Associate Professor, Chair

Religion, Culture, Power

I am a historian of religion in the ancient Mediterranean world, specializing in New Testament and early Christian studies. My research centers on the construction of Christianity, in varied expressions, during its early, formative centuries. With an emphasis on second- and third-century literature, my scholarship has recently focused on a series of Nag Hammadi writings, including the Coptic Apocalypse of Peter (NHC VII,3), the First Apocalypse of James (NHC V,3; Cod. Tch.2), the Paraphrase of Shem (NHC VII,1), and the Testimony of Truth (NHC IX,3). In my study of these texts and related traditions, including the writings of Clement of Alexandria, I am primarily attentive to reflections of debates among early Christians and assertions of particular perspectives as authoritative, especially in relation to Christ, suffering, martyrdom, and baptism. Relatedly, my research on these traditions also considers apocalyptic currents, including revelations centered on ascent; pseudonymity; and scriptural interpretation. In addition, my research and teaching interests include New Testament text and canon; early Christian apocrypha; and gender and sexuality in the ancient world.

Regular Classes

RE 110 The Bible: Myth & History
RE 130 Christianity
RE 200 The End of the World: Apocalyptic Origins and Reflections (FYE)
RE 200 Greco-Roman Religions
RE 200 Excavating Israel: The Archaeology of Ancient Judaism and Christianity
RE 206 Gender and Sexuality in Biblical Traditions
RE 205 Gnosticism
RE 213 Apocalypse
RE 305 Making & Faking Scriptures
RE 405 Senior Thesis Preparation
RE 406 Senior Thesis