Dr. Walter Brueggemann’s work focuses on the relationship between the Hebrew Scriptures and Christian faith. His 58 books, hundreds of sermons, and worldwide lecture events have deeply influenced contemporary theology and biblical exegesis. Brueggemann’s books include The Prophetic Imagination, Praying the Psalms, Theology of the Old Testament, and numerous commentaries on the Hebrew canon. Brueggemann is professor emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, and a minister in the United Church of Christ.
Amy-Jill Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies, and Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences. Holding a B.A. from Smith College, M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke University, and honorary doctorates from Drury University, the University of Richmond, the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, and the University of South Carolina-Upstate, Professor Levine has been awarded grants from the Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the American Council of Learned Societies.
The Walter Ashley Memorial Lecture Series
"Jo Ann Ashley introduced me at each of my four lectures (at First Congreagational Church in Hendersonville) which were based on my recent book, "Jesus for the Non-Religious." The question periods, lasting one hour after each lecture, were animated and exciting. People now asked questions they had been taught were inappropriate to ask in their religious past."
John Shelby Spong
John Shelby "Jack" Spong (born June 16, 1931) is a retired American bishop of the Episcopal Church. He was formerly the Bishop of Newark (based in Newark, New Jersey). He is a liberal Christian theologian, religion commentator and author. He calls for a fundamental rethinking of Christian belief away from theism and from traditional doctrines.
