Kenneth Atkinson

University of Northern Iowa
Department of Philosophy and Religion
154 Baker Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0501
(Kenneth.Atkinson@uni.edu)
Web Site: http://www.uni.edu/atkinson

http://northerniowa.academia.edu/KennethAtkinson 

Education                                                                                                                                    

Ph.D., Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (Hebrew Bible and Post-Biblical Literature), 1999.

M.A., Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (Religion), 1996.

M.Div., The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (Religion/Hebrew Bible), 1994.

B.S., Oakland University, Rochester, MI (Human Resources Development), 1982.

Teaching Experience                                                                                                                 

Associate Professor of Religion, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 2004-present.

Assistant Professor of Religion, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 1999-2004.

Instructor in Religion, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 1995-1998.

Other Professional Experience

U. S. Army. Administrative Specialist. Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Support Battalion, Berlin Brigade, West Berlin, Germany, Rank: Specialist Fourth Class. Major Awards: Army of Occupation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Expert Marksmanship Medal. 1983-87.

University Awards

Commander’s Award for Public Service Medal. U. S. Department of the Army. August 30, 2010. 

Iowa Regents’ Award for Faculty Excellence. Iowa Board of Regents. 2008.

Donald N. McKay Faculty Research Award, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 2007-2008.

Distinguished Scholar Award, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 2005-2006. Award for excellence in scholarship.

Outstanding Teaching Award, University of Northern Iowa, College of Humanities and Fine Arts, Cedar Falls, IA. Sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Foundation and the University Book and Supply. April 21, 2004.

Patriotic Civilian Service Award. U. S. Department of the Army. April 13, 2001.

Dissertation Fellowship. College of Liberal Arts. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 1998-1999.

Distinguished Teaching Assistant. College of Liberal Arts. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 1997.

J. Coert Rylaarsdam Award (Inaugural Recipient). Award for work in interreligious dialogue, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 1993-94.

Scholar in Religion. Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 1991- 94.

Henry Barton Robison Scholar in Biblical Studies. Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 1993-94.

Work in Progress:

Queen Salome: Jerusalem’s Forgotten Ruler and the Mysterious Women of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Josephus' Portrayal of the Hasmonean Dynasty in Light of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Classical Texts: From John Hyrcanus to Pompey the Great.

Publications: Books               

I Cried to the Lord: A Study of the Psalms of Solomon’s Historical Background and Social Setting. Supplements to the Journal for the Study of Judaism, vol. 84 (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2004).

Judaism. Introduction by Martin E. Marty (Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2004).

Introduction to World Religions (Indianapolis: The College Network, 2002).

An Intertextual Study of the Psalms of Solomon. Studies in Bible and Early Christianity, vol. 49 (Lewiston, NY: The Edwin Mellen Press, 2001).

Publications: Articles (Accepted & Forthcoming)

Commentary on the “Psalms of Solomon,” in Outside The Bible: Jewish Writings Not Included in Scripture. Louis Feldman, James Kugel, and Lawrence Schiffman, Editors (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, forthcoming).

Commentary on the “Testament of Moses,” in Outside The Bible: Jewish Writings Not Included in Scripture. Louis Feldman, James Kugel, and Lawrence Schiffman, Editors (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, forthcoming). “Soteriology in the Psalms of Solomon,” in This World and the World to Come: Soteriology in Early Judaism. Daniel M. Gurtner, Editor (London: T & T Clark, forthcoming). (forthcoming).

“Body” In Theologisches Wörterbuch zu den Qumrantexten. Heinz-Josef Fabry and  Ulrich Dahmen, eds. (Stüttgart: Kohlhammer-Verlag, forthcoming).

"Enduring the Lord's Discipline: Soteriology in the Psalms of Solomon," in This World and the World to Come: Soteriology in Early Judaism. Daniel M. Gurtner, Editor (London: T & T Clark, forthcoming).

“The Historical Chronology of the Hasmonean Period in the War and Antiquities of Flavius Josephus: Separating Fact from Fiction.” In Flavius Josephus: Interpretation and History. Menachem Mohr, Pnina Stern, and Jack Pastor, eds. (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, forthcoming).

Encyclopedia of Ancient History. Roger Bagnall, Kai Brodersen, Craige Champion, Andrew Erskine, and Sabine Huebner, Editors (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, forthcoming).Author of the following articles: Aristobulus II, Eupolemus, Ezekiel the Tragedian, John Hyrcanus II, Psalms of Solomon.

Dictionary of Early Judaism. John J. Collins and Daniel C. Harlow, Editors (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, forthcoming). Author of the following articles: Gamla, Masada, Psalms of Solomon.  

Publications: Articles (In Print)

Co-authored with Jodi Magness, “Josephus’ Essenes and the Qumran Community.” Journal of Biblical Literature 129 (2010): 317-42.  

co-authored with Hanan Eshel and Jodi Magness, "Do Josephus's Writings Support the 'Essene Hypothesis'"? Biblical Archaeology Review 35 (2009): 56-59.

"The Salome No One Knows: Long-time Ruler of a Prosperous and Peaceful Judea Mentioned in Dead Sea Scrolls." Biblical Archaeology Review 34 (2008): 60-65, 72.

“Psalms of Salomon.” In A New English Translation of the Septuagint. Albert Pietersma and Benjamin G. Wright, eds. (Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 2007), 273-76.

“Representations of History in 4Q331 (4QpapHistorical Text C), 4Q332 (4QHistorical Text D), 4Q333 (4QHistorical Text E), and 4Q468e (4QHistorical Text F): An Annalistic Calendar Documenting Portentous Events?” Dead Sea Discoveries 14 (2007): 125-51.

“Noble Deaths at Gamla and Masada?: A Critical Assessment of Josephus’s Accounts of Jewish Resistance in Light of Archaeological Discoveries.” In Making History: Josephus and Historical Method. Zuleika Rogers, ed. (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2006), 349-71.

“Taxo’s Martyrdom and the Role of the Nuntius in the Testament of Moses: Implications for Understanding the Role of Other Intermediary Figures.” Journal of Biblical Literature 125 (2006): 453-76.

