Roger Nam
Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
503-554-6171
rnam@georgefox.edu
I am fascinated by the historical and social contexts that surround the Bible’s textualization. Consequently, I have centered my research on fields that help me to approach a more native understanding of the biblical world: Northwest Semitics, Archaeology, Historical Geography, Assyriology, Second Temple Judaism. Presently, I am working on my first book, Portrayals of Exchange in the Book of Kings, which examines the social structures that undergird the economy of ancient Israel.
In my classes, you can expect an emphasis on historical contexts of the Bible with the understanding that such informed positions can sharpen our exegesis and ultimately lead us to a richer theology. Pedagogically, I like to structure my courses with a wide variety of methods: lectures with multimedia, collaborative exercises and small-groups. I also believe that quality theological education necessitates a greater learning community. Along with my colleagues, I am committed to support such community, centered on developing your ministerial potential.
Academic Background
BA, Economics, UCLA (1992); MDiv, General Assembly Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Seoul, Korea (1997); ThM, Fuller Theological Seminary (2003); PhD, Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations, UCLA (2008)
Expertise and Research Interests
Ancient Near Eastern Economies, Comparative Semitics, The Deuteronomistic History, Levantine Archaeology, Qumran, Social Scientific approaches to the Bible
Research Bibliography and Select Presentations
Publications and Presentations
Course Information
BIST 506 Old Testament I: Torah and Former Prophets
BIST 507 Old Testament II: Latter Prophets and Writings
BIST 509 New Testament II: Romans- Revelation
BIST 505/515 Old Testament Book Study (Hosea/Amos)
BIST 535 Hebrew Readings
BIST 542 Biblical Theology
BIST 550 The Old Testament and Ancient Near East
SFAD 585 Spirituality and the Mind
Outside the Classroom
As a recent California transplant, I enjoy exploring the restaurants, attractions and sites of Portland and the greater Pacific Northwest with my wife, Sam, and our two boys, Jared and Asher. I'm still looking for some great hummus in Portland! I love playing sports, but these days, I'm doing more watching and coaching. Since moving to Oregon, I've indulged myself with a personal "mancave" in our home: comfy leather chair, ledge to hold a cup of really dark coffee, Plasma HDTV, cable and Wii. I love to spend quality time there!