Biography
Dr. John Bergsma is Full Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He holds the M.Div. and Th.M. degrees from Calvin Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He specialized in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, graduating with high honors in 2004. His major study of the interpretation of the Year of Jubilee in ancient times is published as The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran (Brill Academic, 2007).
Dr. Bergsma’s articles, some co-authored with Dr. Scott Hahn, have appeared in several academic journals as well as Lay Witness, the magazine of Catholics United for the Faith, and he has published many books, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament (Ignatius Press, 2018), Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic (Our Sunday Visitor, 2018), Psalm Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2018), and Yes! There is a God! And Other Answers to Life’s Big Questions (The Word Among Us, 2017), Bible Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2012) and New Testament Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press, 2015). He also has several Bible studies on CD, DVD, and MP3.
Additionally, he has appeared as a guest on EWTN’s The Journey Home, Franciscan University Presents, and Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show, and has given presentations internationally through Parousia Media. Twice voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Dr. Bergsma is a popular teacher who inspires his students with a love of Scripture. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.
*** For speaking events use the biography below***
Dr. John Bergsma is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A former Protestant pastor, Dr. Bergsma entered the Catholic Church in 2001 while getting his Ph.D. in Bible from the University of Notre Dame. A close collaborator of Dr. Scott Hahn, Bergsma speaks regularly on Catholic radio and at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally. He has authored over a dozen books on Scripture and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics (Ave Maria Press), Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic (Our Sunday Visitor), and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament (with Brant Pitre; Ignatius Press). Dr. Bergsma’s talks and studies are available on CD and mp3 from catholicproductions.com. He and his wife Dawn reside with their eight children in Steubenville, Ohio.
Curriculum Vitae
Education:
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1999–2004
Dissertation: “The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran”
Dissertation Director: Dr. James C. VanderKam
Dissertation Defended with High Honors March 2004
Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1998–1999
Master of Theology (Th.M.), May 1999
Thesis: “Normativity in Walter Brueggemann’s Theology of the Old Testament”
Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1992–1998
Master of Divinity (M.Div.), May 1998
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1989–1992
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Classical Languages, December 1993
Publications:
Books:
A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament, with Dr. Brant Pitre, Ignatius Press (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2018).
Stunned by Scripture: How the Bible Made Me Catholic (Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2018)
Psalm Basics for Catholics (Notre Dame, IN; Ave Maria Press, 2018)
Yes! There is a God! And Other Answers to Life’s Big Questions (Frederick, MD: The Word Among Us, 2017)
New Testament Basics for Catholics (Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 2016).
Bible Basics for Catholics (Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 2012).
The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran: A History of Interpretation (Vetus Testamentum Supplements 115; Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, 2007).
Academic Essays, Articles, Reviews:
“The Year of Jubilee and the Ancient Israelite Economy,” Southwestern Journal of Theology 59 (2017): 155-164.
“Covenant,” with Scott W. Hahn, in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Biblical Theology (ed. Kathleen Dell et al.; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015), 151–166. Also in Oxford Biblical Studies Online, http://www.oxfordbiblicalstudies.com/article/opr/t467/e41
(accessed Mar 30, 2016)
Review of Charity: The Place of the Poor in the Biblical Tradition by Gary A. Anderson, in Journal of Markets and Morality 17.2 (2014): 560-563.
“Release/Remission of Debt,” in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Bible and Law (ed. Brent Strawn; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014), 205–213.
“Critical and Catholic Exegesis in the Seventeenth-Century Low Countries,” in Biblical Interpretation and Doctrinal Formulation in the Reformed Tradition (ed. Arie C. Leder & Richard A. Muller; Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014), 185–208.
“Jubilee,” in Theologisches Wörterbuch zu den Qumrantexten. Band 2 (ed. Heinz-Josef Fabry and Ulrich Dahmen; Stuttgart: Kohlhammer GmbH, 2013), 106–110.
“Damascus,” in Theologisches Wörterbuch zu den Qumrantexten. Band 1 (ed. Heinz-Josef Fabry and Ulrich Dahmen; Stuttgart: Kohlhammer GmbH, 2011), 702–708.
“The Biblical Manumission Laws: Has the Literary Dependence of H on D been Demonstrated?” in A Teacher for All Generations: Essays in Honor of James C. VanderKam (2 vols.; ed. E. F. Mason et al.; Leiden: Brill Academic, 2012), 1:65-89.
