Episode 164 The Biblical Studies Path to Archaeology

I have often been asked: what can I do with a degree in biblical studies?  That question often comes from a parent who is paying the tuition for their son or daughter to go to school? 

Accounting, they understand.  Nursing, got it.  But biblical studies?  What can you do with it?  Well, a recent book attempts to answer that question: it is entitled What Can You Do with Your Bible Training?: Traditional and Nontraditional Vocational Paths  It’s published by Wipf & Stock, 2023.

There are a lot of things you can do with a biblical studies degree other than “go into the ministry.”  You can do that, of course.  But there are many  others. 

Today, we focus on the biblical studies path to doing archaeology with renowned archaeologist, Steve Ortiz.

Who Is Steve Ortiz?

Steven Ortiz contributed an article to the book mentioned earlier. He has been with us before on this podcast, so you can listen to his earlier episodes below. The short answer is that Steve Ortiz directs the Lanier Center for Archaeology at Lipscomb University in Nashville.

Biblical Studies as a Path to Archaeology 

Steve and others like him started their journey with a desire to read the Bible well within its cultural and historical context. 

One of the key ways to do that is to study the material remains of those cultures.  The Bible is not only inspired Scripture; it is also a historical record of people and places in the past. 

Archaeologists dig up those remains and analyze them to better understand the times.  When the Bible is not read against its own context first, there is a good chance we will misread it in our context. 

Lipscomb University is quickly becoming one of the leading institutions in the world that specializes in archaeology.  You can get a masters and doctorate there working together with great leaders in the field. 

But archaeology is a destructive science. What does that mean?  Steve will tell us.  Archaeology is a collaborative science.  What does that mean? Listen to find out!

More Resources

Listen to Steve Otiz’s podcast about what’s happening at the Lanier Center for Archaeology here.

Want more Stone Chapel Podcasts on some great topics? Just click here.

What’s more, you can get information on upcoming lectures at Lanier Theological Library by clicking here.