Fall 2010

Three Things Talks

"Know Your Bible"
Saturday, October 2, 2010

Time
10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Location
Queens, St. Thomas More Church

Lecture Details
10 a.m.: Old Testament: Structure, Content and Character
The Old Testament captures God’s revelation to the people Israel and provides the foundation for the message of the New Testament.  Both are the word of God and one is not complete without the other.  In this presentation, we will consider:  (1) the foundational principles with which one must approach the Bible; (2) the books which make up this inspired library of the OT distinguishing among different Bibles in terms of structure and content; and (3) the types of literature with which the revelation takes place.  All this will lead us to a proper understanding of our Catholic OT.

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Presenter:  Fr. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M.
Fr. Patrick J. Griffin, CM, Executive Vice President for the Office of University  Mission at St. John’s University, has a PhD in Biblical Studies (1984) from The Catholic University of America and has taught Scripture at several universities and seminaries.  Most recently, he has been a Professor at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, Long Island.

11 a.m.: New Testament:  Structure, Content and Character
What’s so “new” about the New Testament? What led members of the Jesus movement to begin to write about Jesus in the first place? Why does the New Testament present us with four gospels, and what about the so-called “gospels” that did not make it into the canon of the New Testament?  This presentation of the structure, content and character of the New Testament will explore these questions and more, with a focus on addressing the ongoing significance of these foundational documents for the faith and the life of the Church.

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Rev. Jean-Pierre Ruiz, S.T.D.Presenter: Rev. Jean-Pierre Ruiz
Rev. Jean-Pierre Ruiz, Associate Professor in the Department of Theology & Religious Studies at St. John’s, holds the doctorate in biblical studies from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He is the author of the introduction and commentary on the Apocalypse of John in the Oxford University Press New Oxford Annotated Bible. His forthcoming book, Reading around the Edges: Biblical Texts, Latino Itineraries takes a special interest in what the Bible has to say about people on the move, immigrants and refugees.  A frequent television and radio commentator, he appeared in the award-winning Bill Moyers series, Genesis: A Living Conversation and also in Secrets of Mary Magdalene.  

Noon: Question and Answer Period on the Bible
In this last session of the day, the floor will be opened to treat any questions which people might have regarding the Bible.  Both Fr. Ruiz and Fr. Griffin will attempt to give context and clarity to whatever is asked.  The hope is that this session will help give direction so that people can pray and read the Bible with greater understanding and deeper faith.