The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs contain nuanced discussions of the nature of sin, which is invariably associated with both demonic forces and the human body. The senses are portrayed as human spirits. These senses, when used inappropriately, can allow the spirits of deceit to overcome a person and lead them to sin. Seeing, tasting and…[Read more]

This essay explores the meaning of the word glōssa, the tongue, in Acts. The focus of my study will be Acts 2:1-13, the Pentecost narrative, where the reader first interacts with tongues of fire and with the experience of glossolalia, speaking in tongues. I read this passage exegetically (but playfully) while I consider the meaning and usage of…[Read more]

After a general philosophical introduction that outlines my current thinking, I advance the premise that the inverse of traditional Western philosophical understanding, that is, that the concept of divinity as uniquely created through human culture denotes the specific unique status of humanity, and is sustainable in light of contemporary…[Read more]

This article reassesses the metaphors found in Isa 49.26a and 63.6 in their historical and socio-religious context of alcohol production. Using interdisciplinary approaches from archaeology and anthropology, traditional interpretations that have emphasised a context of alcohol consumption and drunkenness, rather than wine production, are…[Read more]

This essay examines the Book of Revelation in dialogue with the films of Christopher Nolan, with particular attention to the use of nonlinear narrative. The approach taken to Nolan’s work is that of auteur theory, a pattern theory which traces the distinctive technical and artistic voice of the director across a wide range of films (e.g. M…[Read more]

This article concentrates on the affective impacts of the relationship between the bodies of the father and his daughter in Sirach. It relies on gender studies as well as affect theory to explore how intensities pass from body to body in the biblical text, and also to the bodies of those who read it. The father’s body is marked by gynophobic a…[Read more]

“The Bible” does not exist as material reality, and yet as a cultural icon “the Bible” animates institutions and enterprises devoted to it. This article assesses the short history of scholarship on one such institution, the controversial Museum of the Bible (MOTB) in Washington, D.C., in order to highlight and critique the fantasy of “the Bi…[Read more]

This paper responds to the question what is the origin and nature of apostolicity and how it is
demonstrated? The investigation examines the meaning of apostolicity found in the New
Testament, its significant transition through the post-apostolic period, and the consequence on
contemporary understanding. The dilemma of the first and second…[Read more]

This essay examines select Priestly texts that describe the roles of leaders from the northern and southern tribes in the wilderness cult: the texts of Exod 25–31, 35–40 that concern the sanctuary artisans Bezalel (from the tribe of Judah) and Oholiab (from the tribe of Dan), chosen to lead the construction of the wilderness shrine; the des…[Read more]

The purpose of this essay is threefold. First we will attempt to define the problem of supersessionism (also known as ‘Replacement Theology’), both by responding to the calls of the Roman Catholic Church within Vatican II to change theologies of supersession, but likewise by addressing the current weaknesses in eschatological though within the Rom…[Read more]

The purpose of this essay is threefold. First we will attempt to define the problem of supersessionism (also known as ‘Replacement Theology’), both by responding to the calls of the Roman Catholic Church within Vatican II to change theologies of supersession, but likewise by addressing the current weaknesses in eschatological though within the Rom…[Read more]

[Chapter in The Art of Forgiveness, 2018] This paper considers the story of Jacob and Esau’s reconciliation (Gen 32-33) through the lens of my own experience in pastoral ministry and of Family Systems Theory. In one sense it is a psychological reading of the narrative of Gen 32-33. In another it is an attempt to explore the practical and…[Read more]

Slides for an invited talk on the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM) for the Greek Paul Project Webinar.

Slides for an invited talk on the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM) for the Greek Paul Project Webinar.

Entry on Hekhalot literature

Handbook entry on Medieval Jewish Prophecy as a form of prognostication

An entry for the Centre for the Study of Apocalyptic and Millenarian Movements’ (CenSAMM) Dictionary: https://www.cdamm.org/