 “Astrology and History in the Treatise of Shem:  Two Astrological Pseudepigrapha and Their  Relevance for Understanding the Astrological Dead Sea Scrolls.” The Qumran Chronicle 14 (2006): 37-55.

“Anti-Roman Polemics in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature: Their Later Use in John’s Apocalypse.” Qumran Chronicle 12 (2004): 109-26.

“Herod the Great as Antiochus Redivivus: Reading the Testament of Moses as an Anti-Herodian Composition.” In Of Scribes and Sages: Early Jewish Interpretation and Transmission of Scripture. Studies in Scripture in Early Judaism and Christianity, no. 9; Library of

Second Temple Studies. Craig A. Evans, ed. (Edinburgh, Scotland: T & T Clark, 2004), 134-49. “Theodicy in the Psalms of Solomon.” In Theodicy in the World of the Bible. Antii Laato and Johannes C. de Moor, eds. (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2003), 546-75.

“Women in the Dead Sea Scrolls: Evidence for a Qumran Renaissance During the Reign of Queen Salome Alexandra.” The Qumran Chronicle 11 (2003): 37-56.

“4QMMT and Psalm of Solomon 8: Two Anti-Sadducean Documents.” The Qumran Chronicle 11 (2003): 57-77

“Introduction." In Joey Green, Jesus and Muhammad: The Parallel Sayings (Berkeley, CA: Ulysses Press, 2002), xxii-xvii. Forward by Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, Secretary General of the Islamic Society of North America.

“On the Use of Scripture in the Development of Militant Davidic Messianism at Qumran: New Light from Psalm of Solomon 17.” In The Interpretation of Scripture in Early Judaism and Christianity. Studies in Scripture in Early Judaism and Christianity, no. 7. Craig A. Evans, ed. (Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 2000), 106-123.

“Queen Salome Alexandra and the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Period of Enlightenment for Women in Ancient Judea During the First Century B.C.” In Proceedings of the Central States Regional Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Schools of Oriental Research, vol. 4. Scott S. Elliott, ed. (Kansas City, MO: Central States Society of Biblical Literature, 2001), 15-29.

“Dancing at Qumran?: Women and Worship at the Dead Sea.” In Proceedings of the Central States Regional Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Schools of Oriental Research, vol. 3. Scott S. Elliott, ed. (Kansas City, MO: Central States Society of Biblical Literature, 2000), 39-54.

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible, David Noel Freedman, ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2000). Author of the following articles:

Abiel; Adoni-Zedek; Ahijah; Amraphel; Ararat; Asher; Barzillai; Chileab; Doeg; Elhanan; Gera; Gershom; Gomorrah; Hanan; Harosheth-ha-Goiim; Heldai; Hepher; Hill-Country; Japhia; Meroz; Millo; Moses (Testament of); Ner; Obed-Edom; Ophel; Synagogue; Sibmah; Zaanannim; Zeboim; Zeboiim.

“On the Herodian Origin of Militant Davidic Messianism at Qumran: New Light from Psalm of Solomon 17.” Journal of Biblical Literature 118 (1999): 135-60.

 “Toward a Redating of the Psalms of Solomon: Implications for Understanding the Sitz im Leben of an Unknown Jewish Sect.” Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha  17 (1998): 95-112.

“On Further Defining the First Century CE Synagogue: Fact or Fiction?” New Testament Studies 43 (1997): 491-502.

“Herod the Great, Sosius, and the Siege of Jerusalem (37 B.C.E.) in Psalm of Solomon 17.” Novum Testamentum  38 (1996): 313-322.

“An Archaeologist Before His Time: George Reisner and the First American Dig in the Holy Land.” Biblical Archaeology Review  22 (November/December 1996): 68-69, 76.

“Two Dogs, a Goat and a Partridge: An Archaeologist’s Best Friends.” Biblical Archaeology Review  22 (January/February 1996): 42-43, 74.

“Biblical Historical Criticism: A Basis for Jewish-Christian Dialogue.” Paradigms: Theological Trends of the Future 10 (1995): 6-9.

“Diggers: From Paid Peasants to Eager Volunteers.” Biblical Archaeology Review  20 (January/February 1994): 66-71, 80.

“Excavating In The Desert: Can One Escape the Hermeneutical Circle?” Criterion 32 (1993): 2-4.

Publications: Critical Reviews

Review of Mark Andrew Brighton, The Sicarii in Josephus's Judean War: Rhetorical Analysis and Historical Observation (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2009), in American Journal of Philology (forthcoming).

Review of Hanan Eshel, The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hasmonean State (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2008), in Journal for the Study of Judaism 41 (2010): 103-4.

Review of Michael Thomas David anad Brent A. Strawn, Editors. Qumran Studies: New Approaches, New Questions (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2008), in Journal of Hebrew Scriptures 9 (2009): http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/JHS/reviews_vol.html

Review of PBS Two-Hour Nova Special: "The Bible's Buried Secrets" broadcast November 18, 2008. Biblical Archaeology Review website: http://www.bib-arch.org/reviews/reviews.asp

Review of Anders Runesson, Donald D.Binder, and Birger Olsson, eds. The Ancient Synagogue from its Origins to 200 C.E. (Leiden: Brill, 2008), in Journal for the Study of Judaism (forthcoming).

Review of Katharina Galor, Jean-Baptiste Humbert, and Jürgen Zangenberg, eds. Qumran—The Site of the Dead Sea Scrolls: Archaeological Interpretations and Debates (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2006). In Review of Biblical Literature (forthcoming).

Review of Florentino García Martínez, Annette Steudel, and Eibert J. C. Tigchelaar, eds. From 4QMMT to Resurrection: mélanges qumraniens en homage à Émile Puech (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2006). In Review of Biblical Literature (forthcoming).

Review of Tamar Landau, Out-Heroding Herod: Josephus, Rhetoric, and the Herod Narratives. Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity, vol. 63 (Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2006). In Biblica (forthcoming).

Review of Hershel Shanks, The Copper Scroll and the Search for the Temple Treasure (Washington, DC: Biblical Archaeology Society, 2007). In Review of Biblical Literature (forthcoming).