Review of Jeffrey Stackert, Rewriting the Torah: Literary Revision in Deuteronomy and the Holiness Legislation (FAT 52; Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2007) in Biblica 92.1 (2011) 123-27.
Review of Eduardo J. Echeverria, Dialogue of Love: Confessions of an Evangelical Catholic Ecumenist (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2010) in Journal of Markets and Morality 13.2 (2010): 158-59.
“Cultic Kingdoms in Conflict: Liturgy and Empire in the Book of Daniel,” in Letter & Spirit: A Journal of Catholic Biblical Theology 5 (2009): 51–76.
“The Relationship between Jubilees and the Early Enochic Books (Astronomical Book and Book of the Watchers),” in Enoch and the Mosaic Torah: The Evidence of Jubilees (ed. G. Boccaccini and G. Ibba; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009), 36–51.
“The Persian Period as Penitential Era: The ‘Exegetical Logic’ of Daniel 9.1-27,” pp. 50-64 in Exile and Restoration Revisited: Essays in Memory of Peter R. Ackroyd (ed. G. Knoppers and L. Grabbe; Library of Second Temple Studies 73; Continuum/T & T Clark, 2009).
“Qumran Self-Identity: ‘Israel’ or ‘Judah?’” Dead Sea Discoveries 15 (2008) 172-89.
“The Temple as ‘Built Jubilee’ in Ezekiel,” Proceedings of the Eastern Great Lakes and Midwestern Biblical Societies 24 (2004) 75-85 [appeared Winter 2005]
“Philippians: Epistle of Joy,” Lay Witness, September 2006.
“Once Again, the Jubilee, Every 49 or 50 Years?” Vetus Testamentum 55.1 (2005) 121-125.
“Noah’s Nakedness and the Curse on Canaan (Gen 9:20-27),” with Scott W. Hahn, Journal of Biblical Literature 124.1 (2005) 25-40.
“What Laws Were Not Good? A Canonical Approach to the Theological Problem of Ezekiel 20:25–26,” with Scott W. Hahn, Journal of Biblical Literature 123 (2004) 201–18.
“The Jubilee: A Post-Exilic Priestly Attempt to Reclaim Lands?” Biblica 84 (2003): 225–46.
“Codex,” “Genealogy,” “Irenaeus,” “Quotation,” and “Testimonia,” articles in The Westminster Dictionary of New Testament and Early Christian Literature and Rhetoric (ed. David Aune; Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2003).
“First Fruits and the Sanctification of Space,” Sacred Architecture 7 (2002-3): 20.
Review of Walter Brueggemann, David’s Truth in Israel’s Imagination & Memory (2nd ed.; Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), Calvin Theological Journal 37 (2002): 343–344.
“‘Useful for the Church?’ A Critique of Walter Brueggemann’s Theology of the Old Testament,” Calvin Theological Journal 35 (2000): 105–35.
“Comparative Consistency of AA and Christian Worldviews,” Stromata: The Calvin Theological Seminary Student Journal 39.1 (1996): 96–109 .
“Was Paul Wrong? A Moral Investigation of Paul’s Teaching on Slavery,” Stromata: The Calvin Theological Seminary Student Journal 38.2 (1994): 1–11.
Papers at Academic Conferences:
“The Year of Jubilee and the Ancient Near Eastern Economy,” paper delivered at the Old Testament and Economics Colloquium of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 17-18, 2015.
“Ezekiel, the Pentateuch, and the Samaritans: Converging Lines of Scholarship Highlighting the Absence of Zion Theology from the Pentateuch,” paper delivered at the Midwest Regional Society of Biblical Literature Conference, March 2015, Bourbonnais, IL
“Ezekiel, P/H, and ‘Z’: The Relationship of Ezekiel to the Holiness Code and Zion Theology,” paper delivered at the Ezekiel and the Pentateuch Combined Session, Society of Biblical Literature Annual Congress, San Diego, California, November 2014.
“Israel or Judah? The Self-Identity of the Qumran Community,” paper given to the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology academic conference, Baltimore, MD, Nov. 21-23, 2013.
“The Old Testament and Economics,” class taught at the Acton University of the Acton Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, June 21, 2013.
Response to Alvin Plantinga, “Science and Faith: Where the Conflict Really Lies,” at the Science and Faith Conference, December 2-3, 2011, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
“The Biblical Manumission Laws: Has the Dependence of H on D been Demonstrated?” paper at the Biblical Law Session, Society of Biblical Literature Annual Congress, New Orleans, November 23, 2009.
