Speaker

Students listening to a speaker (me) giving a presentation. There is a powerpoint presentation at the front of the room.

I appreciate the opportunity to engage a variety of audiences, and I am happy to give talks and lead workshops at other academic institutions, in congregational settings, or for community groups. My talks generally fall into two categories, which can overlap: interpreting the Book of Revelation and LGBTQIA+ biblical interpretation.

I am happy to work with people on other possible topics, especially focused on gender and sexuality in the biblical world. I have and can teach on Paul’s letters and non-canonical early Christian writings. I am also happy to work with institutions and groups on a tight budget or who have no-budget. Please don’t be afraid to ask!

Talks on Revelation

Reading Revelation through Text and Image

Are you interested in learning more about the Bible’s most puzzling book, Revelation? In this lecture (or series of lectures), I introduce the Book of Revelation in its historical context through the rich history of its artistic interpretation. This talk is ideal for church congregations and community groups. It can be extended into a series of classes or Bible study sessions.

Sex and Gender in Revelation: Victors, Virgins, and a Gender Queer Lamb

Ancient mosaic of a male body builder.

Revelation is known for its highly gendered and often misogynistic imagery, especially the images of the virginal bride and the prostitute shamed for her work. In this lecture I take a different angle on sex and gender in Revelation introducing audiences to how Revelation as a whole uses gender to shape audience members’s self-understanding and view of God and Christ. I explain how Revelation plays with ancient notions of masculinity by introducing a queer image of Christ as role model for faithfulness. This talk can be tailored to congregational or academic audiences.

Talks on LGBTQIA+ Biblical Interpretation

Reading the Bible from Outside: Introducing Queer Biblical Interpretation

A clear introduction to the ways LGBTQIA+ biblical interpreters have challenged the so-called “clobber texts” and engaged biblical traditions in meaningful ways beyond this handful of verses. This talk can be aimed at congregations, community groups, undergraduate or graduate classes. It can be extended into a series of classes or Bible study sessions.

“Let…the filthy still be filthy:” Revelation’s New Jerusalem in Queer Imagination

The image of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation is one of exclusion, as the “filthy” are left outside the city’s walls. Unsurprisingly, the imagery continues to be used to judge and condemn gender and sexual minorities and others who don’t “fit” the expectations of the dominant culture. In contrast, I introduce some of the ways Revelation actually invites queer interpretation and I introduce how the image of the New Jerusalem has been read by queer interpreters, including James Baldwin, Keith Haring, and David LaChapelle. This lecture can be tailored to a variety of audiences.

Institutions where I’ve spoken include Augsburg University, Boston University, Brite Divinity School, Denison College, Duke University, Fordham University, Illiff School of Theology, Maryville College, McAfee School of Theology, Pilgrim Theological College, Portland Seminary, St. Andrews University, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, University of Richmond, University of Sheffield, Wake Forest University.

Queering Revelation on YouTube

Are you interested in having me speak at your school, congregation, or public group? Contact me at lhuber@elon.edu.