Review of Robert B. Wright, Psalms of Solomon: A Critical Edition of the Greek Text. Jewish and Christian Texts in Context and Related Studies, no. 1 (New York: Continuum, 2007).In Catholic Biblical Quarterly 70 (2008): 631-2; Journal of Hebrew Scriptures: http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/JHS/reviews_vol.html

Review of Joan E., Taylor, Jewish Women Philosophers of First-Century Alexandria: Philo’s ‘Therapeutae’ Reconsidered (Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 2003). In The Qumran Chronicle 14 (2006): 91-98.

Review of Jodi Magness.The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Studies in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature (Grand Rapids, MI.: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2002). In Journal of Biblical Literature 123 (2004): 356-67.

Review of James H. Charlesworth, The Pesharim and Qumran History: Chaosor Consensus?  (Grand Rapids, MI.: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2002). In Journal of Biblical Literature 123 (2004): 356-67.

Review of Bruno W. W. Dombrowski, Ideological and Socio-Structural Developments of the Qumran Association as Suggested by Internal Evidence of Dead Sea Scrolls Part I: Major Texts Mainly of Qumran Cave 1, CD and 4QMMT (Kraków, Poland: The Enigma Press, 1994). In The Qumran Chronicle 12, no. 2/4 (2004): 165-68.

Review of Bruno W. W. Dombrowski, Ideological and Socio-Structural Developments of the Qumran Association as Suggested by Internal Evidence of Dead Sea Scrolls Part II: Assorting the Bulk of the Remainder of Scrolls and Fragments Found in the Area of Caves I-XI (Kraków, Poland: The Enigma Press, 2002). In The Qumran Chronicle 12, no. 2/4 (2004): 168-72.

Review of Zdzislaw J. Kapera, ed. Mogilany 1995. Papers on the Dead Sea Scrolls Offered in Memory of Aleksy Klawek. Qumranica Mogilanensia. vol. 15 (Kraków, Poland: The Enigma Press, 1998). In The Qumran Chronicle 11, no. 1/4  (2003): 126-33.

Review of Zdzislaw J. Kapera, ed. Mogilany 1993. Papers on the Dead Sea Scrolls Offered in Memory of Hans Burgmann. Qumranica Mogilanesia, vol. 13 (Kraków, Poland: The Enigma Press, 1996). In The Qumran Chronicle  11, no. 1/4 (2003): 133-39.

Review of Gregory L. Doudna, 4Q Pesher Nahum: A Critical Edition. Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha Supplement Series, no. 35 (Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 2001). In Journal of Biblical Literature 122 (2003): 755-61.

Review of Salomon E. Grootkerk, Ancient Sites in Galilee: A Toponymic Gazetteer. Culture and History of the Ancient Near East, no. 1 (Leiden, The Netherlands: E. J. Brill, 2000). In Review of Biblical Literature. Marvin A. Sweeney, ed. (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2002), 87-90.

Review of Gerbern S. Oegema, The Anointed and His People: Messianic Expectations from the Maccabees to Bar Kochba. Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha Supplement Series, no. 27 (Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998). In Review of Biblical Literature (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2000), 303-6.

Review of Nikos Kokkinos, The Herodian Dynasty: Origins, Role in Society and Eclipse. Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha Supplement Series, 30 (Sheffield, England: Sheffield Academic Press, 1998). In Religious Studies Review  25, no. 3 (July 1999), 311.

Review of Otto Betz and Rainer Riesner, Jesus, Qumran, and the Vatican: Clarifications (New York: Crossroad, 1994). In Critical Review of Books In Religion 1994. Eldon Jay Epp, ed. (Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1996), 392-3.

Professional Papers Presented 

“Understanding Josephus’ Narrative Structure of the Hasmonean Period: The Puzzling Episode of John Hyrcanus’ Participation in the Parthian Campaign of Antiochus Sidetes.” Josephus Section. Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature. Atlanta, November 20-23, 2010.

“‘Woe to those who write the Book with their own hands’ (Al-Baqara, 2:79): Biblical Textual Criticism as an Aide to Dialogue Between Muslims and the “People of the Book.” Qur’an and Biblical Literature Section. Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature. Atlanta, November 20-23, 2010.  

"Pompey the Great in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Jewish Texts: How the Romans Used Religion to Conquer Jerusalem in 63 B.C.E." Congress of the European Association for Jewish Studies. Theme: Judaism in the Mediterranean Context. Second Temple Judaism Section. Ravenna, Itlay, July 25-29, 2010.

"Oxford Biblical Studies Online: The 21st Century Lesson Plan for Biblical Studies." Special panel at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature. New Orleans, November 23, 2009. Other speakers: Michael Coogan and Steven Jacobs.

"Opposing the Dragon": The Militant Davidic Messiah Tradition as a Political Tool to Undermine the Authority of Roman Rule." 2009 International Meeting Celebrating the Centenary of the Pontifical Biblical Institute. Society of Biblical Literature. Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. July 3, 2009.

Review Panel of Hanan Eshel’s book, The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hasmonean State (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2008). Special panel at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature. Ideological Criticism Section. Boston, MA. November 22-25, 2008. Forthcoming presentation.

“Septuagint Translations as Constructs,” Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature. Ideological Criticism Section. Boston, MA. November 22-25, 2008. Forthcoming presentation.

“Josephus the Essene on the Qumran Essenes and Related Jewish Sectarians Along the Dead Sea.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Josephus Group. San Diego, CA. November 17, 2007. Respondent: Steve Mason, York University, Canada.

“Queen Salome Alexandra’s Neglected Contributions to Hellenistic Judaism and Hasmonean History.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Hellenistic Judaism Section. San Diego, CA. November 18, 2007.

“The Historical Chronology of the Hasmonean Period in the War and Antiquities of Flavius Josephus: Separating Fact from Fiction.” International Josephus Colloquium. University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. July 3, 2006.

“Josephus’s Portrayals of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes in Light of Qumran Texts and Pseudepigrapha.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Josephus Group. Philadelphia, PA. November 22, 2005. Respondent: Eric S. Gruen, University of California at Berkeley, CA.

