Dr. Leslie A. Baynes

Education

PhD, 2005, University of Notre Dame

Teaching

• REL 102  Introduction to the New Testament
• REL 320  Jesus of Nazareth
• REL 323  Apocalypses
• REL 397  Dead Sea Scrolls
• REL 341  C. S. Lewis
• REL 631  Judeo-Christian Apocalypses
• REL 730 Basic Issues in Biblical Interpretation

Research and professional interests

My primary area of research is Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature, and within that, particularly 1 Enoch and the Book of Revelation. My book, The Heavenly Book Motif in Judeo-Christian Apocalypses 200 BCE-200 CE (Brill, 2011), has to do with how concepts of heavenly books and writing function in apocalyptic literature as claims to authority and permanence.

I have published many academic articles and essays, as well as pieces in venues such as The Wall Street Journal .

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.

Awards and honors