Tusculum holding Theologian-In-Residence series focusing on biblical prophets

GREENEVILLETusculum University will offer people the opportunity to explore their faith more deeply and learn more about biblical prophets during the 29th annual Theologian-In-Residence series to be held on Wednesdays in February.

Dr. Jason Bembry

Dr. Jason Bembry, an Old Testament professor from Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan College, will deliver the lectures. The lectures are scheduled to run from 10-11:45 a.m. Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26, in the Chalmers Conference Center of the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. Guests will be eligible to enjoy a free lunch at noon in the Tusculum cafeteria.

“Tusculum provides a comprehensive education in a Judeo-Christian environment, and we welcome the opportunity to share that mission with the community,” said Dr. Greg Nelson, Tusculum’s acting president. “We are grateful Dr. Bembry will share his extensive knowledge on the Old Testament that will enhance the audience’s understanding of the prophets. His impressive scholarship during his career, displayed in his lectures, will be another excellent representation of the caliber of speakers in the history of the Theologian-In-Residence series.”

Here is a breakdown of Dr. Bembry’s lectures:

  • Feb. 5: This lecture is titled “What is Prophecy and Where to Begin?” and looks in depth at the biblical prophets in ancient Israel. The presentation will trace a clear tradition through the centuries that connects with Jesus and John the Baptist.
  • Feb. 12: Titled “Speaking Truth to Power and a Transparent History,” this lecture will examine biblical prophets who speak words of direction and correction to individuals in power and remind people when they do not live up to God’s expectations. It will also draw connections to the work of Martin Luther King Jr., César Chávez and Cornel West.
  • Feb. 19: This lecture, titled “Indicting Empty Worship and Looking Out for Poor People,” will reflect on the work of Will Campbell, Dorothy Day and Myles Horton to understand the concepts of empty worship and apathy toward the plight of poor people, which draw harsh words from Israel’s prophets.
  • Feb 26: Titled “Advocating for Working People and Pursuing Justice,” this lecture will discuss the prophets who keep track of the plight of working people and the divine call for justice. The lecture will also address justice, its biblical definition and its relevance to people’s lives today. It will connect these themes to Horton’s work at the Highlander Center, Day’s work with the Houses of Hospitality and Chávez’s work with migrant farmers.

“These lectures are for people who are troubled by seemingly intractable injustices so prevalent in our world – poverty, racism, sexism, immigration and a general social apathy toward people in need,” Dr. Bembry said. “For those who are even more troubled when Christians appear indifferent or remain silent in the face of these injustices, these lectures invite reflection on the perhaps startling relevance Israel’s prophets provide.”

Dr. Bembry has taught at Emmanuel since 2005. He received a bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University and a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He earned a doctorate in near eastern languages and civilizations from Harvard University. He has written two books – “Yahweh’s Coming of Age” and “Walking in the Prophetic Tradition: Models of Speaking Truth and Acting in Love for Everyday People.”

The Theologian-In-Residence lectures are free, but Tusculum appreciates donations. To reserve a seat for any lecture, please call Tusculum’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 423-636-7303 or email Nicole Rader, director of special events, at nrader@tusculum.edu.