Dr. Reinhard Stiksel is a Researcher at the Department of New Testament within the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Tübingen since October 2023. He previously served as a Bible scholar in Austria, including leadership roles at Bibelwerk Linz (2020-2023) and editorial contributions to significant religious publications. Education: Mag. theol. in Catholic Theology (2008-2014), Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg Mag. theol. in Catholic Religious Education (2008-2014), Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg Doctorate in Theology (2019), Salzburg, under Prof. Dr. Marlis Gielen His research focuses on New Testament ethics , identity discourse in early Christian communities , and contemporary biblical interpretation . He has contributed to projects examining textual boundaries in Revelation and interfaith marriage restrictions in early Christianity, with particular attention to historical and sociological dimensions. Notable publications include Das Neue Testament. Übertragen in die Sprache unserer Zeit (2023) and Mauern und Abgrenzungsstrategien in der Offenbarung des Johannes (2020). His work intersects scriptural analysis , identity theory , and practical theological application .
Prof. Dr. Rainer Kampling is a distinguished Professor of Biblical Theology/New Testament at the Seminar for Catholic Theology within the Department of History and Cultural Studies at the Free University of Berlin. Since 1992, he has contributed significantly to theological scholarship with a particular focus on Jewish-Christian relations, New Testament studies, and the history of Christian anti-Semitism. He serves as Executive Director of the Seminar for Catholic Theology and has been actively involved with the Selma Stern Center for Jewish Studies Berlin-Brandenburg as a member of its directorate and coordination board. Dr. Kampling's research interests span Jewish-Christian dialogue, the theological implications of biblical texts, Catholicism and anti-Semitism, and the reception history of the Bible. His work consistently addresses the complex historical relationship between Christianity and Judaism, with special attention to how early Christian texts have been interpreted and how those interpretations have influenced Christian attitudes toward Jews throughout history. He has made significant contributions to understanding the theological roots of Christian anti-Judaism and the path toward contemporary Jewish-Christian reconciliation. His scholarly output reveals a consistent focus on the intersections of biblical interpretation, historical theology, and contemporary interfaith relations. Kampling's work demonstrates how theological reflection on biblical texts must engage with their historical reception and the ethical implications of those interpretations. His publications often address how Christian theology can responsibly acknowledge and address the historical legacy of anti-Judaism while developing constructive theological frameworks for contemporary Jewish-Christian relations. Among his notable institutional affiliations are membership in the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS), the Interdisciplinary Center for the Ancient World, and the examination committee of the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies. He also serves on the advisory board of the Foundation New Synagogue Berlin – Centrum Judaicum and is a member of the subcommittee for religious relations with Judaism of the German Bishops' Conference. Prof. Kampling has supervised numerous doctoral students and contributed to major research projects including the critical complete edition of Hans Jonas's works on Gnosticism and the Encyclopedia of Jewish-Christian Relations. His teaching and research have significantly shaped theological education at FU Berlin, particularly in fostering interreligious understanding and critical engagement with Christian theological traditions.
Constanza Cordoni de Gmeinbauer is a Professor at the University of Vienna's Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies, affiliated with the Institute of Jewish Studies. Her research focuses on Jewish literature of the early Middle Ages, rabbinic exegesis, and the historical role of the Land of Israel in Gaonian period scholarship. Ongoing projects: 'Job in Jewish Literature of the Early Middle Ages' (2025-2028) and 'Land of Israel in the Gaonian Period' (2025-2028) Recent activities include lectures on Jewish apocalypticism, rabbinic interpretations of Psalms, and spatial dimensions of scriptural authority Her peer-reviewed publications span biblical exegesis, rabbinic texts, and interfaith theological dialogues. She received a Senior Research Fellowship at the Center for Early Jewish Hermeneutics in 2022 for her groundbreaking work on scriptural authority frameworks.
