Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

2017 Yale University

Ph.D. (M.A., M.Phil) in Religious Studies (Theology)

Dissertation: The Church’s Book: Theology of Scripture in Ecclesial Context in the Work of John Howard Yoder, Robert Jenson, and John Webster

Committee: Kathryn Tanner (advisor), David Kelsey, Miroslav Volf, Stephen Fowl

2011 Emory University, Candler School of Theology

M.Div. summa cum laude (Theology and Ethics)

2007 Abilene Christian University

B.A. summa cum laude in Biblical Text

BOOKS

Technology: For the Care of Souls (Lexham Ministry Guides; Bellingham, WA: Lexham, 2026).

Letters to a Future Saint: Foundations of Faith for the Spiritually Hungry (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2024).

The Church: A Guide to the People of God (Christian Essentials; Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2024).

The Church’s Book: Theology of Scripture in Ecclesial Context (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2022).

The Doctrine of Scripture (Cascade Companions; Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2021).

EDITED BOOKS

Robert W. Jenson, The Triune Story: Collected Essays on Scripture (New York: Oxford University Press, 2019).

JOURNAL ARTICLES

“Exfoliating Figures of a Still-Inhabited Universe: Ephraim Radner’s Theology of Scripture,” Pro Ecclesia (forthcoming).

“Stephen Fowl and Theological Interpretation: Retrospect and Prospect,” Journal of Theological Interpretation 19:1 (2025): 130–36.

“Churches of Christ: Once Catholic, Now Evangelical” and “Response to the Responses,” Restoration Quarterly 66:3 (2024): 133–43, 163–69.

“The Fittingness of Holy Orders,” Journal of Christian Studies 2:3 (2023): 71–86.

“Is Scripture a Gift? Reflections on the Divine-Ecclesial Provision of the Canon,” Religions 13:10 (2022): 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13100961.

“Theology in the Dark: Introducing Karen Kilby’s God, Evil, and the Limits of Theology,” Political Theology 22:5 (2021).

 “What Are the Standards of Excellence for Theological Interpretation of Scripture?,” Journal of Theological Interpretation 14:2 (2020): 149–179.

“The Church and the Spirit in Robert Jenson’s Theology of Scripture,” Pro Ecclesia 28:3 (2019): 278–300.

“What is the Doctrine of the Trinity For? Practicality and Projection in Robert Jenson’s Theology,” Modern Theology 33:3 (2017): 414–433.

“John Webster, Theologian Proper,” Anglican Theological Review 99:2 (2017): 333–351.

“The Hermeneutics of Theological Interpretation: Holy Scripture, Biblical Scholarship, and Historical Criticism,” International Journal of Systematic Theology 19:1 (2017): 30–52.

“Reading the Trinity in the Bible: Assumptions, Warrants, Ends,” Pro Ecclesia 25:4 (2016): 459–474.

“An Undefensive Presence: The Mission and Identity of the Church in Kathryn Tanner and John Howard Yoder,” Scottish Journal of Theology 68:3 (2015): 327–344.

“Hooking In, Sitting Loose: A Call for Theology in the Churches of Christ,” Restoration Quarterly 54:4 (2012): 219–228.

“Though the Earth Give Way: Haiti, Suffering, and the Crucified God,” The Other Journal 16:5 (2010).

BOOK CHAPTERS

“Ecclesial Interpretation,” Perspectives on Reading the Bible Theologically: Four Views, ed. Fred Sanders and Brandon Smith (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2027).

“Lessons for Figural Reading from Saint Thomas on Isaiah,” Reading Isaiah with Saint Thomas Aquinas, ed. Matthew Levering (Steubenville, OH: Emmaus Academic Press, 2026).

“Teaching Christ,” On Teaching Theology: Essays, ed. Adam A. Neder (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2026).

“Liberating the Least of These,” The Liberating Arts: Why We Need Liberal Arts Education, ed. Jeffrey Bilbro, Jessica Hooten Wilson, and David Henreckson (Walden, NY: Plough, 2023), 163–174.

 “On Knowing,” Cornerstone, ed. Cliff Barbarick (6th–9th eds.; ACU Learning Studio, 2018–23), 113–127.

“Preaching Peace in Violent Times: Faithful Approaches for Pacifist Pastors to Speak the Truth in Love,” Preaching and the Theological Imagination, ed. Zachary Guiliano and Cameron Partridge (New York: Peter Lang, 2015), 231–250.

