DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
departmental overview
The Department of Biblical Archaeology exists to provide a venue and apparatus for instruction, research, and field experience in archaeology within ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman contexts. Biblical archaeology seeks to illuminate our understanding of the biblical world by recovering and investigating its material culture and ancient texts.
At Shepherds, we understand that archaeological findings may be interpreted in multiple ways based on the presuppositions of archaeologists and the prevailing culture. Our desire is to prepare the next generation of archaeologists to demonstrate both world class archaeological skills and biblical fidelity. Archaeologist and Shepherds’ Research Professor of Biblical Archaeology Joel Kramer along with field archaeologist and Adjunct Professor of Biblical Archaeology Titus Kennedy work together to meet these objectives. Although great archaeological work and a high view of God’s Word are not mutually exclusive, at Shepherds, we seek to do both!
Professors Kramer and Kennedy provide opportunities for our students to participate in scheduled excavations throughout the modern countries representing this historical context. Participants in such excavations will be equipped to demonstrate the skills necessary for all phases of fieldwork, follow-up analysis, conservation, and the publication of such findings.
Biblical archaeological research
Shepherds Theological Seminary and Professor Kramer have joined forces with renowned archaeologist Dr. Konstantinos Politis to conduct a dig in the region of the Five Cities of the Plain (Gen 18-19). Of these five cities, four have been positively identified, including Sodom and Gomorrah—all four were covered in ash. Learn more about this project here.
Master of arts in biblical archaeology
The Master of Arts in Biblical Archaeology (MABA) provides graduate level instruction in Biblical Archaeology. Students learn the history, theory, and practice of archaeology, while engaging in a comprehensive study of the Bible and its theology. Students who choose the optional thesis track will be fully prepared to apply to PhD programs in archaeology.
Distinctives:
► Learn from Professors in the Field – The core faculty in the archaeology
program spend time in the field, engaging in archaeological work.
► Live Dig Experiences – Each student in the program will participate in a live archaeological dig.
► Comprehensive Instruction on Biblical Archaeology – Students in the program study the major archaeological findings from Genesis to Revelation.
► Bible and Theology Rich – This program supports the work of the archaeologist by grounding them in the teachings of Scripture.
DEPARTMENT FACULTY
Joel Kramer
Research Professor of Archaeology
Joel Kramer serves as Research Professor of Biblical Archaeology – our “archaeologist in the field”…
Mary Buck
Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Mary Buck serves as an Adjunct Faculty of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Shepherds…read more.
Titus Kennedy
Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Titus Kennedy is a field archaeologist working primarily with sites and materials related to the Bible…read more.
Clayton Schultz
Director of Archaeology
Dr. Clayton Schultz serves as the Director of The WEST Institute (Laramie, WY), where he is responsible for…read more.
Douglas Bookman
Peter Goeman
W. Andrew Smith
Faculty
W. Andrew Smith is Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, and serves as…read more.