Ever wondered how different cultures and thinkers conceive of the divine? Dive into a rich tapestry of language and thought as we unravel the myriad ways in which metaphors shape our understanding of the sacred. This unique exploration takes you beyond the cloud-covered old man in the sky to discover unorthodox and startling images of God across various religions, philosophies, and literature. We're talking snake-handling preachers, quantum mechanics, trickster deities, and more – an eclectic mix that challenges the traditional and invites the extraordinary.
We're not just here to rattle your theological cage; this journey offers real-world skills in critical thinking, intercultural communication, and creative expression. Whether you're a writer looking to deepen your narrative craft with profound symbols, a speaker aiming to engage diverse audiences, or simply a curious soul seeking to expand your intellectual and spiritual horizons, this course opens doors to new dimensions of comprehension and connection. By peering through the prism of the unparalleled and the bizarre, you'll walk away with fresh insights, not just about divinity, but about humanity and the endlessly inventive nature of belief.
Meet Heather Macumber
Heather Macumber is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Providence University College in Otterburne, Manitoba (Canada). She received an MDiv from Tyndale University (Toronto, Canada) and graduated with a PhD in Old Testament from St. Michael’s College (Toronto, Canada).
Her work focuses on the intersection of the divine and earthly realms found predominantly in Jewish prophetic and apocalyptic texts. Recent publications employ monster theory as a critical lens to examine the monstrous in Daniel, Revelation, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. In 2021, her book Recovering the Monstrous in Revelation was published with Lexington Books/Fortress Academic as part of the Horror and Scripture Series. She has also published articles in academic journals including the Journal of Hebrew Scriptures, Biblical Interpretation, and the Journal for Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies.
Heather Macumber has appeared as a guest on the popular podcast the Bible for Normal People (episode 149) highlighting her work on monsters in Revelation. Additionally, she is also a contributor to the Visual Commentary on Scripture organized by King’s College, London (England). This is an open access site that features online exhibitions of artwork and biblical commentary by experts. Her exhibition “Leah’s Struggles (Genesis 29:21-35)” is available here.
She lives in southern Manitoba (Canada) with her family. You can follow her on Twitter: @heathermacphd.