From Genesis to Revelation in ten days? Craig Koester, professor of New Testament, delights in taking students on a fast-paced trip through the whole Bible using music, drama, and hundreds of visuals to bring the text to life.
Dr. Koester says, "The course transforms the words on the page into sight and sound, so that students experience the Biblical story as a whole." During the ten days of the course, participants go from the dawn of creation through the stories of ancient Israel, Jesus and the early church, to the gates of the New Jerusalem. "Through my teaching I want to help people enter the world of the Scriptures, so that the old story takes on new life for them."
An innovator in the use of technology for teaching, Dr. Koester is the principal designer of The Bible Tutor,
an easy-to-use method of self-study. Each page summarizes a Biblical book, key figure, place, or event. The self-tests allow students to check their progress as they work through the instructional materials. He has also written a book for lay people, A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Bible.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Koester has published a commentary on Hebrews in the Anchor Bible series, books on the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation, and many scholarly articles. "I feel called to make sure that my research and writing are at the highest level of academic accountability," he says. "Teaching and scholarship go together." He has been accepted for membership in the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas, an international organization for New Testament scholars. He is also been active in the Society of Biblical Literature and Catholic Biblical Association, and has received an Associated Press Award for Biblical Exposition.
Raised on a farm near Northfield, Minnesota, he attended St. Olaf College,Northfield, and Luther Seminary. He served as pastor in Princeton, Minnesota, before moving to New York to earn his Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary. He did advanced research at the Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, N.J., in 1992-93.
Like many of Luther's faculty members, Dr. Koester counts music—especially the American folk tradition—among his avocations. He and his wife Nancy enjoy singing their favorites from the American folk and gospel tradition—with shape-note singing as a particular specialty.
Craig R. Koester Biography
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Through my teaching I want to help people enter the world of the Scriptures, so that the old story takes on new life for them.
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