James -Blankenship

Dr. James Blankenship

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies; McGee Chair (Year 1 of 1)


Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
M.A.T.S., Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary J.D., Vanderbilt University School of Law
B.A., Indiana University, Bloomington


JBlankenship@jbu.edu

A former lawyer, Jim Blankenship came to JBU in the Fall of 2002.  He primarily teaches classes in Bible and biblical languages.  His Senior Seminar in Biblical Studies has studied the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nag Hammadi Codices and the Apostolic Fathers, as well as methods and issues central to Biblical Studies. Before coming to JBU, he taught classes at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in the Philippines, at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN, as well as at the University of Pennsylvania.  
 
Dr.. Blankenship's doctoral dissertation is Subject to the Governing Authorities: A Tradition of Pauline Interpretation in Late Antiquity.  It analyzes how both John Chrysostom and John of Damascus used Romans 13:1-10, in light of their very different historical situations.  His Master’s degree includes concentrations on both HB/OT and in NT studies.
 
Dr. Blankenship's main research interests are both the role that context does play and the role it should play in shaping one’s understanding of the Bible.  He gives presentations on the Bible and its background in both religious and secular settings.  He is also involved in ministry in several local churches, including teaching and preaching.
 
When he is not preparing for classes or other presentations, Dr. Blankenship enjoys spending time with his wife and college sweetheart, Lynn.  He also trains in several martial arts, enjoys baseball, and at times will re-read the works of Chaim Potok and Flannery O’Connor.  

 

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