Prof. Uri Gabbay is an Associate Professor of Assyriology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem , affiliated with the Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near East . His expertise spans Sumerian and Akkadian languages, with a focus on temple rituals and scholarly texts from the first millennium BCE. Teaches Sumerian, Akkadian, and courses on ancient Mesopotamian history/religion Leads the AMPS Project on Mesopotamian priestly scholasticism Active in the Electronic Babylonian Literature (eBL) project Research Highlights: Specializes in Emesal prayers, Akkadian commentaries, and ritual textual transmission. Key publications include studies on the Late Babylonian ‘Ancient Sumerian’ series and the theology of Mesopotamian kettledrums. Recent Publications span topics like Sumerian laments, Balaĝ compositions, and Ur III administrative tablets. Collaborates extensively with researchers such as Luděk Vacín and Enrique Jiménez. Contact: Email - gabbay.uri@mail.huji.ac.il | Office - Institute of Archaeology, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem
Prof. Dr. Heike Behlmer is a faculty member at the University of Göttingen in the Department of Egyptology and Coptic Studies . Her research focuses on Egyptian monasticism , Coptic literature , gender studies , digital Coptic , and the history of Egyptology . Director of research projects like the Digital Complete Edition and Translation of the Coptic-Sahidic Old Testament Co-founder of the KELLIA - Coptic Electronic Language and Literature International Alliance Editorial roles in journals such as Lingua Aegyptia and Göttingen Oriental Research Her recent work explores the intersection of digital humanities and Coptic textual analysis , including OCR for Coptic script and linguistically tagged corpora. She investigates how late antique Christian communities interpreted biblical texts and constructed religious identities. Behlmer’s publications highlight the role of women in Coptic hagiography , gender dynamics in monastic texts , and historical entanglements of Egyptology with colonial and antisemitic networks. Her editorial projects emphasize the preservation and digitization of Coptic manuscripts .
Dr. Travis B. Williams is a Professor of Religion at Tusculum University , where he teaches courses ranging from introductory Hebrew Bible and New Testament to advanced topics on Jesus, the Gospels, the Apostle Paul, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. His academic focus centers on ancient Jewish and Christian literature, with particular expertise in the Catholic Epistles and Second Temple Judaism . Education Ph.D. in Theology (University of Exeter), specializing in New Testament Th.M. in Academic Ministry (Dallas Theological Seminary), focusing on New Testament B.A. in Biblical Studies (Tennessee Temple University) Dr. Williams' research bridges textual analysis with socio-cultural contexts, emphasizing 1 Peter studies, the Dead Sea Scrolls , and the intersection of memory theory with ancient communication practices. His work explores themes like Christian identity formation , persecution , and ethnic negotiation in early Christian communities. Recent publications highlight his expertise in 1 Peter commentary (2023) and Dead Sea Scrolls analysis (2023). He employs interdisciplinary methodologies, including memory theory and ancient media culture , to reinterpret classical texts in their historical frameworks.
Melissa Ramos is an Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at Portland Seminary, which is part of George Fox University. She is also an ordained pastor (Minister of Word and Sacrament) in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Dr. Ramos has an impressive educational background: PhD from UCLA MPhil from Cambridge University MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary BA from University of California, Irvine Her research focuses on ritual studies in the Hebrew Bible, with particular attention to covenants and oaths in ancient West Asia and the Mediterranean. She explores the intersections of ritual with gender, race, and hermeneutics, examining how ancient Israelite rituals shaped biblical texts and continue to inform contemporary religious practice. Dr. Ramos is particularly known for her work on curses and blessings, Northwest Semitic inscriptions, and Levantine archaeology, bringing material culture studies into conversation with textual analysis. Dr. Ramos's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on ritual dynamics in Deuteronomy and broader biblical texts, with increasing attention to gender perspectives and contemporary applications. Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical theological concerns, evident in both her scholarly monographs and contributions to accessible platforms like Working Preacher and Religion for Her. Her scholarly achievements have been recognized with significant honors: 2021 Graduate Faculty Researcher of the Year at George Fox University Multiple Faculty Development Grants for research (2018, 2019, 2022) 2023 Teaching and Learning Workshop on Becoming an Anti-Racist through the Wabash Institute 2022 Workshop for Early Career Theological School Faculty Dr. Ramos actively contributes to the academic community through conference presentations at venues like the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting and the European Association of Biblical Studies Conference. She also engages public scholarship through her co-founding of Religion for Her, which explores women's interpretation of Scripture, and regular contributions to Working Preacher and TheTorah.com.