“Noble Deaths at Gamla and Masada?: A Critical Assessment of Josephus’s Accounts of Jewish Resistance in Light of Archaeological Discoveries.” International Josephus Colloquium. Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.  September 7, 2004

“Representations of History in 4Q331 (4QpapHistorical Text C), 4Q332 (4QHistorical Text D), 4Q333 (4QHistorical Text E), and 4Q468e (4QHistorical Text F): An Annalistic Calendar Documenting Portentous Events.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Qumran Section. San Antonio, TX, November 21, 2004.

“Opposing the Emperor in John’s Apocalypse: The Jewish and Christian Use of The Messiah Traditions to Undermine the Authority of Roman Imperial Rule.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. John’s Apocalypse and Cultural Contexts Ancient and Modern Section. Atlanta, GA, November 22, 2003.

“The Mysterious ‘Black Man’ of the Treatise of Shem: A Jewish Astrological Reflection on the Roman Civil Wars of the Second Century C.E.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Pseudepigrapha Section.  Toronto, Canada, November 25, 2002.

“Taxo’s Atoning Sacrifice and Jesus’ Crucifixion: Understanding Pacifism and Martyrdom in the First Century C.E.” Upper Midwest Regional Meeting of the American Academy of  Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. New Testament Section. Minneapolis, MN, April 6, 2002.

“The Phineas Tradition in the Testament of Moses: Martyrdom and the Zeal of Taxo.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Scripture in Early Judaism and Christianity Section. Denver, CO, November 19, 2001.

“Queen Salome Alexandra and the Dead Sea Scrolls: A Period of Enlightenment for Women in Ancient Judea During the First Century B.C.” Central States Regional Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Schools of Oriental Research. Gender Issues Section. Kansas City, MO, April 1, 2001.

“Women in the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Invited Speaker. “The Dead Sea Scrolls: Separating Fact from Fiction for the New Millennium.” Conference Sponsored by the Crisler Biblical Institute, Pebble Beach, CA, October 26-27, 2001. Other conference speakers: David Noel Freedman, Craig A. Evans, James A. Sanders, and Martin G. Abegg.

“Herod the Great as Antiochus Redivivus: Reading the Testament of Moses as an Anti-Herodian Composition.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Pseudepigrapha Section. San Francisco, CA, November 21, 2000.     

“Opposing Herod the Great: The Jewish and Christian Use of Scripture to Undermine the Authority of Herodian Rule.” Upper Midwest Regional Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Jewish Studies Section. St. Paul, MN, April 28, 2000.

“Dancing at Qumran?: Women and Worship at the Dead Sea.” Central States Regional Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Schools of Oriental Research. Gender Issues Section. Kansas City, MO, April 2, 2000.            

“Anti-Hasmonean, Herodian, and Roman Polemics in the Psalms of Solomon: A Reevaluation in Light of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Hellenism and Second Temple Judaism Section. New Brunswick, NJ, March 24, 1998.

“On the Use of Scripture in the Development of Militant Davidic Messianism at Qumran: New Light from Psalm of Solomon 17.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Early Judaism and Christianity Section. San Francisco, CA, November 23, 1997.

“Toward a Redating of the Psalms of Solomon: Implications for Understanding the Sitz im Leben of an Unknown Jewish Sect.” Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature. Pseudepigrapha Group. New Orleans, LA, November 26, 1996.

“Jewish-Christian Dialogue and Academic Study: Proposal for a University-Oriented Approach to Interreligious Dialogue.” Temple University Department of Religion Graduate Student Conference, Philadelphia, PA, October 21, 1995.

Professional Consultations/Assessment

Prioritization Task Force II. University of Northern Iowa. One of approximately two-dozen faculty chosen by the Executive Vice President and Provost to evaluatle all academic programs. Evaluated each program for continuation, consolidation, merger, or closure. Spring 2009.

Prioritization Task Force I. University of Northern Iowa. One of twelve faculty chosen by the Executive Vice President and Provost to design an assessment instrument to evaluatle all academic programs. Fall 2008.

ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course Educators' Visit. U. S. Army. Fort Lewis, WA. July 21-23.

Assessment Consultant. College Network, Indianapolis, IN. Wrote and designed evaluation exam for students preparing to take Religions of the World college equivalency tests. January-February, 2007.

Assessment Consultant (Standard Setting). Excelsior College, Albany, NY. Member of   the standard setting team. Helped to write test and determine grading standards for a religions of the world distance learning course. July 21-22, 2006.

University and Community Presentations

“Where Did Jesus Sit At the Last Supper? The Sites, Smells, and Sounds of Early Christian Worship.” The Canterbury Forum Lecture Series. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Cedar Falls, IA. April 10, 2010.

“Saving Paradise on Earth: Christian Faith for the 21st Century.” Lecture to accompany presentation Rita Nakashima Brock. Waterloo First United Methodist Church, Waterloo, IA. October 10, 2010.

“Mary Magdalene and Other Female Followers of Jesus.” Faith Explorations Lecture Series. Waterloo First United Methodist Church, Waterloo, IA. October 3, 2010.

“Crucifixion, Burial and Resurrection in Jesus’ Time.” The Canterbury Forum Lecture Series. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Cedar Falls, IA. April 18, 2010.

“The Text of the Bible.” Speech to the Unitarian-Universalist Society of Black hawk County. Cedar Falls, IA. March 2, 2010.

“From Cave to College, the Dead Sea Scrolls Go to Bible School, in Texas. Humanities Talk. Humanities Program. University of Northern Iowa. Cedar Falls, IA. March 31, 2010.  

"How the New Testament Formed." Faith Explorations Lecture Series. First Waterloo United Methodist Church. Waterloo, Iowa, January 31, 2010.

"Common Roots, Common Beliefs: The Shared Traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam." "Dialog for All." Conference Sponsored by the Iowa Dialog Center. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. October 22, 2009.

"Diversity in Islam." The Canterbury Forum Lecture Series. St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Cedar Falls, IA. April 19, 2009.

"Darwin and Genesis: What the Bible Really Says About Evoluation." Darwin Week. Sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Freethinkers and Inquirers. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. February 11, 2009.

"Religions of the World." Coruse taught as part of the "Keep on Learning at Wartburg" Series. Wartburg College, Waverly, IA. January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2009.

