I am a doctoral student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My area of research is Judaism and Christianity in Antiquity (New Testament, specifically), although I often dabble in Patristics and Ethics. On occasion, I will venture into the chaotic waters of Systematic Theology. I am not generally fond of clichés or the people who subscribe to them, although I do like Ranch dressing on salads. I suppose this could make me a hypocrite. Most people find me likable, although there are probably many who would dissent. I used to be able to run fast, and I can eat my weight in lime-flavored Tostitos. My favorite color is blue, and I have never been to Africa or Asia. I am also a husband, a dog owner, an aspiring photographer, and a lover of beer.
My specific research interests include the Synoptic Gospels (especially Luke), New Testament apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, literary and theological exegesis, history of biblical interpretation, scripture and ethics, and the mimetic theory of René Girard. Most recently, I’ve been researching the Protevangelium of James, a second century “Infancy Gospel” that tells not only of Jesus’ birth, but also of Mary’s. I’m most interested in the high Mariology present in this text, and the ways in which the traditions present therein might contribute to a more fruitful reading of the Canonical Gospels…time will tell if this latest endeavor is able to bear fruit of any kind.
I’m technically a Methodist, and I’ve spent the majority of my education in Methodist institutions, although for the past few years I’ve submitted to being trained by Jesuits.
This blog is a symptom of my enduring need for ever-new mediums of procrastination. At least on occasion, I hope that it will enable me to articulate my thoughts and research in a way that is informative and helpful, both to readers and me. I make no promises as to its contents, which may often seem erratic.
