The team comprises internationally renowned scholars of Ancient and Biblical History, New Testament, Classics, Patristics and Late Antiquity. Our interests and expertise cover the texts, ideas, beliefs and material culture of Christianity to the early fourth century CE. We seek to understand earliest Christianity at the interface between a vibrant and creative Jewish intellectual culture and the Graeco-Roman world. Of particular interest are issues of gender, identity, literary and popular culture.
Throughout the year, we put on a range of lectures, seminars, workshops, book launches and mini-conferences. The annual Kennedy Wright Opening Lecture has attracted a wide range of prestigious speakers (Profs Timothy Barnes, Philip Esler, Loveday Alexander, Anders Runnesson, Gillian Clarke, Martin Goodman, Dale Allison, Catrin Williams). Conferences have covered topics such as Irenaeus, Justin Martyr and Peter in Earliest Christianity (all of which led to published volumes). Workshops have been devoted to Jewish epigraphy, numismatics, Galilean archaeology, the First Jewish-Roman War. Our light-hearted Christmas events are always popular with students. We have strong links with the Faculty of Religion in Copenhagen and run regular workshops and exchanges with them, both online and in person.
We particularly welcome involvement from postgraduate students. We have a student representative on our committee and organise workshops and our events not only enhance the research environment but also provide opportunities for students to develop relevant skills and expertise. Our members contribute to two taught masters programmes, the MThT in Biblical Studies (Divinity) and MScT in Ancient Worlds (HCA).
As a research group, we are committed to KE/Public Engagement. Members of the group regularly offer talks to Churches, schools and other interested groups. TV/Radio documentaries, podcasts and other media. With Prof Alison Jack (Principal of New College), we contribute to two CPD courses for ministers each year. Course on The New Testament and its World for public. We sponsor one event at the annual New College Festival of Books and Belief.
The Centre hosts a weekly podcast, Biblical Time Machine (in conjunction with SBL’s Bible Odyssey).