“The Relationship between Jubilees and the Early Enochic Books (Astronomical Book and Book of the Watchers,” paper presented at the Fourth Enoch Seminar, July 8-12, 2007, Camaldoli, Italy.
“The Nuptial Mystery in Paul,” paper presented at the Fourth Annual Letter and Spirit Conference, St. Paul Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA, November 15, 2008.
“Daniel 9 and the Return to Zion,” paper presented at the Literature and History of the Persian Period section of the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Congress, Washington, D.C., November 21, 2006
“Qumran Self-Identity and the Eschatological Restoration of Israel,” paper delivered at “Reading Between the Lines:Scripture and Community in the Dead Scrolls: A Symposium in Honor of James C. VanderKam,” March 6, 2006, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Moderator, History of Interpretation Section, Eastern Great Lakes Biblical Society Annual Meeting, Erie, PA, March 2003; presenting “The Restored Temple as ‘Built Jubilee’ in Ezekiel 40–48.”
““The Restored Temple as ‘Built Jubilee’ in Ezekiel 40–48,” Midwest Regional Conference of the Society of Biblical Literature, Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI, February 21–22, 2003.
“The Final Redaction of Leviticus 25,” Eastern Great Lakes Biblical Society Annual Meeting, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, WV, March, 2002.
Talks and Presentations for Faith Formation/Theological Education:
“Understanding and Teaching the Scriptures,” presentation to the National Catholic Educators Conference (NCEA), Pittsburgh, PA, April 24, 2014.
“Easter, Jesus, and the Song of Songs,” an open talk for the campus community sponsored by the Warriors of the Word women’s household, Gentile Gallery, Franciscan University of Steubenville, April 15 (Holy Tuesday), 2014.
“Why Can’t We Just Talk? Why Worship Needs More than Preaching,” adult faith formation talk for St. Richard’s Parish, Gibsonia, PA, May 3, 2014.
“How to Get through the Bible in an Hour!” talk to the Legatus chapter of Columbus, OH, March 10, 2014.
“Confession as Spiritual Warfare,” and “Sacraments in the Gospel of John,” talks for the Diocese of Lexington Annual Men’s Conference, March 22, 2014.
“Fasting,” a talk to the Regina Angelorum women’s household, March 2, 2014.
“How to Read the Bible as a Catholic Man,” talk for the Diocese of Venice Men’s Conference, March 1, 2014. Also MC’d the conference at the request of the bishop.
“The Cross: A Nuptial Act,” and “The Cross: A Priestly Act,” two presentations at St. Louis de Montfort Parish, Santa Maria, CA, Feb. 15, 2014.
“Bible Basics: A New Picture of Salvation,” two talks for Holy Family Church, Saginaw, MI, Feb 4-5, 2014.
“How to Get an ‘F’ in Leadership,” talk to student leaders and resident assistants, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Jan. 18, 2014.
“The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Catholic Faith,” two talks at The Bible and the Fathers conference of St. Lambert Parish, Skokie, IL, Oct. 26, 2013.
“How to Get through the Bible in an Hour!” presentation to Catholic educators and youth ministers at the University of Dallas Ministry Fair, Oct. 25, 2013.
“Understanding and Teaching the Bible,” five talks during the parish mission of St. John Nepomuk Parish, Yukon, OK, Oct. 19-21, 2013.
“The Gospel of John,” a four-hour class taught to the Austin Deacons’ Conference of the Diocese of Austin, TX, Oct. 5, 2013.
“My Conversion to the Eucharist,” and “Confession and Conversion,” talks at the Fullness of Truth Conference on the New Evangelization, Buda, TX, July 12-13, 2013.
“How to Get an ‘F’ in Leadership,” address to student leaders of the Franciscan University of Steubenville during Opening Weekend, Aug. 30, 2013.
“The Word of Blessing,” and “The Word of Power,” talks at the Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Summer Conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, June 18-19, 2013.
“Understanding Salvation History,” “Mass Conversion,” and “The Sacraments in John,” presentations at St. Ignatius of Loyal Parish, St. Ignace, MI, May 20-21, 2013.
“How to Get Through the Bible in an Hour!” “Evangelism is a Call for Everyone,” and “Mass Conversion: How I Discovered the Eucharist and the Catholic Church,” presentations during the Lenten Mission of St. Martin de Porres Parish, Yorba Linda, CA, April 28-30, 2013.
