Dr. Christian Askeland, Senior Researcher at Museum of the Bible, is interested in the origins and diversity of early Christianity, endeavoring to reconstruct historically the movements from which the relevant texts and manuscripts arose. He has authored John’s Gospel: The Coptic Translations of its Greek Text. When reading scholarship about the NT, one frequently encounters references to the Coptic language and its texts. What is this language? When did it originate? How is it important for studying ancient texts and traditions?
Danny Carroll Rodas is an Old Testament ethicist who serves as the Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy at Wheaton College and Graduate School in Wheaton.
He has been to the Lanier Theological Library on a couple of occasions, most recently to give a lecture in Spanish to members of our community. You can watch the lecture here.
In today’s podcast Dr. Carroll R. discusses the work of three Old Tesatament prophets: Isaiah, Amos, and Micah. He does an artful job explaining the history, culture, and poetry behind these prophets whose oracles were recorded a brief time after they were delivered.
The words of the Lord came to Hebrew prophets in their day but they continue to speak in ours.
Among other things, the Hebrew prophets were cultural critics in their time and can be in ours when our values and practices violate the decent and reasonable laws of God.
Questions emerge today about immigration, the environment, and our polarized rhetoric and politics. Does God have anything to say on these challenging topics.
Here is what Dennis Edwards of North Park Theological Seminary said about the book:
“Perhaps some of us employ the adjective prophetic hastily or uncritically, but many more of us are reluctant to heed the words of prophets–even the prophets identified in the Bible. Carroll demonstrates why and how biblical prophets speak to a myriad of social issues, including many that we presently face. His rigorous exegesis, historical analysis, and cultural awareness converge to give Bible readers a better understanding of Scripture’s prophetic tradition and how it applies right now.”
Danny joined us on the podcast a few months ago to discuss the Bible and immigration. Click here to listen to the podcast.
Dr. Randy Hatchett is Professor of Theology and Program Coordinator for Theological Studies and for Christianity at Houston Baptist University. Among other things, he has written Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction. In this conversation with Dr. Capes he reminds us that at every step the study of biblical languages is crucial for reading the unfolding story of our texts (economy) and the necessary theologizing upon these texts (theology).
“Exegetically Speaking” is a weekly podcast of the friends and faculty of Wheaton College, IL and The Lanier Theological Library. Hosted by Dr. David Capes, it features language experts who discuss the importance of learning the biblical languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—and show how reading the Bible in the original languages “pays off.” Each podcast lasts between seven and eleven minutes and covers a different topic for those who want to read the Bible for all it is worth.
Jim and his wife, Cathy, have been long time friends of the library. In fact, he has lectured in the Stone Chapel twice over the last 12 years. You can click on the links below to see these lectures on our YouTube channel.
He has also been instrumental in promoting the library and its work through his network of students and scholars.
Jim was born in Egypt and recounts some of his early life there. After he earned his PhD and began teaching, he found he frequently had to teach the prophets. Over time he came to love and appreciate the Hebrew prophets as those who point back to God’s teaching.
Dr. Hoffmeier is a renown Old Testament scholar and field archaeologist. In this book he explores the non-writing and writing prophets of the Old Testament against their cultural backdrop.
The book is beautifully done. It contains full-color photos and images of the land and some of the treasures excavated there.
Jim is a great writer. He is clear, engaging and the book is set up to bring out the best for any reader.
When we do lectures at the Lanier Library, we frequently have his book available for purchase and if you’re lucky, he may just sign it for you.
Here is what Tremper Longman III said about the book:
“James Hoffmeier, a biblical scholar and archaeologist of international reputation, is an excellent guide to help us read the theological message of the prophets in their proper setting. He brings his skill and immense knowledge to bear to orient us to a proper understanding of the prophets. I highly recommend this volume to all who want to read the prophets to truly hear their voice and ultimately the voice of God who speaks through them.”
This is a great interview. Thanks to Jim for writing his heart out to get us this book done AND for making it available to us.
Jim and his wife Cathy live in Paradise, Pennsylvania, to be close to their grandkids!
A Word in Edgewise 
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