Lipscomb's College of Bible & Ministry Podcast: Dr. Phillip Camp
November 26, 2024
Dr. Phillip Camp, Professor of Old Testament & Hebrew
In this episode of Lipscomb University's College of Bible and Ministry Podcast, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Philip Camp, an esteemed professor with a 24-year tenure at Lipscomb. Dr. Camp’s journey began in Sparta, Tennessee and led him through Cornell University, Princeton Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary, culminating in a lifelong dedication to teaching and ministry. At Lipscomb, he brings the Old Testament to life for students. He teaches courses like Story of Israel, Old Testament Interpretation, and Hebrew—a student favorite. In Hebrew, students learn to read the Old Testament in its original language, a transformative journey that Dr. Camp calls a privilege to witness. Even in the midst of academic study, he says, "The reason we come to Scripture ultimately is to encounter God and be transformed by God" and for him, this approach forms the foundation for Christian education.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Camp discusses the need for deeper biblical literacy. He shares his concern that many theology students and aspiring ministers may not have read the entire Bible. In response, he and his colleagues at the College of Bible and Ministry have launched a four-year initiative, requiring students to read the entire Bible to ground their theological understanding and ministerial work in Scripture. When it comes to understanding the full scope of God’s word, he says, “You can't understand the New Testament well if you don't know the Old Testament... things will start popping when you read the whole thing and start making these webs of connections.” Dr. Camp’s recent journal article in Restoration Quarterly, Theology Students and Bible Reading: A Survey of Department Heads in Programs Affiliated with Churches of Christ and Independent Christian Churches, further highlights his commitment to fostering biblical literacy. The initiative aims to shape biblically literate ministers and scholars to foster spiritual and academic relationships with Scripture for the local church. Dr. Camp's own experience teaching in academia alongside preaching at Natchez Trace Church of Christ, a Nashville congregation, models such integration well.
Stay tuned for more episodes every other Thursday. In the meantime, delve deeper into Dr. Philip Camp’s insights through his book, Living as the Community of God: Moses Speaks to the Church in Deuteronomy, which explores the enduring relevance of Deuteronomy’s teachings for today’s faith communities. Through his courses and resources, Dr. Camp encourages students and readers alike to approach Scripture as a lifelong journey of faith and learning.
The reason we come to Scripture ultimately is to encounter God and be transformed by God — Dr. Phillip Camp
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