“A Response to Jon Coutts on Barth and the Coen Brothers,” Karl Barth in Conversation, ed. David Congdon and W. Travis McMaken (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2014), 247–254.

BOOK REVIEWS

Frances M. Young, Doctrine and Scripture in Early Christianity, Vol. 1 (Scripture, the Genesis of Doctrine) and Vol. 2 (Scripture in Doctrinal Dispute), in The Heythrop Journal (forthcoming).

Konrad Schmid and Jens Schröter, The Making of the Bible: From the First Fragments to Sacred Scripture, in Interpretation 78:1 (2024): 69–71.

R. B. Jamieson and Tyler R. Wittman, Biblical Reasoning: Christological and Trinitarian Rules for Exegesis, in International Journal of Systematic Theology 25:3 (2023): 504–506.

Fred Sanders, Fountain of Salvation: Trinity and Soteriology, in Pro Ecclesia 32:1-2 (2023): 200–204.

Jordan Senner, John Webster: The Shape and Development of His Theology, in Scottish Journal of Theology 76:1 (2023): 92-93.

Edwin Chr. van Driel, Rethinking Paul: Protestant Theology and Pauline Exegesis, in Modern Theology 39:1 (2023): 163–167.

David H. Kelsey, Human Anguish and God’s Power, in Stone-Campbell Journal 25:2 (2022): 265–267.

Oliver D. Crisp, Analyzing Doctrine: Toward a Systematic Theology, in Stone-Campbell Journal 24:1 (2021), 86–87.

Steven J. Duby, God in Himself: Scripture, Metaphysics, and the Task of Christian Theology, in International Journal of Systematic Theology 22:3 (2020): 452–455.

Joseph K. Gordon, Divine Scripture in Human Understanding: A Systematic Theology of the Christian Bible, in Anglican Theological Review 102:2 (2020): 328–330.

Keith D. Stanglin, The Letter and Spirit of Biblical Interpretation: From the Early Church to Modern Practice, in Interpretation 74:2 (2020): 214–215.

Hans Boersma, Scripture as Real Presence: Sacramental Exegesis in the Early Church, in Interpretation 73:1 (2019): 91–92.

Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Biblical Authority After Babel: Retrieving the Solas in the Spirit of Mere Protestant Christianity, in Interpretation 73:1 (2019): 90–91.

Gary Anderson, Christian Doctrine and the Old Testament: Theology in the Service of Exegesis, in International Journal of Systematic Theology 19:4 (2017): 534-537.

John Howard Yoder, ed. Gayle Gerber Koontz and Andy Alexis-Baker, Theology of Mission: A Believers Church Perspective, in Scottish Journal of Theology 69:3 (2016): 370–371.

Nicholas M. Healy, Hauerwas: A (Very) Critical Introduction, in International Journal of Systematic Theology 18:2 (2016): 236–239.

Scott R. Swain, The God of the Gospel: Robert Jenson’s Trinitarian Theology, in Pro Ecclesia 23:4 (2014): 471–474.

Kevin Giles, The Eternal Generation of the Son: Maintaining Orthodoxy in Trinitarian Theology, in Restoration Quarterly 56:3 (2014): 188–189.

Duane Olson, Issues in Contemporary Christian Thought: A Fortress Introduction, in Restoration Quarterly 55:4 (2013): 255–256.

Lee Camp, Who Is My Enemy?: Questions American Christians Must Face About Islam—and Themselves, in Restoration Quarterly 55:2 (2013): 124–126.

LECTURES, TALKS, PANELS

“Lessons for Figural Reading from Saint Thomas on Isaiah,” plenary lecture for conference on Thomas’s commentary on Isaiah, Mundelein Seminary, Mundelein, IL, November 8, 2025.

“Debating the Evangelical Future of Churches of Christ,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Abilene, TX, June 7, 2025.

“Response to Reviews of The Church,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Abilene, TX, June 6, 2025.

“Why the Church is the Reason God Created the Universe,” The Church of St. John the Divine, Houston, TX, April 9, 2025.

“Handing on the Faith to the Next Generation,” ACU Board of Trustees Retreat, Abilene, TX, March 27, 2025.

“Anxious Generations,” Memorial Road Church of Christ, Edmond, OK, March 5, 2025.

“From Scripture to Scrolling: How to Be a Christian in a Digital World,” Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, February 19, 2025.

“Spiritual Formation in a Digital Age,” University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, February 12, 2025.

“Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Retrospect and Prospect,” annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, San Diego, CA, November 24, 2024. 

“Sex in Christian Tradition,” University Church of Christ, Abilene, TX, October 23, 2024.

“The Metaphysics of Scripture in Ephraim Radner’s Theology,” Scripture & Theology Colloquium, Wycliffe College, Toronto, Canada, October 18, 2024. 

“Interview with Tish Harrison Warren on Marriage as Formation,” fundraising dinner for the Faulkner Center for Marriage and Family, Abilene, TX, September 19, 2024.

“Christian Teaching About Hell,” University Church of Christ, Abilene, TX, December 6, 2023.

“Ministry in a Digital Age: Crisis and Catechesis,” Siburt Institute: Equipping for Ministry, Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, Austin, TX, November 2, 2023.

“Interview with Esau McCaulley on Scripture, Ministry, and Race,” Abilene, TX, October 11, 2023.

“Theology on Tap,” Holy Cross Anglican Church, Abilene, TX, September 21, 2023.

“Theology of the Body,” Hillcrest Church of Christ, Abilene, TX, September 12, 2023.

“Christian Martyrdom,” University Church of Christ, Abilene, TX, August 16, 2023.

“The Call of Abraham, the Coming of Christ, and the People of God,” The Springs Church of Christ, Edmund, OK, July 29–30, 2023.

“Friendships, Gifts, and Loving Christ with Your Mind,” University Scholars Chapel Service, Abilene, TX, April 27, 2023.

“Christian Teaching About the Soul,” University Church of Christ, March 8, 2023.

“Four Friendships for the Life of the Mind,” Phi Eta Sigma Induction Ceremony, Abilene, TX, February 17, 2023.

“Knowing Christ,” ACU Commencement Address, Abilene, TX, December 16, 2022.

“The Word of the Lord,” Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, Abilene, TX, October 19, 2022.

“Preaching for Martyrs in Training,” Summit Lectureship, Abilene, TX, October 14, 2022.

“Reading Scripture with the Church,” University Church of Christ, August 31, 2022.

“Tradition and Liturgy for Churches of Christ,” University Church of Christ, August 24, 2022.

“Response to Reviews of The Doctrine of Scripture,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 8, 2022.

“Hearing the Word of the Lord,” Intersection Webinar: Siburt Institute for Church Ministry, April 12, 2022.

“The Word of the Lord: Reading Scripture in and for Christ’s Body,” CSART Public Lecture, Abilene, TX, February 15, 2022.

“Covenant and Sacrament,” Highland Church of Christ, Abilene, TX, May 1, 2021.

“A Third Way for Churches of Christ,” University Church of Christ, Abilene, TX, March 4, 2020.

“A Third Way for Churches of Christ,” Summit Lectureship, Abilene, TX, September 18, 2019.

“The Lord Reigns: On the Ascension,” Westgate Church of Christ, July 24, 2019.

“Untidy Scripture, Systematic Theology: Some Friendly Questions for Joe Gordon,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Lubbock, TX, June 7, 2019.

 “Saint Monica of Hippo: The Persistent Widow,” Highland Church of Christ, April 10, 2019.

“How to Think, or: How to Resist the Social Media-fication of Relationships,” Summer Seminar, Abilene, TX, August 3, 2018.

“Theology of Scripture: Ecclesiological Reflections,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 6, 2018.

“Theological Reflections on Movies as Prayers,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 6, 2018.

“Unlike Any Other Book: Theological Reflections on the Bible and its Faithful Interpretation,” Baylor University, Waco, TX, February 10, 2018.

“How Should We Read John Howard Yoder in Light of His Abuse of Women?” Ethics Colloquium, Yale University, New Haven, CT, November 18, 2015.

“Undefensive Ecclesiology and Engaging the Wider Tradition”; “10 Commitments of Theological Interpretation,” Heritage Christian University, Florence, AL, April 1, 2015.

“Some Nonnegotiables in Theological Interpretation Done Well, or: On Keeping the Fight Alive with Biblical Scholarship,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 5, 2014.

“Patiently Awaiting the Death and Resurrection of the Universe: Eschatological Memory and Ecological Ethics in 2 Peter 3:1–13,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 7, 2013.

“An Undefensive Presence: The Mission and Identity of the Church in Kathryn Tanner and John Howard Yoder,” annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, Chicago, IL, November 19, 2012.

