Excellent article on Omer Bartov's new book about what has gone very wrong in Israel. He is actually pro Israel, pro Palestine, pro confederacy, and “completely, vehemently opposed to the kind of Zionism that exists today in Israel”.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...
An exceptionally good survey of the Protestant theological currents feeding this holy war.
Title page of A Workshop of Eloquence: A Collection of Gazan Literature from Late Antiquity, by Chance E. Bonar. Above the title is the logo for Dar al-Kalima University Press.
Proofs day for A Workshop of Eloquence: A Collection of Gazan Literature from Late Antiquity!
I'm grateful to be working with DAK University Press in Bethlehem and a Gazan Arabic translator to offer an introduction and selection of translated texts by, from, and about late ancient Gaza.
I love how these nativity scenes actually give a glimpse of pre modern midwives. One of their roles was to bath the baby while mother rested.
I was delighted to visit Bible & Archaeology (bam.sites.uiowa.edu) recently to talk about early nativity scenes! 🤓
youtu.be/nKBm6FYKoEc?...
We cover the catacombs, frescoes, Life of Brian. And it's the closest I've ever come to invoking "Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals"...
Something I wrote on the real nativity. Hard times for baby Jesus and his family.
theconversation.com/what-world-w...
So great that you are making this big move Sabrina. Such a wonderful bunch at ACU!
JOB OPENING: Associate Dean (Research), Theology and Philosophy
Seeking an academic for high-level academic leadership across the faculty, operating within a University-wide research strategy focused on high quality, high impact and innovative research.
candidate.aurion.cloud/acu/producti...
Join the ICS: The Institute of Classical Studies is now recruiting for an open-ended lectureship in Classical Studies in support of its national mission.
Full details here: www.jobs.london.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
Deadline 15 January
UPDATE: Another Chicago-area church has put up an immigration-themed Nativity scene.
A church member at Urban Village Church sent this one along, where Mary, Joseph and Jesus are gone and replaced with a sign that reads: “Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding.”
Tell it like it is Tom Wright! Brave man. He's hitting the nail on the head. Also a challenge to academics who assume he's going to sing from a particular songsheet.
Congratulations!!!!
Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships) at University of London
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPT082/l...
Here's my article about Bethlehem being not such a little village in Jesus' day. An important aqueduct went through it.
Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent climate action and says God’s creation is 'crying out'
apnews.com/article/pope...
I’ve been asking this question since the attack. The silence as one of our major national institutions was crippled has been extremely frustrating and shortsighted.
So pleased. Thank you @arturoviaggia.bsky.social !
2026-2027 SHOHET SCHOLARS GRANT FOR RESEARCH ON THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN The Shohet Scholars Grant of the International Catacomb Society is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars cohort. Awards up to $30,000. Submission deadline is February 1, 2026. This annual grant program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean. Projects need not focus on the catacombs. Shohet Scholars may do their research in archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, or related subjects. We welcome interdisciplinary projects that approach traditional topics from new perspectives. For further information and to apply go to the ICS website: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-scholars/. Email questions to ShohetICS@gmail.com Image of fresco of a bird and a shepherd with a sheep over his shoulders. Paintings from the Catacombs of Domatilla in Rome.
We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars Grant for research on the Ancient Mediterranean! Awards range from $2,000-$30,000.
Deadline is Feburary 1, 2026.
More information: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-schol...
On Sunday, I debated with Bart Ehrman, "Did John Know the Other Gospels?" It ended up being a bit more spicy than the "fireside chat" we had anticipated. The first half of the debate is now on Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=REXn...
My book Boy Jesus is now out in Italy, so do tell your Italian friends! Published by Sonda. Gesu Bambino.
sonda.it/prodotto/la-...
Announcing the launch of the open-access Journal of Christian Apocryphal Literature (JCAL). Sign up if you are interested in being a contributor or reviewer! journals.aperio.press/jcal/submiss...
Very important article by @mmonier.bsky.social on Codex Alexandrinus, with mention too of scribe Thecla.
Undoubtedly will stir up much controversy, and that can only be good for our field, but my my!
What a great idea for a book. Wow.
