Anathea Portier-Young

Anathea Portier-Young is an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Duke Divinity School since 2011. She holds a Ph.D. from Duke University (2004), M.A.B.L. from the Graduate Theological Union/Jesuit School of Theology (Berkeley), and a B.A. from Yale University. Her research focuses on biblical prophecy, early Jewish apocalyptic literature, and second-temple historiography, with a specialization in embodiment studies as applied to religious experience and text interpretation. She is the award-winning author of *Apocalypse Against Empire* (2011) and *The Prophetic Body* (2024), exploring resistance theology and the role of the body in mediation.

• Educations:
  • B.A., Yale University
  • M.A.B.L., Graduate Theological Union/Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley
  • Ph.D., Duke University

Research Interests: Portier-Young examines embodiment through cognitive science and materiality, addressing themes like incarceration, identity, and nonviolence in biblical texts. Her work critiques imperial domination and integrates interdisciplinary methods with social justice applications. Recent projects explore Miriam’s prophetic dance and Josephus’s portrayal of memory.

Publications & Media: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles and books, including co-editing *Scripture and Social Justice*. Media features include *Religion News Service* and *WorkingPreacher.org*. Recent articles analyze Daniel’s textual fluidity and the symbolic resistance in apocalyptic narratives.

Teaching & Grants: Teaches courses like *Prophecy in the Body* and *Old Testament Interpretation*. Received grants such as the Catholic Biblical Association’s *Prophecy in the Body* project (2021–2022). Active in the Duke Divinity School Women’s Center, fostering community and equity in theological education.