ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 27, 2026
Like every profession, clergy run in their own circles of influence, interest, and information. There are days when my social media feed blows up, yet I must realize that 98% of the world probably does not know what is exciting in the clergy sphere. Sometimes it is wonderful news, and other times, it is something deeply troubling. Recently, it was the latter, and I felt I’d share it because there is a connection to Cypress Creek Christian Church. Over the last seven or eight years, we have done a lot of Dr. Amy-Jill Levine studies. She was the New Testament professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, though Dr. Levine (she always told us to call her AJ) is Jewish. She is not a Messianic Jew, but a practicing Jew who fell in love with the ancient texts, including the New Testament. She has brought such amazing insights to the Gospels, which are documents deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.
Now with the backstory in mind, Dr. Levine was recently elected as the first Jewish President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America. That may seem a bit odd at first glance, but even Catholic scholars acknowledge her expertise. But beyond just an initial surprise, there have been some ugly and hateful comments that have come from Christians all over the country, including those who suggest her election to be a sin or even demonic. It has left many caught off guard, though both scholars and laypeople alike have been coming to her defense. On two occasions, when Cypress Creek Christian Church was doing one of Dr. Levine’s studies, we also had a Zoom call with her. We had thoroughly enjoyed the study, but then we had the opportunity to engage with her directly over Zoom. She was delightful and extraordinarily funny, while also being quite humble. She took the time to answer our questions, and we ended our 90-minute conversation beyond blessed.
I want to celebrate our Catholic siblings for making this choice. Religion, at almost every level, exists in silos. At best, we wave at one another from a distance and pretend to be respectful. Dr. Levine has spent her career breaking down stereotypes, showing grace to those who were trying to free themselves from an old and more narrow view of scripture, while also bringing exceptional and accessible Biblical scholarship to the conversation. Those who follow Jesus, and even those who claim to be good human beings, must speak out strongly against hatefulness that continues to prop up bigotry and ignorance. I sort of picture Jesus giggling with glee at the idea of a Jewish scholar becoming the President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America.
Whenever we have the chance to interact with someone or something new, we earnestly hope to possess the ability to receive it with both curiosity and a genuine desire for personal growth. Holy God of the Universe, we give thanks for those who step outside of expectation for the purpose of creating greater insight for all. May we always see in the great diversity of people a reflection of you. Amen.
