Caryn Reeder

Caryn Reeder is a Professor of New Testament and Co-Coordinator of the Gender Studies program at Westmont College. She holds a B.A. from Augustana College, an M.A. in biblical studies from Wheaton College, and an M.Phil. in Old Testament and Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on gender, violence, and family structures in biblical texts, particularly examining women’s roles in early Christian narratives and wartime contexts. Dr. Reeder’s work bridges biblical scholarship with contemporary issues, such as her forthcoming book The Samaritan Woman’s Story: Reconsidering John 4 After #ChurchToo, which critiques patriarchal interpretations of scripture in light of modern church controversies. She teaches courses in New Testament and Gender Studies, emphasizing critical engagement with biblical ethics and historical contexts.

• Education:
• B.A., Augustana College
• M.A. in Biblical Studies, Wheaton College
• M.Phil. in Old Testament, University of Cambridge
• Ph.D. in New Testament, University of Cambridge

Her research explores intersections of gender, war, and violence in biblical traditions, including studies on the portrayal of women in Luke’s Gospel, wartime rape in ancient contexts, and the ethical implications of biblical legal codes. Her publications analyze texts like Deuteronomy’s laws on purity and Josephus’s accounts of siege warfare, contextualizing them within broader social and gender dynamics. While no specific awards are listed, her work contributes to reinterpreting biblical narratives through a gender-critical lens.

Dr. Reeder’s advising and teaching are central to her role, though no formal advisee names are recorded. She actively collaborates with the Gender Studies program, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on religion, gender, and social justice. Her upcoming book underscores her commitment to addressing contemporary issues through biblical scholarship, reflecting a trajectory toward applied theological ethics.