Assistant Professor of Religious Studies

Ph.D. 2005 University of Notre Dame

Office: 271 Strong Hall
Telephone: 417-836-5491
Email: lbaynes@missouristate.edu

My primary area of research is Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature, and within that, particularly 1 Enoch and the Book of Revelation. Many things about these texts interest me. One of my ongoing projects has to do with how concepts of heavenly books and writing function in apocalyptic literature as claims to authority and permanence. I am also interested in the history of interpretation of these texts, not only in the ancient world but up to the present (for example, David Koresh's use of Daniel and Revelation). Apocalyptic literature can have a powerful impact on people's lives, so putting it into its ancient context and reading it in an academic environment is something I enjoy doing with my students.

I've published articles in The Blackwell Companion to the New Testament, Studia Philonica, Biblical Research and others, and I am chair of the Apocalyptic Literature Section, Midwest Region of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Outside academe I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, especially outdoors in the beautiful Ozarks riding horses, biking, sailing, or hiking with the dog.

Courses

REL 102  Introduction to the New Testament
REL 320  Jesus of Nazareth
REL 323  Apocalypses
REL 397  Dead Sea Scrolls
REL 397  C. S. Lewis
REL 631  Judeo-Christian Apocalypses