“Engraved on His Hands: The Old Testament and the ‘Passion’ of Christ,” and “The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving: The Old Testament and the Lord’s Supper,” talks at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Los Alamos, NM, March 22-23, 2013.
“Confession,” talk to the Regina Apostolorum women’s household, Franciscan University of Steubenville, March 21, 2013.
“The Praxis of Fasting,” talk to the Children of the Lord women’s household, Franciscan University of Steubenville, March 18, 2013.
“Genesis, Creation, and Evolution,” presentation to students, teachers, and parents of Aquinas Academy, Gibsonia, PA, March 13, 2013.
“How to Get through the Bible in an Hour!” presentation to diocesan youth ministers and religious educators, Diocese of Arlington, Fairfax, VA, March 5, 2013.
“The Praxis of Evangelism,” address to the Spring Break Steubenville Mission Team of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Feb. 17, 2013.
“Confession as Spiritual Warfare,” and “Father as Priest of the Family,” at the Diocese of Owensboro Men’s Conference, Owensboro, KY, Feb. 9, 2013
“Confession as Spiritual Warfare,” and “Science and Faith: Where the Conflict Really Lies,” presentations at Holy Cross Parish, Batavia, IL, Feb. 2, 2013.
“The Catholic Faith and the Right to Life,” talk at the Right to Life Prayer Rally at Holy Family Parish, Steubenville, Ohio, Jan. 22, 2013.
“Mass Conversion: How I Discovered the Eucharist and the Catholic Faith,” talk for adult faith formation, St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Glenshaw, PA, Dec. 12, 2012.
“How to Get Through the Bible in an Hour!” presentation to the National Catholic Conference on Youth Ministry (NCCYM), Orlando, FL, Nov. 30, 2012.
“Can I Be Holy,” and “Washing Up and Starting Over,” two talks on the sacraments for the parish mission of St. Bede’s Catholic Church, Williamsburg, VA, Oct. 20, 2012.
“The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Catholic Faith,” five one-hour PowerPoint presentations given for the parish mission of the Church of the Incarnation, Rio Rancho, NM, October 12-13, 2012.
“Understanding Salvation History,” and “The Sacraments in the Gospel of John,” two two-part presentations given at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tontitown, AR, Sept. 21-22, 2012.
“How to Get Through the Bible in an Hour!” presentation to the Catholic Publishers Association, Arlington, TX, August 28, 2012.
“The Cross: A Priestly Act,” and “The Cross: A Nuptial Act,” presentations to the Fullness of Truth Catholic Biblical Conference, San Antonio, TX, August 25-26, 2012.
“First Rock from the Son: The Biblical Basis for Petrine Primacy and the Papacy,” talk at The Word of God Conference, St. Peter’s Parish, Covington, LA, August 11, 2012.
“Body-Building and Temple-Growing: Paul’s Vision of the Church in Ephesians 2,” and “Shall We Dance? Paul’s Vision of Marriage in Ephesians 5,” talks at the Institute for Applied Biblical Studies Summer Conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, July 25-26, 2012.
“The Spirit Through Salvation History,” presentation to the Don Bosco Catechetics Conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, July 20, 2012.
“Jesus as Divine Wisdom: The Mystery of the Logos,” and “The Word of Power,” talks to the Franciscan University of Steubenville Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Summer Conference, June 19-20, 2012.
“How to Get Through the Bible in an Hour!” webinar sponsored by Ave Maria Press, May 22, 2012, available online: http://vimeo.com/42695370
“Understanding and Teaching the Scriptures,” presentation to catechists and religious educators of the Diocese of Lansing, St. Mary Parish, Williamston, MI, May 19, 2012.
“The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Catholic Faith,” presentation to Emmanuel Catholic Church, Dayton, Ohio, Saturday April 20, 2012.
“Confession as Spiritual Warfare,” talk to Theology on Tap of Dayton, Ohio, Friday April 19, 2012.
“Bible Basics for Catholics,” presentation to luncheon of the high school teachers of religion of Los Angeles and Orange Dioceses, at the Religious Education Congress of Los Angeles, Anaheim, Californian, March 23, 2012.
“Catholics and Protestants Together: Unity for the Sake of Mission,” talk to the Marshall Catholic Newman Center, Marshal University, Huntington, WV, February 25, 2012.
