17 Sep Introducing Dr. Jonathan Bernier, Director of the Lonergan Research Institute

Regis College is excited to introduce Dr. Jonathan Bernier as Director of the Lonergan Research Institute, an institute affiliated with Regis College. Jonathan holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from McMaster University, with a focus upon Early Christianity. His dissertation, published in 2013, looks at the intersection of historical Jesus, Gospel of John, and synagogue studies. His second book, published in 2016, engages in the thought of Bernard Lonergan and Ben F. Meyer in order to help implement a critical-realist philosophy of history within historical Jesus studies. His current research focuses upon the dates at which the New Testament texts were written, a project which he began as a doctoral student. When that work is completed, he aims to turn more fully to the project of developing a Lonerganian biblical scholarship. He most recently taught in the Department of Religious Studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

This coming year he is teaching two courses. In the first term, he is teaching “The Historical Study of Acts” (RGB 3611/6611). The class will work through the English text of the Acts of the Apostles, with a focus on a variety of historical questions related to its study. In the second term, he is teaching “Methods for the Study of Early Christian Institutions” (RGB 5511). The course will consider the nature of the ancient synagogue and how it served as the institutional basis for the subsequent Christian assemblies and schools. Questions about exactly how one goes about studying ancient religious institutions will be central to the course.

To view Dr. Bernier’s Faculty profile, click here.