School of Theology
newell lectures in biblical studies
The Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry believes it is important to enhance the educational opportunities of its students by bringing guest lecturers and faculty to our seminary annually.
The Newell Lectures in Biblical Studies brings a noted biblical scholar to the campus for a one-day or two-day lecture in his or her field of expertise.
Newell Lectures History
Dr. Arlo and Mrs. Helen Newell created the Newell Lectureship in Biblical Studies in 1981 for the purpose of bringing a significant specialist in the field of biblical studies to Anderson University and the School of Theology and Christian Ministry on an annual basis. It is one of the longest running lecture series in the United States.
Dr. Arlo Newell served the Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) for many years as a pastor, editor of Vital Christianity (the national periodical of the Church of God), a Church of God General Assembly officer, and author of numerous books and articles. Dr. Newell also served as a chaplain in residence with the Anderson University School of Theology and Christian Ministry.
Helen Newell also worked faithfully in the Church of God and in the Anderson community. She is a 1981 graduate of the Anderson University seminary with a Master of Religious Education. The Newell Lectures were created to honor Helen’s work at the seminary and in the Church of God.
Meet Our Speakers
October 14, 2024: What Shall We Then Say to These Things?
Exploring the Reception and Interpretation of the Apostle Paul and His Letters in African American Contexts
Speaker: Dr. Lisa M Bowens
Associate Professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, earned a BS (cum laude), MSBE, and MLIS from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and an MTS and ThM from Duke Divinity School. She received her PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary and is the first African American woman to earn tenure in Princeton Theological Seminary’s Bible department. An awardwinning author, Dr. Bowens was designated by Patheos as one of the 50 New Testament Scholars to read and follow and recently delivered the prestigious Speaker Lectures at Oxford University in 2023.
2023: Iron Women: The Book of Ruth
Surviving Loss, Trusting into the Future, and Dr. Nathan Willowby, interview with Ellen.
Speaker: Ellen F. Davis
Ellen F. Davis is the Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School. The author of eleven books and many articles, her research interests focus on how biblical interpretation bears on the life of faith communities and their response to urgent public issues, particularly the ecological crisis and interfaith relations.
2022: Why Trust the Gospels?
How much evidence is there for authentic memory of Jesus in the gospels?
Speaker: Dr. Craig S. Keener
Dr. Keener is the F.M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is author of 33 books, with more than 1 million copies in circulation; they have won 13 national or international awards, including six in Christianity Today.
2021: Hidden Christian Figures
Bringing the Women Leaders of the Early Church Out of the Shadows
Speaker: Dr. Nijay K. Gupta
Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, has written several books including A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies, Paul and the Language of Faith, and commentaries on Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, Philippians, and Galatians.
2021: Study of Old Testament
Origins of Isaiah, and Divine Femininity
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Hays
2019: Topics on the book of Job
Speaker: Dr. Valerie Bridgeman
Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Homiletics and Hebrew Bible at Methodist Theological School of Ohio.
2018: Foundations and Challenges for Old Testament Social Ethics
Speaker: M. Daniel Carrol R. (Rodas), Ph.D.
Blanchard Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College.
2017: Great Commission Lifestyle – Evangelism
Speaker: Dr. Robert E. Coleman
Widely known for his ministry as a disciple-maker and evangelist, Dr. Coleman is the author of 21 books, including the bestseller The Master Plan of Evangelism. His books are published in 100 languages.
2016: The Nicene Crossroads
Scripture and the Feminine in Cappadocia
Speaker: Dr. Carla Sunberg
President of The Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Co-Author of Faxes from Russia and Reclaiming Eve: The Identity and Calling of Women in the Kingdom of God.
2015: Resurrection of the Body, gender, disabilities, and the church
Speaker: Dr. Candida R. Moss
Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame
2014: The Word of God and Church Life
Speaker: Dr. James Earl Massey
Dean emeritus, Anderson University School of Theology
2013: The Role of the Bible in our Technological Era
Speaker: Dr. Kent H. Richards
Former Executive Secretary of the Society of Biblical Literature
2012: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Qumran
Speaker: Dr. Adolfo Roitman, Lizbeth and George Krupp
Curator of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Head of the Shrine of the Book, Israel Museum (Jerusalem)
2011: The Earthly Afterlife of Paul
Speaker: Dr. Adela Yarbro Collins
Buckingham Professor of New Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale Divinity School
Questions? Contact the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at sotcm@anderson.edu for more information.