Wabash Teaching Workshop. "Teaching Colege Introduction to Religion Coruses." September 19, 2008. Wood Lake Meeting Center, Rochester, MN.

Workshop: Democracy, Civic Awareness, and Civic Engagement. University of Northern Iowa and the American Democracy Project. Participated in workshop on civic engagement in higher education. May 14, 2008. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar    Falls, IA.

Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony, “Do Not Stand Silent: Remembering Kristallnacht 1938.” Participant in community event. Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo, IA. May 1, 2008.

“Islam and Middle Eastern Culture.” Presentation to the University of Northern Iowa ROTC Panther Battalion, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, February 12, 2008.

Speaker at the Day of Ashura Celebration. Sponsored by the Iowa Dialog Center. Cedar Falls, IA. January 19, 2008.

“The Gospel of Judas and Gnostic Christianity.” The Canterbury Forum Lecture Series. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Cedar Falls, IA. October 21, 2007.

“Sharing the Sacred: How to Begin Interfaith Dialogue.” Main speaker for the 4th Annual Friendship & Dialogue Dinner. Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Sponsored by the Iowa Dialog Center. Coralville, IA. October 5, 2007.

“Understanding Islam: Past, Present and Future.” Course taught as part of the “Keep On Learning At Wartburg” series. Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. September 6, 13, 20, 27, 2007.

“Friendship and Intercultural Tour of Turkey.” Tour of Turkish religious, historical, and cultural sites and institutions. Met with Turkish leaders from a variety of industries and businesses engaged in religious dialogue. Guided the group around Turkish archaeological sites. Invited to participate in this cultural experience by the Iowa Dialog Center and the BAKIAD Foundation of Turkey. July 20-29, 2007.

“Islam and Middle Eastern Culture.” Presentation to the University of Northern Iowa ROTC Panther Battalion, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, April 19, 2007.

“Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad: Overcoming Intolerance among Monotheists.” 2006 Bridges Conference: Islam in America. Sponsored by the Iowa Sisters States. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. October 27, 2006.

“A Scholar’s View of the Da Vinci Code.” Westminster Presbyterian Church, Cedar Falls. IA. October 15, 2006

Speaker and Participant. Second Iowa Dialogue Center Iftar Dinner. Interreligious dialogue event organized by the Iowa Dialogue Center. PIPAC Center, Cedar Falls, IA. September 28, 2006.

Guest speaker. Prof. Bill Koch’s English classes on the topic of creationism and Genesis. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. September 27, 2006.

“Insights in the Life of Prophet Muhammad.” Speaker at an event sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Muslim Student Association. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. April 20, 2006.

“Picturing the Prophet Muhammad: An Informal Discussion of the Cartoon Crisis.” Panel discussion with Prof. Recayi Pecen of the Industrial Technology Department about interreligious dialogue and the current controversy over the Danish Islamic cartoons. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. March 23, 2006.

“Jesus, Mary Magdalene and the Da Vinci Code.” Life Long University Course Series. Taught a class for members of the community on early Christianity and popular culture.  University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. March 2, 9, 23, 30, 2006.

“The Jesus of History and the Jesus of Popular Culture.” The Canterbury Forum lecture series. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Cedar Falls, IA. December 11, 2005.

“Women in the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Lecture to the Black Hawk Archaeological Society. Cedar Falls, IA. Cedar Falls Public Library, Cedar Falls, IA. November 2, 2005.

Speaker and Participant. First Iowa Dialogue Center Iftar Dinner. Interreligious dialogue event organized by the Iowa Dialogue Center. Holiday Inn, Cedar Falls, IA. October 15, 2005.

“Women in the Dead Sea Scrolls.” UNI Graduate Faculty Brown Bag Lecture Series.” Sponsored by the Graduate College and the Office of Sponsored Programs. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. September 21, 2005.

“Wine, Symposia & Carousing in Ancient Greece and Rome.” Speech as part of the exhibit “Pressing Matters: 500 Years of Wine in Art from the Sterling Vineyards Print Portfolio.” A Program of Exhibits Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Funded in part by Sterling Vineyards. The James & Meryl Hearst Center for the Arts, Cedar Falls, IA. February 22, 2005.

“The Archaeology of Masada.” Presentation to the Black Hawk Archaeological Society, Cedar Falls Public Library, Cedar Falls, IA. December 1, 2004.

“The Unity of Scripture: Sacred Texts in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.” Invited Speaker to the 4th Annual Iowa Conference on Islam. University of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, IA. March 27, 2004.

“The Mysterious Women of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” College of Humanities and Fine Arts Outstanding Teacher Award Lecture Series. Inaugural Lecture. University of  Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. April 21, 2004.

“Reflections on Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. ”St. Stephens Catholic Center, Cedar Falls, IA. Monday March 29, 2004.

“The Historical Accuracy of Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ.” Department of Philosophy and Religion Community Panel. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. March 8,  2004.

“The Middle East Crisis: Democracy, Politics, and Islam.” Northeast Iowa Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. Cedar Falls, IA, March 8, 2004.

Guest Speaker. Prof. Roy Sandstrom’s advanced seminar “Spies and Spying.” Spoke on my experiences carrying documents across the Iron Curtain in Cold War Berlin, Germany. Department of History, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. April, 17, 2003.

“The Passion of the Christ.” Presentation to the Black Hawk Archaeological Society. Cedar Falls  Public Library, Cedar Falls, IA. Cedar Falls, IA. April 7, 2004.

“What is Islam.” Presentation to the Cedar Falls United Church of Christ. Cedar Falls, IA. February 1, 2004.

 “Moses, Jesus & Muhammad: Three Prophets: One Origin, One Message.” Speaker and participant in a panel discussion on the teachings and history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam with several faculty and local Islamic community leaders. Sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Muslim Students Association. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. November 17, 2003.

“Forum on War.” One of three faculty members chosen by the University of Northern Iowa student body to speak on the current Iraq situation. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. February 19, 2003.

 “Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Speech to the University of Northern Iowa and Cedar Falls community as part of the “Arts in April: A Celebration of Arts &  Culture” Series. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. April 29, 2002.

