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André Gagné is a Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University, currently on research leave (July-December 2025). His work bridges theology, political science, and sociology with global recognition through 400+ media features in outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Le Monde. Education: Conjoint PhD from Université catholique de Louvain and Université de Montréal M.A. from Université de Montréal B.Th. from Université de Montréal His research centers on Christian Political Thought (examining theology-state dynamics), Global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements (analyzing their sociopolitical impact worldwide), and Reception History of the Bible (tracing interpretive trajectories across cultures). This interdisciplinary approach integrates historical analysis with contemporary case studies, particularly focusing on evangelical movements in the Americas and Europe. His eight books and recent journal articles reveal consistent thematic focus: the weaponization of spiritual warfare rhetoric in politics, apocalyptic narratives in populist movements, and religious violence in Western traditions. The 2024 publications on Trump-era evangelicalism demonstrate methodological innovation through media discourse analysis combined with theological critique. Scientific awards: Newsmaker of the Week (4 times) Newsmaker of the Month (4 times) President's Opinion Leader of the Year (2016) Expert Communicator of the Year (2024) Dr. Gagné supervises MA students in Theological Studies and PhD candidates in Individualized Programs and Humanities. His policy impact is evidenced by service on Public Safety Canada's National Expert Committee on Countering Radicalization to Violence (2023-2025), where he contributed theological perspectives on religious extremism. His media engagement strategy represents a deliberate effort to translate academic research for public discourse. He co-directs the Spirit, State, and Society podcast and maintains affiliations with Concordia's Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance, Université de Sherbrooke's Centre de recherche Société, Droit et Religions, and the multi-university Political Theology Research Group (McGill, Concordia, UdeM, ULaval).

• Christian Political Thought
• Global Pentecostal and Charismatic movements
• Reception of the Bible

Daniel A. Smith, PhD, serves as Dean of Theology and Clark and Mary Wright Professor of New Testament Theology at Huron University College, where he has taught New Testament Language and Literature since 2004. An active member of the Society for New Testament Studies, Society of Biblical Literature, and Canadian Society for Biblical Studies, he frequently collaborates with KU Leuven's Leuven Centre for the Study of the Gospels. His research centers on contextual interpretation of New Testament texts, with specialized focus on Synoptic Gospels, Sayings Gospel Q, Passion/Resurrection Narratives, and Marcion's Gospel. He integrates historical-critical analysis with reception history, emphasizing how biblical interpretation impacts both faith communities and marginalized groups affected by scriptural misuse. Recent publications reveal sustained engagement with source criticism, particularly through 2020-2018 works on the Two-Document Hypothesis, Marcion's Gospel, and spatial analysis of Synoptic mission narratives. His scholarship consistently explores textual transmission, Q source traditions, and theological implications of early Christian writings while bridging academic rigor with ethical considerations in biblical hermeneutics.

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christian Writings
• Biblical Interpretation
• +5 more

Clinton E. Arnold is a Research Professor of New Testament and former Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He specializes in New Testament studies, particularly the letters of Paul and the Acts of the Apostles, with a focus on historical and cultural contexts. Arnold is renowned for editing the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary and authoring works like Powers of Darkness and The Colossian Syncretism . He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen and has published extensively in journals such as New Testament Studies and Journal for the Study of the New Testament . Education: Ph.D., University of Aberdeen; M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary; B.A., Biola University. His research interests include early Christian practices, spiritual warfare, and biblical exegesis. He served as President of the Evangelical Theological Society (2011) and contributes to translation oversight for the ESV. Arnold’s work bridges academic rigor and pastoral application, emphasizing the relevance of biblical scholarship for contemporary faith communities. He has led Talbot’s extension programs in Kyiv and New York and advocates for the inerrancy of Scripture. His writings often address theological challenges in modern contexts, such as mental health, biblical authority, and missional theology. Awards include leadership roles in major theological societies and recognition for editorial contributions to biblical resources. His legacy includes shaping evangelical scholarship through commentaries, teaching, and mentoring future theologians.

