Joan E. Taylor | Lightnews

Joan Taylor

@joantaylor.bsky.social

450 followers 130 following 43 posts

Historian; works in archaeology, film, art, material culture; writes on 2T Judaism, early Christianity & beyond; novelist; poem-maker; illustrator; wife; mum; immigrant; Anglo-Danish Kiwi. Relaxes by walking, chatting, gardening, pottering, seeing films. .. more

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Joan E. Taylor is a New Zealand writer and historian of Jesus, the Bible, early Christianity, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Second Temple Judaism, with special expertise in archaeology, and women's and gender studies. Taylor is Professor Emerita of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism at King's College, London and Honorary Professor at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, Australia. She identifies as a Quaker. .. more

History 52%

Philosophy 18%

Posts Replies Media Videos

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Dec 26

I love how these nativity scenes actually give a glimpse of pre modern midwives. One of their roles was to bath the baby while mother rested.

Phil Dorroll @phildorroll.bsky.social · Dec 25

Christ is Born! Merry Christmas!

Icon of the Nativity, Ukrainian, mid. 16th century (National Museum in Krakow); via:

www.icon.org.ua

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

James F. McGrath (ReligionProf) @religionprof.bsky.social · Dec 26

What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity

The modern Christmas themes of peace and joy were in short supply amid the ‘dislocation and danger’ of ancient Judea – as they are in today’s fractured world too.

theconversation.com

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

Phil Dorroll @phildorroll.bsky.social · Dec 25

Christ is Born! Merry Christmas!

Icon of the Nativity, Ukrainian, mid. 16th century (National Museum in Krakow); via:

www.icon.org.ua

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor, Andrew Jacobs

Robyn Faith Walsh @zafulotus.bsky.social · Dec 23

I was delighted to visit Bible & Archaeology (bam.sites.uiowa.edu) recently to talk about early nativity scenes! 🤓
youtu.be/nKBm6FYKoEc?...

We cover the catacombs, frescoes, Life of Brian. And it's the closest I've ever come to invoking "Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals"...

This Is The Oldest Nativity Scene We Have

YouTube video by Bible & Archaeology

youtu.be

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Dec 22

Something I wrote on the real nativity. Hard times for baby Jesus and his family.
theconversation.com/what-world-w...

What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity

The modern Christmas themes of peace and joy were in short supply amid the ‘dislocation and danger’ of ancient Judea – as they are in today’s fractured world too.

theconversation.com

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Dec 19

So great that you are making this big move Sabrina. Such a wonderful bunch at ACU!

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

IRCI_ACU @irci.bsky.social · Dec 11

JOB OPENING: Associate Dean (Research), Theology and Philosophy

Seeking an academic for high-level academic leadership across the faculty, operating within a University-wide research strategy focused on high quality, high impact and innovative research.

candidate.aurion.cloud/acu/producti...

Associate Dean (Research), Theology and Philosophy - Vacancy Details

candidate.aurion.cloud

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor, Rebecca Langlands

The Institute of Classical Studies @ics.bsky.social · Dec 8

Join the ICS: The Institute of Classical Studies is now recruiting for an open-ended lectureship in Classical Studies in support of its national mission.

Full details here: www.jobs.london.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
Deadline 15 January

Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships):London Senate House

The University of London

www.jobs.london.ac.uk

Reposted by Nandita Sharma, Joe R. Feagin, Scott L. Greer , and 4 more Nandita Sharma, Joe R. Feagin, Scott L. Greer, Rosemary A. Joyce, Joan E. Taylor, Roopika Risam, James Goodwin

Jack Jenkins @jackjenkins.me · Dec 7

UPDATE: Another Chicago-area church has put up an immigration-themed Nativity scene.

A church member at Urban Village Church sent this one along, where Mary, Joseph and Jesus are gone and replaced with a sign that reads: “Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding.”

A Nativity where Mary, Joseph and Jesus are gone and replaced with a sign that reads: “Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding.”

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Dec 6

Tell it like it is Tom Wright! Brave man. He's hitting the nail on the head. Also a challenge to academics who assume he's going to sing from a particular songsheet.