 “Jesus and Muhammad: God’s Messenger.” Community forum on Islam sponsored by the Muslim Students Association and the Department of Philosophy and Religion. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, April 11, 2000.

“Can Warfare Be Just?: Warfare, Religion, and Ethics in Western Culture.” University of Northern Iowa ROTC Panther Battalion. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, April 9, 2002.

“Replacing Course Packets with Web-Based Materials.” Invited Speaker for the Spotlight on Educational Technology Workshop.Workshop on Teaching Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Public Television, and the Iowa Educational Technology and Training Institute of the University of Northern Iowa. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. February 23, 2001.

Guest Speaker. Prof. Roy Sandstrom’s advanced seminar “Spies and Spying.” Spoke on my experiences carrying documents across the Iron Curtain in Cold War Berlin, Germany. Department of History, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. November 15, 2001.

“Attack on America: Student and Community Questions and Answers.” One of three faculty members invited by the University of Northern Iowa Political Science Society to speak on religion and terrorism. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls,September 19, 2001.

“What is Islam?” Two lectures on Islam, Terrorism, and the Middle East. University of Northern Iowa ROTC Panther Battalion. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, September 20, 2001.

“Who is My Neighbor? Afghanistan and Islam.” Speaker on Islam and Participant in a panel discussion. Cedar Falls Community Forum Sponsored by the Black Hawk Area Religious Coalition, Cedar Falls Mennonite Church, Cedar Falls, IA. Spoke on Islam and participated in a panel discussion with Imam Dr. Muhammad Fahmy and State Representative Bill Witt. October 23, 2001.

“Who is My Neighbor? Afghanistan and Islam.” Speaker on Islam and Participant in a Panel Discussion. Waterloo Community Forum Sponsored by the Black Hawk Area Religious Coalition, First United Methodist Church, Waterloo, IA. Spoke on Islam and participated in a panel discussion with Imam Dr. Muhammad Fahmy and State Representative Bill Witt. October 23, 2001.

“Forum on Terrorism” Invited by the University of Northern Iowa Student Government and Department of Political Science. Invited by the student body to speak on just war theory and the Middle East. September 19, 2001.

“Scrolls, Scandals, and Scholars: A History of the Controversy Over the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Invited speaker for the University of Northern Iowa, Department of History and Phi Alpha Theta Lecture Series. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. November 29, 2000.

“Military and Leadership Aspects of the Roman Siege of Gamla (Israel, 67 A.D.).” University of Northern Iowa ROTC Panther Battalion. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. December 5, 2000.

Media Interviews

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of The Courier newspaper for the article, “Cedar Valley religious leaders react to NYC Islamic center.” Interviewed about the controversy over the building of a mosque near the 9/11 site in New York City. August 26, 2010.

Newspaper Interview with Andrew Wind of The Courier newspaper for the article, “Waterloo will not consider high school Bible class.” Interviewed about teaching religion and biblical studies in public schools. October 12, 2008.  

Newspaper Interview with Andrew Wind of The Courier newspaper for the article, "Waterloo will not consdier high school Bible class." Interviewed about teaching religion and biblical studies in public schools. October 12, 2008.

Newspaper Interview with Emily Christensen of The Courier newspaper for “Ask the Courier” column on how to dispose of Bibles. April 5, 2008.

Newspaper Interview with Emily Christensen of The Courierr newspaper for the article “UNI prof helps translate Scriptures: Educator was responsible for one of 41 books in the Septuagint” on my involvement in the New English Translation of the Septuagint Bible. January 22, 2008.

Newspaper Interview with Emily Christensen of The Courier newspaper for the article, “UNIProfessor Continues to Question ROTC’s Presence on Campus,” about the ethics ofmilitary science programs on public university campuses. October 24, 2007.

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of The Courier newspaper for the article, “For theLove of Learning: Classes at Wartburg Offer Chance to Explore Various Topics,” aboutmy “Understanding Islam: Past, Present and Future” course taught at Wartburg College.October 11, 2007.

Interview on Islam for radio station KWAR-FM (89.9). Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.September 20, 2007.

“Ask the Courier.” TheCourier Newspaper. Interviewed for a question and answer column about Gnosticism and contemporary Gnostic churches. May 20, 2007.

Newspaper Interview with Kelsey Holm of The Courier newspaper for the article, “ExpertsQuestion Claims Behind Jesus Documentary.” March 2, 2007.

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of The Courier newspaper for the article, “Muslim Faithful March On Mecca,” that discusses the Eid-Ul-Adha and Hajj.  December 29, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of TheCourier newspaper for the article, “Christ-Myths: The Story and the Holiday,” that discusses the historicity of the Christmas story. December 25, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Dennis Magee of The Courier newspaper for the article, “Christmas  Spectacular: Faithful Stage Wide Variety of Holiday Productions,” that discuss the nativity story and Christmas plays. December 16, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of The Courier newspaper for the article, “Nativity Drama Hits Big Screen Friday in Cedar Falls and Waterloo,” that discusses the accuracy of the movie “The Nativity Story.” November 30, 2006.

“HOTLINE.” Cedar Falls Cable television show. Guest for a show on Eastern Religions, November 29, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of TheCourier newspaper for the article, “Former Iraqi General to Speak in Cedar Falls,” that discusses the controversy over Gen. Georges Sada’s visit to Cedar Falls. September 21, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of TheCourier newspaper for the article, “At Church, New Style, Same Spirit,” that documents changes in contemporary Judaism, Christianity, and Islamic worship. September 18, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Karen Heinselman of TheCourier newspaper for the article, “Mystical Dance Group to Perform at Gallagher-Bluedorn Tonight,” that discusses the appearance of the Whirling Dervishes from Turkey in Cedar Falls. September 18, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Erin Jordan of the DeMoines Register newspaper for an article,“Baby’s Birth on 6/6/06? Too Scary for Mother,” that examines the significance of the number 666 in history. June 6, 2006.

Radio Interview on The Da Vinci Code. Radio Iowa KCNA-AM 1650 with Matt Keley. May 1 9, 2006.

Newspaper Interview with Kelsey Holm of TheCourier newspaper for the article, “Breaking the ‘Code,” that discusses the popularity of the novel The Da Vinci Code.April 30, 2006.

