JBU’s Abila Lecture Series Features Old Testament Scholar
SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK. (Oct. 4, 2016) – John Brown University’s “Abila Lecture in Biblical Archaeology” welcomes Old Testament scholar Dr. Tremper Longman III to the Cathedral of the Ozarks Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m. Longman’s lecture "If Jericho Was Not Razed Is Our Faith in Vain?: Why History Matters" is part of the biannual lecture series to promote the understanding of archaeology and history of the Biblical world.
Longman, who earned a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary, and Master of Philosophy and doctorate from Yale University, is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. The author of over 30 books translated into 17 languages, Longman’s three newest books, “How to Read Job,” “Genesis: Story of God Bible Commentary,” and “The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom: A Theological Introduction to Wisdom Literature in Israel” will be published in early 2017.
The biannual Abila Lecture series invites a scholar to speak on the Old Testament in the fall and the New Testament in the spring. Dr. David Vila, JBU’s professor of religion and philosophy, will speak in spring 2017.
“The Abila Lecture in Biblical Archaeology provides up-close access to some of the leading voices in the study of the history and archaeology of the Biblical world,” Dr. Vila said. “Attendees will be encouraged and enriched as the ancient world of the Bible comes to life through these stimulating and thought-provoking lectures.”
The lecture series, now in its third year, has been funded by donors to JBU’s Abila Archaeological Project, which excavates in Northern Jordan at Abila of the Decapolis under the direction of Dr. Vila. All lectures are free and open to the public.
The Abila Lecture is also a part of the university’s Endowment for Academic Excellence, a priority of JBU’s $125 million Campaign for the Next Century. JBU has currently raised more than $95.5 million toward the $125 million goal and plans to complete the campaign on JBU’s centennial in 2019.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges, 2017), JBU enrolls more than 2,600 students from 40 states and 37 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 39 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.
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