• New Testament Studies
• Pauline Epistles
• Biblical Backgrounds
• +3 more

Joseph Pak is Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University in the Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy Department . A New Testament scholar with a PhD from Dallas Theological Seminary, he invests his life in training the next generation of Christian leaders. Education PhD, New Testament Studies – Dallas Theological Seminary STM, New Testament Studies – Dallas Theological Seminary MDiv, School of Divinity – Liberty University BS, Electrical Engineering – Virginia Tech Research Interests Pak’s research centers on the New Testament , particularly the epistles of James and 2 Peter , exploring themes of self-deception in theology , wealth and poverty in early Christianity , Scriptural inspiration , and false believers . He also examines the intersection of contemporary philosophical discussions with biblical hermeneutics and theological ethics. Publications & Translations He has authored the monograph False Believers in the New Testament and the volume What the Bible Says about the Dangers of Self-Deception: An Exegetical Approach . Additionally, Pak translated six influential Christian works from English into Korean, including Daniel Fuller’s The Unity of the Bible and Everett Ferguson’s The Background of Early Christianity , thereby bridging Korean and Western evangelical scholarship. Professional Service & Outreach Regular presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society national conferences Contributed 10 New Testament introductions to The Abide Bible (Thomas Nelson, 2020) Has taught courses at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary , Liberty University , Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary , and Taylor University Joseph Pak’s overarching passion is to know, love, and serve Jesus while equipping students to lead with biblical integrity.

• New Testament Studies
• Biblical Theology
• Self-Deception in Theology
• +3 more

Steven L. McKenzie is Professor of Religious Studies and Spence L. Wilson Senior Research Fellow at Rhodes College, specializing in Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) studies, biblical archaeology, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. His academic career spans decades of influential scholarship and editorial leadership. His educational background includes: Th.D. from Harvard University B.A. and M.Div. from Abilene Christian University McKenzie's research focuses on the history of ancient Israel, Hebrew Bible literature, Hebrew language and grammar, biblical interpretation methods, and the intersection of archaeology with biblical studies. He pioneered work on the Deuteronomistic History and Chronicler's literature, establishing foundational frameworks still referenced today. His interdisciplinary approach bridges textual analysis with historical context, making complex scholarship accessible to broader audiences. His publication trajectory reveals consistent engagement with biblical historiography and interpretation, evolving from technical studies like The Chronicler's Use of the Deuteronomistic History (1985) to accessible works such as How to Read the Bible (2005), and culminating in major reference works including the Oxford Encyclopedia of Biblical Interpretation (2013). Recent projects focus on editorial leadership for the Oxford Bible Commentary series. Key honors include: Spence L. Wilson Senior Research Fellowship McKenzie's academic service demonstrates exceptional commitment: founding the Deuteronomistic History Section at the Society of Biblical Literature, serving as associate editor of Vetus Testamentum (2010-2019), and contributing to editorial boards of Journal of Biblical Literature and Catholic Biblical Quarterly . His decade-long leadership of academic tours through the Middle East and Greece with the Middle East Travel Seminar extended his scholarship into experiential education, while media appearances on Discovery and History channels brought biblical scholarship to public audiences.

• History of Ancient Israel
• Hebrew Bible Literature
• Hebrew Language and Grammar
• +3 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

J. Ross Wagner is an Associate Professor of New Testament at Duke University's Divinity School since 2013. He holds a Ph.D. from Duke University (1999) and previously taught at Princeton Theological Seminary for 15 years. His research focuses on Pauline epistles, Septuagint studies, and theological exegesis, emphasizing how scriptural interpretation shaped early Jewish-Christian communities. Key works include Reading the Sealed Book (2013) and Heralds of the Good News (2002). Professor Wagner's teaching spans courses like New Testament Interpretation , Old Testament in the New , and Philippians/Philemon . He has co-investigated the Wabash Center grant Fostering a Culture of Teaching (2017–2022). His work bridges biblical scholarship with missional and contextual interpretation, as seen in studies applying Romans to post-hurricane Honduras. His scholarship intersects with Karl Barth Center collaborations and includes engagements with religious education initiatives. Current research continues exploring Paul's use of scripture, intertextuality, and the theological implications of Septuagint translation practices.

• Biblical Studies
• Theological Exegesis
• Septuagint Studies
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Benedikt Hensel is a full Professor for Old Testament at the University of Oldenburg , where he serves as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences since 2025. He co-directs the Institute for Protestant Theology and Religious Education and leads the Digital Biblical Archaeology Oldenburg initiative. Research Focus : Interdisciplinary study of Israelite and ancient Jewish history, digital cultural heritage technologies in Levantine archaeology, and theological interpretation of Hebrew Bible texts. Projects : Hazor Digital (since 2024), Resettlement of Ruins and Memories (Gerda Henkel-funded), and Transjordan and Southern Levant Archaeology (since 2019). His recent publications analyze: Iron Age cultural memory formation in the Southern Levant Edomite-Israelite relations through archaeological and textual evidence Digital reconstruction of biblical sites like Hazor Yahwistic diversity in Persian period Judah and Samaria Theological implications of migration narratives in the Hebrew Bible Scientific Awards : 2018 Armin Schmitt Prize for Biblical Text Research Student Supervision : Currently advising PhD candidates on topics ranging from Idumean trade networks to post-exilic identity formation in biblical texts.

