadership in graduate education and theological training, reflecting his dual commitment to scholarship and institutional stewardship.

• Jewish Studies
• Religious Studies
• Ancient History
• +3 more

Evyatar Marienberg is Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in the history of religions with emphases on rabbinics, medieval Jewish-Christian social history, and contemporary global Catholicism. His work uniquely interweaves Jewish legal literature, gender and sexuality studies, and the religious dimensions of popular culture. Education Ph.D., École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), Paris, 1999–2002 D.E.A., École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE-Sorbonne), Paris, 1998–1999 Licence de Théologie, Institut Catholique de Paris, 1994–1998 Rabbinics, Yeshivat ha-Kibbutz ha-Dati, Ein Tzurim, 1990–1993 Research Interests Marienberg’s scholarship ranges across rabbinic legal texts, the lived religious experiences of medieval Jews and Christians, and the contemporary Catholic Church. A recurring focus is sexuality—especially laws and customs surrounding menstruation, marital relations, and sexual education—analyzed through both historical and ethnographic lenses. More recently he has turned to religion in popular music, producing groundbreaking studies on the Catholic imagination in the work of rock musician Sting. Selected Fellowships & Awards Fellow, Frankel Institute for Judaic Studies, University of Michigan (Winter 2014) Starr Fellow, Center for Jewish Studies, Harvard University (Spring 2008) Carey Postdoctoral Fellow, Erasmus Institute, University of Notre Dame (2006–2007) Postdoctoral Fellow, Tel Aviv University (2004–2006) Teaching & Mentorship At UNC-Chapel Hill, Marienberg teaches undergraduate courses such as Religion and Society in Historical Novels , Catholicism Today , and Sexuality & Marriage in Jewish Tradition , as well as graduate seminars including Medieval Jewish Bible Interpretation and Advanced Seminar in Contemporary Catholicism . He actively advises graduate students working at the intersection of Jewish studies, religious history, and gender studies. Labs, Teams & Future Directions While not laboratory-based, Marienberg collaborates with interdisciplinary working groups at the Frankel Institute and Harvard’s Center for Jewish Studies. Future projects include a comparative study of Jewish and Catholic sexual ethics after Vatican II and a monograph on the reception of Leviticus 20:18 in medieval Christian exegesis.

• History of Religions
• Rabbinic Literature
• Medieval Jewish-Christian Social History
• +4 more

Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His work focuses on New Testament textual criticism, early Christian apocrypha, and the historical Jesus. Ehrman holds a Ph.D. (1985) and M.Div. (1981) from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a B.A. (1978) from Wheaton College. His research explores the evolution of early Christian texts, the role of forgery in ancient polemics, and the intersection of religion with social history. Notable publications include How Jesus Became God , Misquoting Jesus , and God’s Problem , many of which have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. Ehrman has received awards such as the Religious Liberty Award (2011) and the Bowman and Gordon Gray Professorship (1998–2001). He teaches courses on the New Testament, early Christian apocrypha, and textual criticism, and has produced numerous online lectures and media appearances. His current projects include a study on millenarianism ( Expecting Armageddon ) and advocacy through his Biblical Studies Academy.

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christian Apocrypha
• Historical Jesus
• +3 more

Mark Goodacre is a Professor of Religious Studies at Duke University. His research focuses on New Testament studies, Christian origins, and the Synoptic Problem. He is known for his critical engagement with the Q hypothesis and advocacy of the Farrer theory. His work integrates textual analysis with historical, literary, and digital methodologies. Goodacre maintains an active online presence through his NT Blog and NT Pod podcast, which explore biblical scholarship and contemporary religious themes. Key research areas include Gospel composition, early Christian literature, and intertextuality between canonical and apocryphal texts. His analysis of the Synoptic Gospels challenges traditional source-critical frameworks, emphasizing Markan priority and Luke's dependence on Matthew. He also examines early Christian reinterpretations of biblical narratives, such as the Magdalene tradition and Passion accounts. Goodacre’s publications span biblical criticism, apocryphal texts, and media reception of religious narratives. He critiques methodological assumptions in historical Jesus studies and advocates for rigorous engagement with textual evidence. His contributions bridge academic scholarship and public education through accessible digital platforms.

• Religious Studies
• New Testament Studies
• Christian Origins
• +4 more

Dr. David Williams serves as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty in Theology at Belmont Abbey College. He holds dual Ph.D.s in Political Science and Theology from Boston College, complemented by a B.A. from Georgetown University. His research focuses on American and Medieval Political Thought, History of Christian Exegesis, Monasticism, Natural Law, and New Testament Political Philosophy. He actively engages in academic presentations and publications across theological disciplines. Dr. Williams teaches courses such as 'Jesus and Salvation,' 'Paul and his Letters,' and 'World Religions.' His scholarly contributions include works on Thomas Aquinas, biblical hermeneutics, and Suarezian natural law theory. Though no formal awards are listed, his academic leadership roles reflect institutional recognition. He maintains involvement with monastic communities and the Abbey Players outside the classroom.

• Theology
• Political Philosophy
• Medieval Thought
• +4 more