“Gospel of Judas.” Live Radio Interview. KXEL-Am. News Talk 1540 with Mike Bunge. Waterloo, Iowa. April 27, 2006.

KWW News. Interview with reporter Crystal Britt, about my Life Long University Course,  “Jesus, Mary Magdalene and the Da Vince Code.” March 9, 2006.

KWWL News. Interview on The Da Vinci Code with reporter Crystal Britt. May 3, 2006.

KWWL News. Interview with reporter Crystal Britt, “Gambling and Religion. ”November 12, 2004.

KWWL Morning Show with Anchor Tara Thomas. Invited to speak on the themes of war, peace, the military, and the Iraq situation during a live broadcast. Waterloo, IA. December 25, 2003.

“Jihad in the Islamic Tradition.” Invited speaker to the “3rd Annual Iowa Conference on Islam: Understanding Islam from Within.” Conference Organized by the Iowa Muslim Students  Association. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. March 7, 2003.

KWWL News. Interview with reporter Crystal Britt on  “Contemporary Christianity.” February 26, 2003.

KWWL News. Interview with reporter Crystal Britt on “The Origins of Christianity.” February 19, 2003.

KWWL News. Interview with reporter Crystal Britt on “Contemporary Judaism.” February 12, 2004.

KWWL News. Interview with reporter Crystal Britt on “The Historical Roots of Judaism.” February 5, 2003.

KWWL Interview with reporter Crystal Britt on “Contemporary Islam.” January 29, 2003.

KWWL News. Interview with reporter Crystal Britt on “The Historical Roots of Islam.” January  22, 2003.

KWWL News. Featured in a story on Islamic Terrorism. December 13, 2001.

Honors/Awards/Fellowships

Summer Fellowship. The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Final research and writing of a major publication, “Reshaping the Past: History and Polemics in the Writings of the First Century C.E. Roman Historian Flavius Josephus.” Summer 2006.

Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society. Initiation Ceremony. Nominated by students for membership in this society. University of Northern Iowa Chapter. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. April 10,  2005.

Professional Development Assignment. “The Forgotten Queen: Salome Alexandra and The Mysterious Women of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Research leave to write a book on the only female ruler of ancient Jerusalem and women in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Fall 2005.

Small Grant. University of Northern Iowa, College of Humanities and Fine Arts, Cedar Falls IA. Travel assistance to attend the International Josephus Colloquium, “Josephus: Interpretation and History,” Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. September 7, 2004.

Summer Fellowship. The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Manuscript research for a future book on Queen Salome Alexandra and women in the Dead Sea Scrolls. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, Summer 2003.

Development Grant. “Acquisition of Color Photographs of The Treatise of Shem: A Syriac Astrological Manuscript in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, England.” College of Humanities and Fine Arts, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, October 18, 2002.

Travel Assistance. College of Humanities and Fine Arts, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Travel assistance to present a paper to the Pseudepigrapha Section at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Toronto, Canada, November 25, 2002.

Travel Grant. The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA.  Travel assistance to present a paper to the Pseudepigrapha Section at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Toronto, Canada, November 25, 2002.

Travel Assistance. College of Humanities and Fine Arts, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Travel assistance to present a paper to the New Testament Section at the Regional Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Minneapolis, MN, April 5, 2002.

Travel Grant. The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA.  Travel assistance to present a paper to the Scripture in Early Judaism and Christianity Section at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Denver, CO, November 19, 2001.

Travel Assistance. College of Humanities and Fine Arts, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Travel assistance to present a paper to the Scripture in Early Judaism and Christianity Section at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Denver, CO, November 19, 2001.

Summer Fellowship, The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Manuscript Research for a future book on the Testament of Moses. Summer 2001.

Travel Grant, The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA.  Travel assistance to deliver a speech to the Gender Studies Section at the Regional Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Schools of Oriental Research, Kansas City, MO, April 1, 2001.

Travel Assistance, College of Humanities and Fine Arts, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Travel assistance to present a paper  to the Pseudepigrapha Section at the

Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, Nashville, TN, November 17-21, 2000.

Travel Grant, The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA.  Travel assistance to deliver a speech to the Jewish Studies Section at the Regional Meeting of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature, St. Paul, MN, April 28, 2000.

Travel Grant, The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Travel assistance to deliver a speech to the Gender Studies Section at the Regional Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature and the American Schools of Oriental Research, Kansas City, MO, April 2, 2000. Spring 2000.

Project Grant, The Graduate College, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Research for two forthcoming books and a forthcoming Greek translation. Fall, 1999.

Professional Service

Member of Editorial Board. Universitas: The University of Northern Iowa Journal of Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

Judge. University of Northern Iowa Graduate Research Symposium. College of Humanities and Fine Arts. Judged graduate student research finalists papers and public presentations. March 29, 2008.

Distinguished Scholar Award Committee. Fall 2007. Evaluated files and met to determine thewinner. Fall 2007.

Library Capital Campaign. Wrote statement to be used by the Rod Library for their annual Capital Fund Campaign. Spring 2008.

Promotion Review. External reviewer for a candidate applying for promotion to associate professor. St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, P.A. 2007.

Manuscript Review. Michael D. Coogan. The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures (Oxford: England, Oxford University Press, 2005). Invited to review the contents of this book for the possible publication of a secondedition. 2007.

Manuscript Review. Mary Pat Fisher, Living Religions. 6th ed. (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2005). Reviewed this book for a forthcoming new edition. 2007.

Manuscript Review. Maria Jaoudi, Exploring World Religions through Film (Oxford:  Oxford University Press, forthcoming). Reviewed book for possible publication. 2006.

Manuscript Review. Jonathan Reed, The Harper Collins Visual Guide to New Testament Archaeology: What Excavations & Artifacts Reveal About the World of the First Christians (New York: HarperCollins, 2007). Invited by the author to review the  manuscript for content and accuracy. 2006.

Manuscript Review. Solomon Nigosian World Religions: A Historical Approach, 3d ed. (Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2006). Invited reviewer for a forthcoming revised and expanded edition of this textbook. 2005.