• Biblical Archaeology
• History of Israel
• Hermeneutics
• +12 more

Jorunn Økland is a Professor at the University of Oslo, holding dual roles in the Faculty of Theology and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Research. Her research spans ancient Mediterranean material culture, feminist critique of religion, and gender studies. She directs the Norwegian Institute at Athens and has led the Centre for Gender Research (2010–2013). Education: Dr.Theol. from University of Oslo, with classical studies expertise. Key positions include Professor of New Testament at University of Sheffield (2005–2007), and leadership roles in international organizations like the European Association of Biblical Studies (2009–2012). Research focuses on sacred texts, gender theory, and the intersection of religion and cultural memory. Recent work explores populism in Norwegian equality contexts, ancient Greek religion, and spatial theories in gender studies. Active in editorial roles for journals like Journal of the Bible and its Reception and serves on councils such as the Society of Biblical Literature. Awards and honors include leadership in gender research initiatives and academic administration.

• Ancient Mediterranean material culture
• Feminist critique of religion
• Gender and sacred texts
• +5 more

James Davila is a Professor of Early Jewish Studies at the School of Divinity, University of St Andrews, UK. His work focuses on ancient Jewish and Christian religious texts, with particular expertise in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, and late antique theological developments. Research Focus: Interdisciplinary studies of Second Temple literature Specialization: Merkavah mysticism, scriptural exegesis, and ritual studies His research bridges the Jewish and Christian scriptural traditions, examining how ancient texts like 4 Ezra and Hekhalot literature influenced early religious thought. Current projects include analysis of ritual practices in gnostic and mystical traditions. Selected publications highlight his contributions to understanding non-canonical scriptures (2013-2014), including critical editions and studies of ritual frameworks in ancient Jewish mysticism. Professional Networks: Society of Biblical Literature, British New Testament Association Academic Leadership: Principal Investigator for British Academy and Leverhulme Trust projects Contact: jrd4@st-andrews.ac.uk

• Early Jewish Studies
• Dead Sea Scrolls
• Old Testament Pseudepigrapha
• +5 more

Dr. Mona Tokarek LaFosse serves as Assistant Professor of New Testament and Sacred Literature Studies (Teaching Stream) at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Divinity through a joint appointment at Emmanuel College and Victoria College. She teaches across undergraduate, basic-degree, and graduate programs at Victoria University, specializing in New Testament studies and early Christian history through interdisciplinary lenses. Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Toronto's Department for the Study of Religion (2011), MA in Religion and Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University (2001), Honors BA in Anthropology from the University of Waterloo (1998), and Biblical Studies certificate from Columbia Bible College (1994). She previously taught at Martin Luther University College, Wilfrid Laurier University, Huron University College, and the University of Toronto. Dr. LaFosse approaches New Testament scholarship through cultural anthropology, storytelling theory, and age studies. Her research examines early Christian communities through the lens of age structure, intergenerational dynamics, and oral storytelling practices. She explores how life course stages shaped social relationships in the ancient Mediterranean, particularly focusing on 1 Timothy's treatment of age hierarchies. Her innovative teaching methodology emphasizes 'embodied story'—integrating performance and physical engagement with texts influenced by Indigenous storytelling traditions. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on aging in early Christianity, with 2024 articles examining age demographics and comparative gerontology. She also maintains active scholarship in oral tradition studies, particularly regarding the Gospel of Mark and Shepherd of Hermas, while contributing to academic discourse through society leadership and book reviews. Dr. LaFosse holds significant leadership roles including current service on the Canadian Society for Patristic Studies Nominating Committee (2025–26) and co-chairing the Society of Biblical Literature's Social-Scientific Criticism of the New Testament section (2025–27). She actively participates in the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies, Society of Biblical Literature, and KW Biblical Colloquium. Her distinctive teaching portfolio includes innovative courses like 'Zombies, the Bible and the End of the World' and 'Gospel of Mark as Embodied Story,' reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary engagement with biblical texts through contemporary cultural frameworks and physical performance.

