Associate Professor of Religious Studies

Ph.D. 1993, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia (Hebrew Bible Studies)

Email: johnstrong@missouristate.edu

I first dreamed of teaching at a university while I myself was in college.  I grew up attending church, all my friends and social circles were connected with church, and the Bible was important to me.  I was curious about it, but both the New Testament and the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament were a mystery to me.  So, I took Dr. Hayden for introduction to Old Testament.  I have to admit that Dr. Hayden was not remarkable because he was an animated, extroverted, charismatic professor.  Nor do I actually remember any specifics from his class, other than he made us read this huge book that was so complex that no one understood it.  But it was clear that he was fascinated with the Hebrew Bible, that he was also curious about its mysteries, and he inspired me want to learn more these ancient texts and ancient Israelites who wrote them.

But that was just part of what formed my dream.  I loved the college atmosphere.  I liked the residence halls, the camaraderie with my friends, intramural sports, and the fact that there were a lot of girls to date.  To this day, I love it when the weather turns chilly, when I hear the band practice for football games, and I see students start to fill up the sidewalks.  Fall brings back to life all of the things that make college campuses special places.  In the end, they are great places to experience and share the great mysteries and thoughts of human life.

Courses