James F. McGrath (ReligionProf) @religionprof.bsky.social · Dec 6

I wonder whether N. T. Wright's work being featured in the Christian Post will help its right wing fundamentalist readers catch a glimpse of better biblical interpretation and a more authentic historic vision for Christianity than their cheap knock-off.

www.christianpost.com/books/nt-wri...

NT Wright: Western Christians have misread Heaven, the End Times, spiritual warfare

Many Christians in the West have a fundamental misunderstanding of the very goal of their faith, according to New Testament scholar N T Wright

www.christianpost.com

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

James F. McGrath (ReligionProf) @religionprof.bsky.social · Dec 6

NT Wright: Western Christians have misread Heaven, the End Times, spiritual warfare

Many Christians in the West have a fundamental misunderstanding of the very goal of their faith, according to New Testament scholar N T Wright

www.christianpost.com

Reposted by Andrew Jacobs, James F. McGrath

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Dec 6

Christmas listening! Was great talking to Shirley.
earlychristiantexts.com/jesus-childh...

Jesus’s Childhood in Historical Context | Bible & Beyond Discussions

Discover how Roman violence, Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem, and his migration to Nazareth shaped Jesus’s childhood, with scholar Joan E. Taylor.

earlychristiantexts.com

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Dec 6

Congratulations!!!!

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

James F. McGrath (ReligionProf) @religionprof.bsky.social · Dec 6

Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships) at University of London

www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPT082/l...

Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships) at University of London

An opportunity for an academic position as a Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships) is available, as advertised on jobs.ac.uk. Apply now and explore other academic job…

www.jobs.ac.uk

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

James F. McGrath (ReligionProf) @religionprof.bsky.social · Dec 6

One year position in Oxford!

www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPT068/d...

Departmental Lecturer in Early Judaism and Christianity at University of Oxford

Discover an exciting academic career path as a Departmental Lecturer in Early Judaism and Christianity at jobs.ac.uk. Don't miss out on this job opportunity - apply today!

www.jobs.ac.uk

Reposted by Andrew Jacobs

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Dec 3

Here's my article about Bethlehem being not such a little village in Jesus' day. An important aqueduct went through it.

Biblical Archaeology Review @biblicalarchaeology.org · Nov 18

The new Winter Issue is available now!

Features:
Not So Little Town of Bethlehem

Biblical Border Town: Is Khirbet al-Ra‘i Where David First Ruled?

In the Shadow of Armageddon

Putting the Bible Back in Biblical Archaeology

and much more.
www.biblicalarchaeology.org/magazine-iss...

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

James F. McGrath (ReligionProf) @religionprof.bsky.social · Nov 28

Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent climate action and says God’s creation is 'crying out'

apnews.com/article/pope...

Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent climate action and says God’s creation is 'crying out'

Pope Leo XIV is urging countries at United Nations climate talks to take “concrete actions” to stop climate change that is threatening the planet.

apnews.com

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor, Andrew Jacobs

Biblical Archaeology Review @biblicalarchaeology.org · Nov 18

Reposted by Diane Coyle, Jonathan Portes, Ben H. Ansell , and 33 more Diane Coyle, Jonathan Portes, Ben H. Ansell, Dorothy Bishop, Stephen P. Jenkins, Ruth Mace, Steve Peers, Melissa Terras, Dave O’Brien, Tom Shakespeare, Stuart Elden, Martin Paul Eve, Ernesto Priego, Joan E. Taylor, Charles West, Lyn Robinson, Lesley A. Hall, Roger Luckhurst, Rebecca Sear, Lucy Munro, Kris Inwood, Elaine Treharne, Felicity Callard, Caroline T. Schroeder, Margot C. Finn, Lyndsey Stonebridge, Tim Hitchcock, Michael H. Whitworth, Jonathan Tummons, Larry W. Hunter, Toni Haastrup, Kathleen Kennedy, Carmen M. Mangion, Adrian Streete, Jennifer Thomson, Lorna Hughes

Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · Nov 18

I’ve written a piece on the curious lack of media and political interest in the issues faced by our national @britishlibrary.bsky.social. This is strange given we live in a world where ideas, knowledge and research are a long-term source of innovation and insight
www.cityam.com/the-british-...

The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?

The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity

www.cityam.com

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Nov 13

So pleased. Thank you @arturoviaggia.bsky.social !