• New Testament Studies
• Early Christian History
• Cultural Anthropology
• +3 more

Armin D. Baum is Professor of New Testament at the Freie Theologische Hochschule (FTH) Giessen (since 2010) and has additionally served as Prorector for Research since 2016. He is also Adjunct Professor in the doctoral programme of the Evangelical Theological Faculty, Leuven (Belgium) and was Visiting Professor at the Theological University Kampen (Netherlands) from 2012-2017. Education 1993 – Dr. theol., Theological University Kampen, Netherlands 1990 – Drs. theol., Theological University Kampen, Netherlands 1989 – M.Div., Freie Theologische Akademie, Giessen, Germany 1984 – Abitur, Elsa Brändström-Schule Hannover, Germany Research Focus Baum’s scholarship centres on the historical reliability of the New Testament writings , the formation of the biblical canon , and literary questions of authorship, anonymity and pseudepigraphy . A second strand of research engages contemporary ethical debates , producing detailed exegetical studies on homosexuality, women in ministry and sexual ethics. His methodological interests include the historical-critical method , the relationship between faith and historical scholarship, and the use of ancient historiographical conventions in the Gospels. Publications & Trends Across more than 120 scholarly works, Baum consistently explores how ancient literary and rhetorical conventions shape the New Testament text. Recent monographs such as Einleitung in das Neue Testament (2017) and edited volumes like Kernthemen neutestamentlicher Theologie (2022) consolidate decades of research on Gospel genre, Pauline authenticity, and canon theology. His 2024 articles extend this trajectory by addressing anonymity in Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles and by offering exegetical foundations for evangelical sexual ethics. Professional Memberships & Awards Society for New Testament Studies (SNTS) Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) Institute for Biblical Research (IBR) Tyndale Fellowship (TF) Rhein-Main-Exegesetreffen Coordinator, New Testament Study Group of the Arbeitskreis für evangelikale Theologie (AfeT) Advising & Research Leadership As Dean of Research (2012-2016) and Prorector for Research (2016-), Baum oversees doctoral training at FTH Giessen and mentors candidates in New Testament and canon studies. He has directed externally funded projects on the origins of the New Testament canon and regularly convenes colloquia for doctoral students and international guests.

• New Testament Theology
• Historical Jesus Studies
• Synoptic Problem
• +5 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

Valentina Calzolari Bouvier is Full Professor of Armenian Studies at the University of Geneva , holding the first and only Armenian Studies chair in Switzerland. She directs Bachelor's and Master's programs in Armenian Studies (ancient and modern) and doctoral training, while serving as President of the International Association for Armenian Studies and a corresponding member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres . Key affiliations: Pembroke College (Oxford), Hebrew University, École Pratique des Hautes Études Current research: Christian apocrypha in Armenian, Greco-Armenian philosophical transmission, Soviet-era Armenian literature Her recent publications focus on Armenian apocryphal texts (2022's The Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles in Armenian ), medieval Armenian historiography, and Armenian diaspora literature. She co-directs the LABEAC research laboratory on Central Europe-Orient and Central Asia, and has received the Movses Khorenatsi Medal (2023) and honorary doctorate from Armenia (2007). Scientific distinctions include: Movses Khorenatsi Medal (2023) Accademia Ambrosiana membership (2010) Honorary Diploma from Republic of Armenia (2012) Leverhulme Visiting Professor (Oxford, 2021-2023)

• Armenian Studies
• Christian Apocrypha
• Late Antique Philosophy
• +4 more

Jennie Grillo is an Associate Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, affiliated with the College of Arts and Letters. She holds a DPhil, MSt, and MA from Oxford University. Her primary research focuses on Christianity and Judaism in antiquity, particularly the Old Testament's interpretation within Christian theology and the history of Israelite religion. Grillo’s work bridges biblical studies, patristic exegesis, and reception history. Key publications include *Daniel After Babylon* (OUP, 2024) and *The Story of Israel in the Book of Qohelet* (OUP, 2012), which won the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award. Current research explores divine incorporeality in the Hebrew Bible, with interests in wisdom literature, liturgical reception, and early biblical print traditions. Grillo has held fellowships from ACLS, the Louisville Institute, and the National Humanities Center. Her teaching emphasizes Hebrew Bible/Old Testament studies, reflecting her expertise in ancient Near Eastern thought and early Jewish-Christian interpretation.

• Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity
• Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Interpretation
• Second Temple Judaism
• +5 more