“Mass Conversion,” “Why Can’t We Just Talk?”, “Confession as Spiritual Warfare,” “The Mass and John 6,” “The Cross: A Nuptial Act,” “The Cross: A Priestly Act,” talks for the Catholic Community of Ironton, Ohio, Lenten Mission February 24–26, 2012.
“Love, Sex, and Marriage: Why These Themes Dominate the Bible,” talk to Catholic Action student club of the University of Pittsburgh, St. Paul Cathedral, Pittsburgh, February 12, 2012.
“The Dignity of the Human Body: The Body as Temple in the Scriptures,” and “Building Holy Families: Lessons from Genesis,” talks at the Footsteps in Faith Catholic Bible Conference, Lubbock, Texas, February 3-4, 2012.
“And They Became One Flesh: Marriage as Covenant in the Scriptures,” presentation to Love Revealed, a student organization of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, December 1, 2011, St. Joseph Seminar Room of the St. Joseph Center, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
“Confession as Spiritual Warfare,” talk at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wisconsin, November 5, 2011.
“The Mass as Marriage Supper: Square Brides and Sheepish Grooms in Scripture,” talk for the Franciscan Conference on the Liturgy, October 15, 2011, Christ the King Chapel, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
“Putting Childish Things Behind,” talk to the Orientation Leaders of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Gentile Gallery, August 23, 2011.
“Nuptiality in the Gospel of John,” four-part, six-hour set of presentations to the Servants of God’s Love, a charismatic community of religious sisters, Ann Arbor, Michigan, August 18-19, 2011.
“Davidic Kingdom/Divided Kingdom: Matt 11-13,” presentation at the Franciscan Applied Biblical Studies Conference, July 28, 2011.
“Who is the Whore of Babylon? Revelation 17,” talk to the Jesus and the End Times Conference, Covington, Louisiana (greater New Orleans), July 16, 2011.
“Creation, Evolution, and the Catholic Faith,” talk to Theology on Tap in Covington, Lousiana (greater New Orleans), July 14, 2011.
“The Sermon on the Mount,” four-part, four-hour set of presentations to the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Mishawaka, Indiana, July 1-2, 2011.
“The Genesis of Jesus: Matt 1-2,” “Divided Kingdom/Davidic Kingdom: Matt 11-13,” and “The Inverted Kingdom: Matt 19-22,” presentations at the St. Vincent’s Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Conference, Latrobe, PA, , June 12-15, 2011
“The King is in Denial: Matthew 3-4,” and “The Honeymoon Week of the Bridegroom King: Matthew 19-25,” talks at the Fullness of Truth Conference, Arlington, TX, April 30–May 1, 2011.
“Discipline and Discipleship,” a talk to the Residence Hall Staff of Franciscan University, Fireside Lounge of the J.C. Williams Center, March 9, 2011.
“St. Josemaria on Studying,” public presentation to students, International Lounge of the J.C. Williams Center, Franciscan University, March 3, 2011.
“Nuptiality in Scripture,” a talk to Rosa Mystica Household members, Steubenville, OH, February 25, 2011.
“Genesis, Creation, and Evolution,” and “Paul and the Dead Sea Scrolls,” presentations to Holy Cross Parish, Batavia, IL, November 5-6, 2010.
“The Eucharist and John 6,” and “Ephesians 5: God’s Life-Changing Plan for the Family,” talks at the Apostolate of Our Lady of Guadalupe Conference on the Sacraments, October 8-10, 2010.
“The Holy Spirit in Salvation History,” talk to the Pre-Theologate Program of Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, September 30, 2010.
“Here Comes the Bride: Nuptiality in the Apocalypse,” presentation to the Applied Biblical Studies Conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, July 28, 2010.
“Why Can’t We Just Talk?” and “You Snooze, You Lose,” talks at the Word of God Conference, New Orleans, LA, July 24-25, 2010.
“The Letters to the Seven Churches,” and “Here Comes the Bride! Nuptiality in the Apocalypse,” talks at the Fullness of Truth Catholic Conference, Houston, TX, July 17-18, 2010.
“Eucharistic Love: Allowing Jesus’ Life and Words from the Gospel of John to Transform Us, Parts I-II,” two talks to the Religious Sisters’ Conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, June 16, 2010
“Come, Thou Long Expected Bridegroom: John 2-4”, “John 13-17: The High Priest’s Farewell,” and “John 20: The Sun Comes Forth Like a Bridegroom from his Tent ...”, presentations to the St. Vincent’s Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians Conference, Latrobe, PA, , June 15-17, 2010.