Paul A. Lewis is Professor of Religion and Chair of the Religion Department at Mercer University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where he has served since 2002. His work bridges theological tradition with contemporary ethical challenges through a commitment to practical wisdom and moral formation. Education Ph.D., Duke University Th.M., Union Theological Seminary M.Div., Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary B.A., Missouri Western State College Research Interests Specializing in theological ethics, Dr. Lewis focuses on moral development, virtue ethics, and practical wisdom within religious frameworks. His research examines how historical traditions inform modern ethical dilemmas, particularly through biblical narrative and wisdom literature. He explores the intersection of erotic attention, trust, and pedagogy in moral formation, while addressing contemporary issues like leadership ethics, political anxiety, and interpretive violence in sacred texts. His approach emphasizes narrative coherence between past wisdom and future-oriented ethical action. Publication Trends His recent publications demonstrate consistent engagement with practical theology across multiple formats. Books like Faithful Innovation (2020) establish theoretical frameworks connecting divine rule with Christian wisdom, while journal articles such as The Organ Maker’s Shop (2018) explore pedagogical metaphors. His prolific op-ed output since 2023 shows urgent application of theological ethics to current events—including gun culture, election anxiety, and leadership failures—blending academic rigor with public discourse through outlets like Good Faith Media. The recurring themes reveal a scholar committed to making theological ethics accessible and actionable in volatile cultural contexts. Scientific Awards No scientific awards mentioned. Advising and Grants While Dr. Lewis serves as department chair and maintains active scholarship, no graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or external research grants are documented in the provided materials. His institutional leadership role suggests administrative responsibilities that may limit formal advising capacity. Labs and Teams No dedicated research laboratories, interdisciplinary teams, or collaborative projects are referenced in the available information. His scholarly output appears primarily individual, though his op-eds indicate engagement with media platforms for broader theological discourse.
J. Cornelis de Vos serves as Extraordinary Professor of New Testament and Ancient Judaism at Münster University, Germany. His academic career bridges Jewish and Christian textual traditions with particular expertise in biblical interpretation and ancient religious ethics. Prof. de Vos earned his PhD in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, followed by his Habilitation in Ancient Judaism and New Testament from the University of Münster, establishing his dual expertise in both religious textual traditions. His research focuses on ancient ethics , the interpretation of biblical texts across religious traditions, and the theological significance of the land of Israel for Jews and Christians. Prof. de Vos has made significant contributions to understanding how the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) has been adapted across Jewish Greek philosophy, New Testament writings, Christian theology, Samaritan law, Rabbinic Judaism, and Church Fathers. His work on gender in the Book of Judges offers an innovative intertextual approach to biblical narrative analysis, while his research on the prohibition of killing examines ethical commandments across ancient religious contexts. Prof. de Vos's publications reveal consistent scholarly engagement with how ancient religious communities adapted foundational texts to meet specific communal needs while maintaining connections to shared religious heritage. His work demonstrates particular attention to the evolution of land theology from Old Testament concepts through early Jewish and Christian interpretations, providing valuable insights into the development of religious thought in the ancient Mediterranean world. Though specific details about his mentoring activities are not provided in available sources, his extensive publication record suggests significant contribution to graduate education and scholarly discourse in biblical studies. His research has likely been supported by academic grants focused on religious studies and biblical scholarship, though specific funding sources are not mentioned in the provided text.
