Jacqueline Lapsley

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Jacqueline Lapsley
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Jacqueline Lapsley
Born (1965-02-24) February 24, 1965 (age 58)
Academic background
Education

Jacqueline E. Lapsley (born February 24, 1965) serves as President, and Professor of Old Testament at Union Presbyterian Seminary, and served as Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS). [1] Her research interests lie in various fields, including literary theory, ethics (with a specific focus on creation ethics), theological anthropology, and gender theory. These disciplines serve as valuable tools for Lapsley when approaching theological interpretations of the Old Testament. [1]

Contents

As an academic, Lapsley is dedicated to studying the Bible in a way that enriches the lives of those who actively participate in faith communities and have a strong commitment to their faith. [2] She believes in the transformative potential of informed scriptural interpretation, and argues that it can contribute to the well-being and growth of individuals, faith communities, and the world at large. [2]

Education

Lapsey earned a Master of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Emory University. [1]

Career

Academia

In Old Testament studies, Lapsley is known for writings and teachings in feminist biblical interpretation and the intersection of environmental issues and biblical interpretation, as well as in Ezekiel studies. [3] In previous courses, Lapsley has explored topics such as sin, the portrayal of women in Old Testament narratives, and salvation in the Old Testament. [4] Within these subjects, she specifically examines how moral development and personal identity are expressed in the scriptures. [4] Presently, her courses concentrate on gender theory and creation ethics within the Old Testament. [1] Lapsley's ongoing research and writing revolve around the interconnection between human dignity and the inherent worth of creation. [1]

In addition to teaching and writing, Lapseley has worked on various leadership committees and editorial boards. She was previously the director at PTS's Center for Theology, Women, and Gender and co-chaired the Ethics and Biblical Interpretation section of the Society of Biblical Literature. [4] She has also been on PTS's The Farminary steering committees. [5] At present, Lapsley is on the editorial boards of The Catholic Biblical Quarterly , Hebrew Bible and Ancient Israel, and the Interpretation Commentary Series with co-editors Brian Blount, Beverly Gavanta, and Samuel Adams. [3]

In 2012, her 2011 book A Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics received the Reference Book of the Year from the Academy of Parish Clergy.[ citation needed ]

For Lapsley,

the Bible offers important perspectives on human finitude and limits. It also offers perspectives on human vocation--what are we supposed to be doing while on earth? In the Bible, we read about a God who cares not just about us, human beings, but also about how we treat non-human creatures. This biblical vision of the nature and integrity of creation is diametrically opposed to the attitude of the industrialized West toward the environment. How did the Bible's vision become so distorted in the Christian West that we have produced such widespread environmental degradation?" [6]

She also claims that “an appreciation of gender diversity can move our society toward real justice for women and other persons who are marginalized because of gender and/or sexuality." [7]

Preaching

In addition to her work in academia, Lapsley is an ordained Presbyterian elder and teaches and preaches in congregations. [3] [8] She has also been the chair of her local congregation's Earth Care Team. [5]

Select publications

Articles

Books written and edited

Journals edited

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Jacqueline E. Lapsley". Princeton Theological Seminary . 2016-05-26. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  2. 1 2 "Take & read: New books in Old Testament". The Christian Century. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  3. 1 2 3 "Prof. Jacqueline E. Lapsley". Global Network. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
  4. 1 2 3 "Jacqueline E. Lapsley". Faithlife. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  5. 1 2 "Jacqueline E. Lapsley". Continuing Education. Princeton Theological Seminary . Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  6. "Princeton Theological Seminary presenting March 22 lecture entitled 'Down to Earth: The Bible and Environmental Ethics'". NJ.com. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  7. "Princeton Theological Seminary's 'Gender Bender' Conf. Goes Against God's Design, Says Fmr. Graduate" . Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  8. "Jacqueline Lapsley". Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs . Georgetown University . Retrieved 2018-07-19.