“Can’t We Just Talk: Why Worship Needs More than Preaching” and “Confession as Spiritual Warfare,” presentations to Immaculate Conception Parish, Diocese of Metuchen, NJ, April 23-24, 2010.
“Mass Conversion” and “Dating and the Gospel of John,” talks at the Ignited by Truth Catholic Conference, Raleigh, NC, March 20, 2010.
“My Conversion,” “The Cross: A Nuptial Act,” “The Cross: A Priestly Act,” talks at St. Michael’s Parish, Houston, TX, February 18-19, 2010.
“Priesthood in the Old Testament,” two presentations to the City of Steubenville Adult Faith Formation Program, Holy Rosary Parish, Steubenville, OH, January 21 and 28, 2010.
“Understanding and Teaching the Biblical Storyline,” two presentations to catechists and religion teachers at the Diocesan Ministry Day for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, January 16-17, 2010.
“Jesus Our New Temple: Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7-9),” and “The ‘Passion’ of the Christ (John 19-21),” lectures at “The Word Became Flesh: Exploring the Catholic Meaning of the Gospel of John,” conference sponsored by Fullness of Truth and the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, San Antonio, TX, August 22-23, 2009.
“Let Him Take Up His Cross and Follow,” talk to Fall 2009 orientation leaders, Franciscan University of Steubenville, August 18, 2009.
“Learning and Teaching Salvation History,” four-hour presentation to catechists of the Diocese of Steubenville, Bridgeport, OH, August 12, 2009.
“Adam and Steve? Or Adam, Eve, and Sally?: Defining Marriage in the Bible,” and “The Crucifixion: A Priestly Act, A Nuptial Act,” lectures at the Word of God Conference: The Sacraments of Service: Marriage and Priesthood, New Orleans, LA, August 8-9, 2009.
“My Journey to the Catholic Church,” talk at the Defending the Faith summer conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, August 2, 2009.
“Jesus Our New Temple: Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7-9),” “Two High Priests Face Off (John 16-18),” and “The ‘Passion’ of Christ, Our Royal Priestly Bridegroom (John 19-20),” three lectures at the Institute for Applied Biblical Studies summer conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, July 29-31, 2009.
“The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Catholic Faith,” three lectures for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Mishawaka, Indiana, July 11, 2009.
“Romans 1: Bad News for Modern Man,” “Romans 6-7: Baptism as New Exodus,” and “Romans 13: Of Law and Love,” lectures at the Fourth Annual Conference for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians: Romans: The Gospel According to Saint Paul, Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, June 15-19, 2009.
“The Old Testament Types of the Eucharist,” talk to the men’s and women’s Eucharistic households of Franciscan University, International Lounge, J.C. Williams Center, February 17, 2009.
“St. Paul and the Dead Sea Scrolls,” public lecture for the students, faculty, and staff, Christ the King Chapel, Franciscan University of Steubenville, November 13, 2008.
“As You Have Received Christ, So Also Walk in Him” (Col 2:6), formation talk for Student Life Staff, Franciscan University of Steubenville, October 1, 2008.
“As You Have Received Christ, So Also Walk in Him” (Col 2:6), formation talk for orientation leaders, Franciscan University of Steubenville, August 19, 2008.
“Church as Temple in John,” “Church as Bride in John,” and “Priesthood in John,” lectures at the Third Annual Conference for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians: The Splendor of the Church, Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, June 16-20, 2008.
“Catholics and Evangelicals Together,” a panel discussion with Fr. Michael Scanlan and Fr. Kenneth Cienik, for the second annual Franciscan-Wheaton Ecumenical Exchange weekend, April 5, 2008.
“Manhood and the Eucharist,” a talk for Theology on Tap of Steubenville, Damon’s of Steubenville, April 2, 1998.
“Daily Spiritual Exercises,” a talk for the residents of Sts. Kolbe and Clare Halls, Franciscan University of Steubenville, October 3, 2007.
“A Crash Course in Salvation History,” a four-hour workshop for the Catholic students of Bowling Green State University, at St. Thomas More University Parish, Bowling Green, Ohio, September 28, 2007.
“Running so as to Win,” presentation to orientation leaders, Franciscan University of Steubenville, August 21, 2007.