Arthur Urbano @arturoviaggia.bsky.social · Nov 11

Today students in my Intro to Bible course are doing a "What does Jesus look like?" assignment. They have a reading assignment from @joantaylor.bsky.social's wonderful book on Jesus. Then they have to find two artistic representations of Jesus, at least one non-western, and write up a short analysis

11/11 Assignment: What Does Jesus Look Like? (instructions)
***THIS ASSIGNMENT CANNOT BE SKIPPED***DUE NOV. 11 BY 5:00PM***

What did Jesus look like? The answer may seem obvious to some -- just look at a painting or statue. But look closer. Don't they all look different? Furthermore the gospels don't describe Jesus' physical appearance. For this assignment you will read a bit about the traditions of depicting Jesus' appearance, as well as how the New Testament gospels present the multi-faceted person of Jesus Christ -- the various "narrative christologies" discussed in class.

For this assignment:

1.) Start by completing the two reading assignments listed in the syllabus: the chapter by Joan Taylor and the essay in the Anselm Bible.

2.) Next find two representations of Jesus. These can be ancient, medieval or modern; paintings, statues, or some other medium. At least one of your images must be from a non-western culture (i.e. not American [Native American is fine] or European). You may not use images that we have already use in class, nor images you plan to use in your essay.

3.) Upload each of your images to the Discussion page and include the following with each image:

some background on the image (artist [if known], date, location, purpose) [2-3 sentences];
an analytical comparison of the different theological and/or historical qualities each image emphasizes [3-5 sentences] -- here it is important that you make connections to the specific theological themes from the course and reading. You should refer to the Taylor and Anselm Bible essay (including page numbers) as relevant and the narrative christologies as guides.
source of your image (website with URL, bibliographic information of book, etc.).

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

Arthur Urbano @arturoviaggia.bsky.social · Nov 11

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

James F. McGrath (ReligionProf) @religionprof.bsky.social · Nov 10

An academic job in Exegesis of Biblical and Extra-Biblical Texts at University of Louvain

An academic in Exegesis of Biblical and Extra-Biblical Texts

jobs.uclouvain.be

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor, Caroline T. Schroeder, Andrew Jacobs , and 1 more Joan E. Taylor, Caroline T. Schroeder, Andrew Jacobs, Annette Yoshiko Reed

International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety.bsky.social · Nov 7

We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars Grant for research on the Ancient Mediterranean! Awards range from $2,000-$30,000.

Deadline is Feburary 1, 2026.

More information: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-schol...

2026-2027 SHOHET SCHOLARS GRANT FOR RESEARCH ON THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN
The Shohet Scholars Grant of the International Catacomb Society is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars cohort. Awards up to $30,000.
Submission deadline is February 1, 2026.

This annual grant program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean. Projects need not focus on the catacombs. Shohet Scholars may do their research in archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, or related subjects.
We welcome interdisciplinary projects that approach traditional topics from new perspectives.
For further information and to apply go to the ICS website: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-scholars/.
Email questions to ShohetICS@gmail.com

Image of fresco of a bird and a shepherd with a sheep over his shoulders. Paintings from the Catacombs of Domatilla in Rome.

Joan Taylor @joantaylor.bsky.social · Oct 31

My book Boy Jesus is now out in Italy, so do tell your Italian friends! Published by Sonda. Gesu Bambino.

sonda.it/prodotto/la-...

La vera storia di Gesù Bambino - Edizioni Sonda

Crescere in Giudea in tempi turbolenti

sonda.it

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor

Mark Goodacre @goodacre.bsky.social · Oct 31

On Sunday, I debated with Bart Ehrman, "Did John Know the Other Gospels?" It ended up being a bit more spicy than the "fireside chat" we had anticipated. The first half of the debate is now on Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=REXn...

Did John Copy the Other Gospels? | Bart Ehrman vs. Mark Goodacre, Face to Face on the Bible

YouTube video by Bart D. Ehrman

www.youtube.com

Reposted by Joan E. Taylor, Caroline T. Schroeder, Andrew Jacobs

NASSCAL @nasscal.bsky.social · Oct 17

Announcing the launch of the open-access Journal of Christian Apocryphal Literature (JCAL). Sign up if you are interested in being a contributor or reviewer! journals.aperio.press/jcal/submiss...