“Hooking In, Sitting Loose: A Call for Theology in the Churches of Christ,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 7, 2012.

“Disciples of a State Criminal: How the Mission of the Church Relates to the U.S. Imprisonment Crisis,” Stone-Campbell Journal Conference, Lincoln Christian University, Lincoln, IL, April 14, 2012.

POPULAR, ONLINE, AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS

See “Writing” and “Media” pages or tabs above.

HONORS, AWARDS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

2024–2027: Networking Grant for Christian Scholars, CCCU (project participant)

2024–2025: Teacher Scholar Grant, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

2024–2025: Faculty Renewal Leave, Abilene Christian University

2024–2025: Cullen Grant, Abilene Christian University

2024: Award of Merit for Book of the Year, Christianity Today

2023–2024: Cullen Grant, Abilene Christian University

2022–2023: Cullen Grant, Abilene Christian University

2021–2022: Teacher of the Year, Abilene Christian University

2021–2022: Cullen Grant, Abilene Christian University

2021: Experiential Learning Development Grant, Abilene Christian University

2020–2023: Networking Grant for Christian Scholars, CCCU (project participant)

2020–2021: Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty of the Year, College of Biblical Studies (ACU)

2020–2021: Templeton Grant, Gratitude to God Project, Biola University

2020–2021: Cullen Grant, Abilene Christian University

2015–2017: Graduate Fellowship Award, Christian Scholarship Foundation

2015: Louise and Richard Goodwin Prize for Excellence in Theological Writing

2014–2016: Doctoral Fellowship, Louisville Institute

2014–2015: Graduate Research Lecturer, Heritage Christian University

2011: Award for Academic Excellence, Candler School of Theology

2010: Award for Excellence in Biblical Scholarship, Candler School of Theology

2008–2011: Honor Scholarship, Candler School of Theology

2007: University Scholar Award, Abilene Christian University

2004–2007: Presidential Scholarship, Abilene Christian University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Teaching Experience

Abilene Christian University

2017–              Theology; Ecclesiology; Moral Theology; Moral Philosophy; Freshman Seminar; Christianity and Culture; Introduction to Christian Faith; Survey of the Gospels; Acts to Revelation; Message of the New Testament; Technology and Spiritual Habits

Yale Divinity School

2014–2016      Patristic Theology (Christopher Beeley); Medieval Theology (Denys Turner);

Theology and the NT (Dale Martin & Kathryn Tanner); Social Ethics (Adam Eitel)

Regent College

June 2025        The Doctrine of Scripture

Editorial and Professional Service

2025–2030     Board member, Journal of Theological Interpretation

2024–2027     Cardus Senior Fellow and Comment Contributing Editor

2023–              Strategic committee on spiritual formation, ACU Board of Trustees

2022–              Steering committee on theological interpretation, Society of Biblical Literature

2022–              Board member, Paul and Gladys Faulkner Center for Marriage and Family

2021–              External book review (InterVarsity Press, Baylor University Press, Lexham Press)

2020–2021    Guest editor for book forum on Karen Kilby (Political Theology)

2019–              External peer review (Modern Theology, International Journal of Systematic Theology, Restoration Quarterly)

2019–              Review board, Christian Scholarship Foundation

2017–2021     Theology book review editor (The Marginalia Review of Books)

2012–2015     Early scholars committee, Christian Scholars’ Conference

Conference Organization

Presider, “Panel: Amy Peeler, Women and the Gender of God,” Society of Biblical Literature, San Antonio, TX, November 19, 2023.

Convener, “Panel: Joseph Gordon, Divine Scripture in Human Understanding: A Systematic Theology of the Christian Bible,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 7, 2019.

Convener, “Panel: Keith Stanglin, The Letter and Spirit of Biblical Interpretation: From the Early Church to Modern Practice,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 6, 2019.

Convener, “Negotiating Scripture and Culture,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Abilene, TX, June 4, 2015.

Convener and moderator, “Reading the Old Testament as Scripture: A Conversation Between Ellen Davis and Walter Brueggemann on Biblical Interpretation, Theology, and the Relationship Between Church and Academy,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 6, 2014.

Convener and moderator, “Faith in Public: A Conversation Between John Hare and Charles Mathewes on Religious Commitment, Christian Ethics, and Political Engagement,” Christian Scholars’ Conference, Nashville, TN, June 7, 2013.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

American Academy of Religion; Society of Biblical Literature