Event Details
Be-Wilded by Wonder: Just Creation in the Book of Job
January 13, 2026, 6–8:30 p.m.
With William P. Brown
Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary
1490 Fulham Street St. Paul and livestreamed
Both options are free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Far too often, readers of the Bible find the beginning of the book of Job more fascinating than its ending. But Job’s encounter with the God of the Whirlwind marks the climax of the book, a surprising ending that reframes everything before it—including Job’s character, God’s character, and all creation. What would it be like to read the story of Job by reading the ending first? How does one understand the book of Job as a whole, with creation taking center stage? And what about all those wild animals God presents for Job’s consideration? In this presentation, William P. Brown attempts to recover the value of God’s creation in Job and for us all in the face of climate crises.
In-Person Event
6:00 p.m. start
Olson Campus Center, 1490 Fulham Street, St. Paul, MN 55108
Complimentary meal provided. Gluten-free and vegan options available
[Register for the In-Person Event]
Virtual Event
6:15 p.m. start
Live, interactive webinar
[Register for the Virtual Event]
Alumni Reception on January 13
If you’re attending the 2026 Rutlen Lecture in person or just happen to be on campus, please join us at 5:30 p.m. in the Olson Campus Center café (2nd floor) for light refreshments and fellowship before doors open for the lecture dinner and salon. Registration is required to attend the lecture but is not required to attend the alumni reception.
About the Speaker
William P. Brown is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary. His work explores justice, creation care, and hope from biblical and theological perspectives. He is author of several books, including “Sacred Tension: Embracing Dialogue and Dissonance in the Old Testament” and “Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue amid Disruption.”
About the Rutlen Lecture Series
The Robert William Ruotsalainen Rutlen and Elizabeth Jane Runn Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation is a biannual lecture series designed to examine the intersection between faith and eco-justice. David Rutlen, a member of Luther Seminary’s board of directors, established the series to honor his family’s passion for environmental justice and God’s creation. Previous Rutlen lecturers include Rick Lindroth, Ellen Davis, and Randy Woodley. View past events in this series and other public lectures from Luther Seminary on YouTube.