Manuscript Review. Robert B. Wright, The Psalms of Solomon: A Critical Edition of the   Greek Text. (New York: Continuum, 2007). Invited by the author to review the Greek and  English text and footnotes in Greek and Syriac languages. 2005.

Manuscript Review. Michael Chyutin, The Role of the Solar and Lunar Calendars in the  Redaction of the Psalms. Studies in Bible and Early Christianity, vol. 54. (Lewiston, NY: The Edwin Mellen Press, forthcoming). Reviewed book for possible  publication. 2002.

Manuscript Review. Mishael M. Caspi, In Love She Plucks the Apple: Eve in Three Traditions (Lewiston, NY: The Edwin Mellen Press, forthcoming). Reviewed book for  possible publication. 2002.

Manuscript Review. Teaching Theology and Religion. Reviewed article for possible publication. 2001.

Manuscript Review. Uzi Avner, “Sacred Stones in the Desert.” Biblical Archaeology Review 27 (2001): 30-41. Invited by the author to review the manuscript for content and accuracy. 2001.

Courses Taught (Undergraduate)

Religions of the World (Required Liberal Arts Course)

Living Religions: Judaism & Islam

Old Testament & Hebrew Scriptures

New Testament and Early Christian Literature

Humanities I (Required Liberal Arts Course)

Humanities I (Honor’s College)

Terrorism, Nationalism, Religion & 9/11 (Presidential Scholars Seminar; Honor’s College Seminar; Provost Scholars Seminar)

Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and The Da Vinci (Presidential Scholars Seminar).

University/Department Service

Coordinator of the Humanities, 2004-2006.

Chair, Military Science Liaison Committee, 2005-present.

College of Humanities and Fine Arts Computer Advisory Committee. 2002-2007.

Distinguished Scholar Award Selection Committee. 2007.

Biblical Geography Endowment Fund. Planning Committee Member. 2006-present.

Religion Curriculum Committee, 1999-present.

Religion Development Committee, 1999-present.

Humanities Faculty Committee, 1999-present.

Humanities Assessment Committee. 2003-2004.

Department of Philosophy and Religion Professional Assessment Committee. 2004- Present.

Diversity Project. Worked with the Office of Compliance and Equity Management on the   issue of religious sensitivity. Provided information about religious holidays and ways to work with people of other faiths. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Fall Semester, 2007.

Department of Philosophy and Religion External Review Committee. 2005.

Search Committee for Assistant Professor faculty position in Philosophy, 1999-2000.

Search Committee for Assistant Professor faculty position in Bioethics, 2002-2003.

Dissertation Interview. Interviewed by doctoral student Irene Tan about how my experiences living and traveling overseas enhance my undergraduate Teaching. Department of Education. Selected by the Provost to participate in this research project. University of  Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. April 14, 2003.

Honors Faculty Meeting. Participated in the inaugural meeting to plan the curriculum of th  University of Northern Iowa’s new Honor’s College. April 2, 2003.

College of Humanities and Fine Arts Ad Hoc Advisory Board Meeting. Sponsored by the Office of the President, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the University of Northern Iowa Foundation. Invited by the Provost to attend this event with alums, faculty, administrators, and students to help determine and plan future teaching and programs in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts. University of Northern Iowa,   Cedar Falls, IA. April 14, 2005.

“Using Technology to Teach Effectively.” Presentation to the College of Humanities and  Fine Arts New Faculty Orientation Event. Spoke on my teaching philosophy and instructional methods, including the use of technology, to new faculty. University of Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. August 21, 2002.

Ph.D. Dissertation Committee Member.  Achmad Zainal Arifin, “The Absolute Authority of Traditional Islamic Leader (A Sociological Study of Kyai’s Authority in  Pesantren).” Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Fall 2005.

M. A. Thesis Advisor. Janis Goddard Rosner, “Rabbinical Law of the Second Century C.E.: An Alternative Reading of the Mishnah Tractates on Women.” Department of Women’s Studies, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. December 2003.

Humanities Institute. Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and  the Educational   Technology Division of the Information Technology Services. Selected to   participate in  this summer institute dedicated to the teaching of Humanities Liberal Arts Course. Wrote   the goals currently used for the three-course Humanities Liberal Arts sequence. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA. Summer 2000.

University of Chicago Representative. “Religion’s Role in Conflict Resolution.” National Interseminary Conference of the Skirball Institute on American Values. Mundelein College, Chicago, IL. April 25-26, 1993.

Scholarship from the 13th National Conference of Christians and Jews to attend the 13th National Conference of Christians and Jews. Pittsburgh, PA. November 1992.

Archaeological Excavations         

Alexandria Troas Survey. Turkey (2002). Crisler Biblical Institute (Bodrum, Turkey),

Canakkale University, and the Canakkale Museum (Roman and Byzantine periods).

Tel Haror, Israel. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Eliezer Oren, Director, 1988, 1990, 1992). Excavation Supervisor (Philistine and Middle Bronze Age periods).

Eilat, Israel. Israel Antiquities Authority (Uzi Avner, Director, 1992).  Excavation Supervisor (Prehistoric religious sites).

Banias, Israel. Israel Antiquities Authority (Vassilios Tzaferis, Director, 1990). Excavation Supervisor (Byzantine, Roman, Islamic, and Crusader periods).

Gamla, Israel. Golan Regional Council (Shmarya Gutman and Danny Sion, Directors, 1988, 1987). Excavation Supervisor (Roman and Bronze Age periods).

Hayonim Terrace. Israel, Center De Recherche François De Jérusalem (Francois Valla, Director, 1988). Excavation Supervisor (Prehistoric period).

Meroth, Israel. Israel Antiquities Authority (Zvi Ilan and Emmanuel Damati, Directors; 1987, 1988).  Excavator (Byzantine and Roman periods).

Guild Hall East, London, England. Museum of London Department of Urban Archaeology (Nick Bateman, Director, 1987). Excavator (Roman Gladiator Amphitheater and Medieval period).

Scholarly Languages                                                                                                        

Ancient: Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Latin, Syriac

Modern: German, French

Professional Societies

Society of Biblical Literature

International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies

European Association for Jewish Studies