Faculty Attend Key Conference on Biblical Studies
Last month, on November 22-26, three faculty members – Dr. Abraham Terian, Emeritus Professor of Armenian Theology and Patristics; Dr. Chris Sheklian, Instructor of Liturgical Studies; and Dr. Ani Shahinian, Assistant Professor of the Grace & Paul Shahinian Lectureship in Armenian Christian Art & Culture – represented St. Nersess Seminary at the Annual Meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) and the American Academy of Religion (AAR). Considered the most important conference in America on Biblical studies, SBL drew nearly 10,000 participants including scholars, educators, students, authors, publishers, religious leaders, and engaged laypersons. The meetings, held at the San Diego Convention Center and nearby venues, provided a vibrant platform for exploring cutting-edge scholarship in religion, theology, and philosophy, psychology, and more.
Dr. Terian delivered a lecture on “Philo’s Remarks on Temporary Tyranny in De Providentia and Paul’s Imperative to Obey the Authorities in Romans 13,” which constituted a response to the evil of tyranny, a relevant topic even in modern times. Dr. Sheklian participated as a panelist for sessions on “Law, Religion, and Culture” and “Religion, Holocaust, and Genocide.” Dr. Shahinian contributed to multiple panels offering insights on Christian testimony and martyrs, bringing the Armenian martyrdom accounts in conversation with broader Christian martyrdom studies.