Peter Enns serves as the Abram A. Clemens Professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University in Philadelphia, where he contributes significantly to biblical scholarship and theological education through research, writing, and speaking engagements. Dr. Enns' research spans multiple dimensions of biblical studies, with particular emphasis on how contemporary Christians can engage Scripture with intellectual integrity. His scholarly work explores the historical and cultural contexts of the Ancient Near East, Biblical Theology, Wisdom Literature, Second Temple Judaism, and New Testament studies, always with attention to practical implications for modern faith communities. As an accomplished scholar, Dr. Enns has been honored with the prestigious Abram A. Clemens Professorship, recognizing his significant contributions to biblical scholarship and theological education. Abram A. Clemens Professorship Dr. Enns holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and an M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary. He is a frequent speaker in both academic and ecclesiastical settings, known for making complex biblical scholarship accessible to diverse audiences. His influential publications include 'How the Bible Actually Works,' 'The Sin of Certainty,' 'The Evolution of Adam,' and 'Inspiration and Incarnation,' which have shaped contemporary discussions about biblical interpretation within Christian communities.
Szilvia Kormos serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Assyriology and Hebrew Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, Hungary, where she contributes to teaching and research in ancient Near Eastern civilizations and Semitic language traditions. Her scholarly focus centers on interdisciplinary ancient studies, with primary expertise in: Assyriology: Analysis of Mesopotamian cuneiform texts, historical records, and cultural practices Hebrew Studies: Examination of ancient Hebrew language, biblical literature, and Jewish textual traditions Ancient Near Eastern History: Comparative study of Bronze and Iron Age societies across Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Levant Semitic Linguistics: Structural analysis of Akkadian, Hebrew, Aramaic, and related language families Biblical Archaeology: Material culture investigations of sites referenced in Hebrew scriptures Cuneiform Studies: Decipherment and contextual interpretation of wedge-shaped writing systems Professional correspondence may be directed to kormos.szilvia@btk.elte.hu or via university extension 5046. Her office is located in room II. em. 231/d at ELTE's humanities campus, 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4/F.
Dr. Tara D. Stephan is the Elliott Associate Professor of History at Hampden-Sydney College, where she specializes in medieval and early modern historical studies. Her office is located in Maples, Room 003, and she can be contacted via phone or email for academic engagements. Education: Ph.D., New York University, 2018 M.A., New York University, 2014 B.A., The Ohio State University, 2011 Her research explores the intersections of religion, gender, and power structures in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean societies, particularly within the Ottoman Empire and Mamluk periods. She investigates themes like intellectual traditions, minority communities, and cultural exchanges through Islamic literature and social practices. Her publications demonstrate a consistent focus on re-examining historical narratives through marginalized perspectives. Awards and Honors: Omicron Delta Kappa (2025) Cabell Award for Distinguished Teaching (2024) Outstanding Faculty Advocate (2023) VFIC Mednick Fellowship (2022) Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship (2012) She maintains active membership in six major academic associations, including the American Historical Association and Middle East Studies Association, supporting disciplinary engagement beyond her institutional role.