“Leadership as Suffering,” a one-hour presentation to the Provincial Superiors of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Mishawaka, Indiana, July 27, 2007
“Nuptiality in Salvation History,” a two-part, four-hour presentation to the general congress of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Mishawaka, Indiana, July 27, 2007.
“Pentecost and Jubilee,” presentation at the Institute of Applied Biblical Studies summer conference, July 26, 2007, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
“The Spirituality of St. Josemaría Escrivá,” a four-part public lecture series for students, faculty and staff, February 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 2007, International Room, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
“The Jubilee and Jesus,” “The Jubilee and the Eucharist,” “Covenant, Oath, Seven, and the Jubilee,” presentations to the laity and clergy of the Diocese of Cuidad Juarez (Mexico) in celebration of the Diocesan Jubilee Year (2006), at the Parish of Our Lord of Mercy, Juarez, Mexico, September 24–26, 2006.
“How Jesus Restores Adam's Royalty to You,” workshop at the Summer Conference for Applied Biblical Studies, Franciscan University of Steubenville, July 27, 2006.
“How Catholics View the Bible,” a talk sponsored by and delivered to the joint Franciscan University-Wheaton College student ecumenical initiative, Franciscan University Fireside Lounge, April 1, 2006.
“Christian Manhood,” a public talk sponsored by Conquer Through Love men’s household, Franciscan University of Steubenville International Room, March 29, 2006.
“Messianic Nuptiality in John 4,” presentation to orientation leaders, August 25, 2005, Franciscan University of Steubenville.
“The Whole Enchilada: Eucharist as Temple in John,” at the Summer Conference for Applied Biblical Studies, Franciscan University of Steubenville, July 28, 2005
“The Birds and the Bees in the Garden of Eden: Sexuality in the Old Testament”, at the Institute for Applied Biblical Studies Summer Conference, Franciscan University of Steubenville, July 27, 2004
“The Place of Wisdom Literature in Salvation History,” at the Mile-Hi Scripture Institute of the Denver Biblical School (Archdiocese of Denver), Denver, Colorado, July 12, 2004
“Jesus and Jubilee: What is the ‘Acceptable Year of the Lord’ proclaimed in Nazareth? (Luke 4:16–22),” guest lecture, Franciscan University of Steubenville, April 1, 2004
“The Threefold Covenant with Abraham and Israel,” guest lecture for Biblical Foundations (THE 601 E), Franciscan University of Steubenville, Spring 2004
“Principles for Teaching Scripture,” and “Evangelism is a Call for Everyone!” at the Diocese of Fort Wayne/South Bend Catechetical Institute Day, Wauwasee, IN, October 25, 2003.
“Introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls,” Lenten Talks series, St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Byron Center, MI, March 12, 2003.
Campus Service:
Advisor to the Disciples of the Word men’s household, 2005–Present.
This household has twice won the Steel Cross Award, and also placed three times in the Steel Cross competition, during my tenure as advisor. I meet weekly with the household during the semester, attend most retreats, and host at least one Lord’s Day at my house each year.
St. Josemaria Men’s Formation Group, 2011–Present
This once-weekly men’s formation group of about twelve graduate and undergraduate students has been lead by myself and a half-dozen other faculty and staff for the past five years. I give about four or five of the formation talks each semester.
Hosted and introduced Prof. Duncan Stroik, LLC, during his campus visit to speak to faculty, staff and students on Catholic and Franciscan church architecture, Nov. 18-20, 2013.
Participated in the Faculty Round Table on Ex Corde Ecclesia, during the weekend conference on Ex Corde Ecclesia in honor of the installation of Fr. Sean Sheridan, TOR, JD, JCD, as President of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Oct. 11, 2013.
Hosted His Excellency Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, during his campus visit for Commencement, May 10-11, 2013.
Chaperoned Franciscan students participating in the National March for Marriage on the mall, Washington, D.C., March 26, 2013.
Hosted His Excellency Arthur J. Seratelli, Bishop of Patterson NJ and Chairman of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) during his visit to campus for commencement, May 11-12, 2012.
Co-chaired the Franciscan University of Steubenville Science and Faith Conference, December 2-3, 2011, with Daniel Kuebler and Jonathan Sanford.
Mediated initial contact with Discovery Institute to obtain major funding.
Helped brainstorm speaker roster, topics, venues, scheduling.
