Lecture Topics
Julia lecturing at Near East School of Theology in Beirut, Lebanon
In addition to teaching at Lancaster Theological Seminary, I regularly engage groups about the Bible and its interpretation.
In congregations
I often teach adult education in Christian congregations, in traditional church school classes, weekly Bible studies, and weekend workshops. Topics vary widely depending on folks' interests, but I've talked about
Reading the Bible as an Adult
The Bible and Human Sexuality
Does it Matter How We Read the Bible?
The Bible and "Family Values"
Who Needs the Old Testament?
What is Sacrifice and Who Needs It?
Jewish and Christian Biblical Interpretation
Images of God in the Bible
What Does the Bible Say about the Afterlife?
Studies of Individual Biblical Books: Genesis, Exodus, Levitiucs, Isaiah, Amos, Nahum, Ruth, Jonah
I also preach, sometimes from the Revised Common Lectionary, sometimes in light of an educational focus.
I'm always open to exploring new topics.
For pastors
One type of teaching I've especially enjoyed is with pastors interested in looking at the lectionary texts for a full season of the church year. Sometimes during a one day-long session and sometimes during multiple sessions over the course of several months, I've worked with pastors to get a big picture view of the texts for Lent or Advent, seeing how they fit together and leading pastors in study of individual lectionary texts.
At pastor groups, I've also addressed topics they've requested.
For denominational gatherings
I offer keynote addresses and/or Bible studies at denominational meetings.
Educational Institutions
I've presented Convocation addresses at several seminaries.
Outside the church
I especially enjoy opportunities to talk to people outside of the church walls. Locally, I've appreciated the opportunity to speak at Theology on Tap, where folks gather in a pub to discuss religious topics. A few times, I've been invited into public school classrooms to talk about the ancient Near East or the Bible as Literature. Great fun!
I regularly present papers at academic conferences and hope to do more in the future.
Looking ahead
With the launch of my Reading the Bible as an Adult project, I'm interested in finding venues to help groups of all varieties use this resource. Want to start a book club group that will read the Bible as literature? I'd love to help, visiting to help you kick it off and/or consulting with you along the way.
For more information, you may write to Julia through through the Contact Page.