Po Nien Chou is a Professor in the Faculty of Religious Education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where he teaches courses including Book of Mormon, New Testament, Old Testament, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Church History in the Pacific and Asia, and The Gospel and World Religions. With over 229 student ratings giving him a perfect 5/5 overall quality score and 100% indicating they would take his class again, he is recognized for his inspirational teaching style, meaningful participation requirements, and caring approach to students. Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Foundations, Brigham Young University (2010) M.S. in Health Science, Brigham Young University (1999) B.S. in Emergency Management, George Washington University (1995) Professor Chou's research focuses on the global history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, particularly in Asia and Oceania, with special emphasis on the translation of the Book of Mormon into various languages worldwide. His work bridges religious studies, historical analysis, and cultural understanding, examining how religious institutions adapt and grow across diverse cultural contexts. His recent publications predominantly examine the growth and development of the Church in Indonesia, featuring interviews with key religious leaders who have shaped the Church's presence in Southeast Asia. These works form part of his broader scholarly contribution documenting the worldwide expansion of religious movements, particularly focusing on how religious institutions establish themselves in culturally diverse environments across Asia and the Pacific. Member, Mormon Historical Association (2014-2020) Member, American Educational Research Association (2011-2020) Member, Western History Association (2019) Multiple scholarship awards from BYU, GWU, and professional organizations Professor Chou serves as the Director of the Chinese channel for Scripture Central, supervising 23 volunteers in producing religious content. He chairs the Religious Education Curriculum Development committee and the Religious Education Undergraduate Research Conference at BYU-Hawaii. His grant funding from the BYU Religious Studies Center, BYU-Hawaii, and the Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Studies demonstrates strong institutional support for his research on Asian and Pacific religious history. He also advises numerous student research assistants and teaching assistants in religious studies. With his background growing up in Taiwan and Brazil, speaking multiple languages, and extensive experience with the Church Educational System across Asia, Professor Chou brings a truly global perspective to his teaching and research on religious history and education.
David L. Orvis serves as Professor and Assistant Chair of the Department of English within Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences. His scholarship centers on the intersection of early modern literature and queer theory, with particular expertise in Shakespeare, Milton, and Renaissance women writers including Katherine Philips. Education: Ph.D. in English, The University of Arizona M.A. in English, The University of Arizona B.A. in English, Washington College (Chestertown, MD) Professor Orvis's research fundamentally reinterprets Renaissance texts through queer lenses, examining how early modern literature constructs and challenges norms of gender, sexuality, and marriage. His work reveals complex same-sex relationships in canonical works while recovering queer dimensions in non-canonical texts, particularly women's writing. This approach bridges historical scholarship with contemporary queer theory to demonstrate the period's relevance to modern identity discourses. His publication trajectory shows sustained engagement with Shakespearean comedy (2017-2018), Miltonic theology (2014), and Restoration drama (2010), culminating in recent work on early modern women's poetry (2023). The consistent focus on queerness across genres—from sonnets to stage plays—demonstrates a cohesive scholarly project that destabilizes heteronormative readings of the period. Awards: The Academy of Outstanding Teachers, College of Arts and Sciences (2015-2016) William C. Strickland Outstanding Young Faculty Award (2013) Milton Society of America's Irene Samuel Award for 'Queer Milton' As Assistant Chair of the English Department, Professor Orvis combines administrative leadership with nationally recognized scholarship. His editorial work on multi-author collections demonstrates collaborative academic leadership, while teaching awards confirm excellence in pedagogy. The provided text contains no information about current research grants or student advising activities.
Pierre Steenberg joined Union Adventist University in January 2022 as Assistant Professor of Religion, bringing dual doctorates in New Testament studies (Ph.D.) and pastoral psychology/family therapy (D.Min.). His educational background includes: Bachelor's in Theology from Helderberg College (South Africa) Ph.D. in New Testament Studies D.Min. in Pastoral Psychology and Family Therapy Research focuses on reconstructing New Testament-era cultural mindsets, societal structures, and scriptural interpretation methodologies, with emphasis on applying historical contexts to modern biblical understanding. Complementing this, he maintains active scholarship in family dynamics through six published books over the past decade—three specifically addressing marriage and parenting frameworks rooted in theological perspectives. Prior to academia, Steenberg served 11 years as pastor of Hollister Seventh-day Adventist Church (California) and held leadership roles including Ministerial and Evangelism Director for Central California Conference. A South African native with Afrikaans upbringing, he integrates cross-cultural insights into his work while maintaining an active photography practice specializing in landscape/wildlife documentation, having co-taught related workshops.