Arranged for the invitations, flights, and pick-ups of certain speakers.
Moderated some sessions and responded to the closing keynote.
See also above, campus talks to households and organizations
Teaching/Research Experience:
Franciscan University of Steubenville, Sept. 2004–Present
Assistant Professor of Theology (2004–2008)
Associate Professor of Theology (2008–Present)
HEB 105: Elementary Hebrew I
HEB 106: Elementary Hebrew II
HEB 205: Intermediate Hebrew Prose
HEB 206: Intermediate Hebrew Poetry
HEB 207 UL: Summer Intensive Hebrew
THE 211: “Principles of Biblical Study I: Old Testament”
THE 212: “Principles of Biblical Study II: New Testament”
THE 413: “Old Testament Writings: Wisdom Literature”
THE 413: “Old Testament Writings: The Prophets”
THE 413: “Old Testament Writings: The Pentateuch”
THE 414: “New Testament Writings: Gospel of John”
THE 345: Faith and Science
THE 601: Biblical Foundations of Theology
THE 710: “Old Testament Writings: Wisdom Literature”
THE 710: “Old Testament Writings: The Prophets”
THE 710: “The Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature”
THE 711: “The Gospel of John”
St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, Steubenville, Ohio
Research Fellow, July 2003–August 2004
Senior Fellow, September 2004–Present
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
Research Assistant, Qumran Bible (Hebrew) publication project, Spring 2003
Designed and coordinated the electronic formatting of parts of the Hebrew edition of the Qumran Bible project under Dr. Eugene Ulrich.
Teaching Assistant, Wisdom Literature/Psalms, Spring 2002
Teaching Assistant, Foundations of Theology, Spring 2001
Taught class sessions in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and New Testament.
Research Assistant, Dead Sea Scrolls publication project, Spring 2001–Fall 2001
Collated Hebrew texts of Dead Sea Scroll fragments of Genesis through Deuteronomy in electronic format.
Teaching Assistant, Intermediate Hebrew, Fall 2001
Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Teaching Assistant, Department of Old Testament, academic years 1996–1999
Research Assistant, Department of New Testament, academic year 1994–1995
Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Classics Department Tutor, academic years 1991–1993
Teacher Aide, Church History, Calvin Christian High School, Spring 1991
Fellowships/Scholarships:
Faculty Enrichment Grant, Summer 2007 [for participation in the Fourth Enoch Seminar, Camaldoli, Italy]
Presidential Fellowship, University of Notre Dame, 1999–2003
Diamond Jubilee Scholarship, Calvin Theological Seminary, 1998–1999
Wevers Scholarship, Calvin Theological Seminary, 1994–1995
For excellence in biblical languages.
Presidential Scholarship, Calvin College, 1989–1992
National Merit Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, 1989–1990
Sterling Scholarship, Honolulu Advertiser/Brigham Young Univ.-Hawaii, 1989–1990
First runner-up in general scholarship, state-wide, televised competition.
Other Awards:
Faculty of the Year Award, Class of 2008 of Franciscan University of Steubenville
Staff of the Year Award, Class of 2006 of Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Gysbert Voetius Award for excellence in scholastic theology, 1998
American Bible Society Award for excellence in biblical languages, 1997
Other Professional Experience:
Co-Pastor, Coit Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI, January 1995–August 1998
Pastored a multi-ethnic congregation in an inner-urban neighborhood.
Preached, counseled, taught scripture and catechesis, networked with community leaders, provided spiritual guidance for persons in drug rehabilitation and incarceration, fostered community economic initiatives.
Concurrently attended Calvin Seminary part-time, September 1995–May 1998.
Interim Pastor, Ottewell Christian Reformed Church, Edmonton, AB, Summer 1994
Served as temporary pastor for vacant church.
Preached, counseled, visited sick and elderly.
Languages:
Akkadian, Aramaic, French, German, Greek (classical), Hebrew (classical), Latin, Ugaritic.
Professional Memberships:
Society of Biblical Literature
Catholic Biblical Association
Family Life:
Married to Dawn Michelle Bergsma (nee Koster) of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Father of Peter Scott (b. 1995), Johannes Sietze (b. 1997), Hope Christina (b. 1998), Christian Emmanuel (b. 1999), Rose Maria (b. 2002), Lucia Diane (b. 2004), Francis Xavier (b. 2008), Niklaas Kenneth (b. 2012).