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Headshot of Matthew Coomber
Professor

Matthew Coomber, PhD

Prof. Coomber's teaching focuses on the intersections that develop between Bible and culture, shaping societal aspects ranging from politics to artistic expression. His primary research and publication focus is on Bible and economics, through which he explores how biblical texts challenging systemic poverty and imperialism might provide tools for confronting these challenges in our time.

Prof. Coomber has studied and taught in England, Canada, Japan, and India. He enjoys sharing his love of travel with students through an overseas course entitled "Genocide, Resistance, and God in Nazi Europe," which explores the theological questions raised by anti-fascist resistance groups and their selfless acts of service to their persecuted neighbors during the Second World War.

He is an Episcopal priest, has a graduate-level background in Buddhist Studies and Sanskrit, and bridges his academic life and human-rights concerns by serving as a co-director at The Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice.

Prof. Coomber's personal interests include playing old-time mandolin and banjo, woodworking, brewing beer, spending time with his family, and supporting his favorite soccer team: Sheffield Wednesday F.C.

Contact Us

Contact Matthew Coomber for information on Theology

Christ the King Chapel 109

563-333-6041

CoomberMatthewJM@sau.edu

Education and Training

  • PhD, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England, Biblical Studies
  • MDiv, Trinity College, University of Toronto
  • Graduate Study, Naropa University, Boulder, CO, Buddhist Studies and Sanskrit
  • BA, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, Religion and Philosophy

Areas of Professional Interest

  • Hebrew prophecy in socio-historical context
  • Biblical economics
  • Use of Bible in social-justice movements
  • Reception history
  • Contextual Bible study
  • Post-colonial interpretation

Recent Publications

  • Amos and Micah Through the Centuries. Blackwell Bible Commentaries. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell, forthcoming.
  • Re-Reading the Prophets through Corporate Globalization: A Cultural-Evolutionary Approach to Understanding Economic Injustice in the Hebrew Bible. The Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2022.
  • Class and Intersectionality in the Hebrew Bible: Engaged Biblical Studies in the Academy and on the Streets. Edited by Matthew J. M. Coomber and Ludwig Beethoven J. Noya. The Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books (under contract).
  • Economics and Empire in the Ancient Near East: Guide to the Bible and Economics, Volume 1. The Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2003.
  • Economics and Empire in the Greco-Roman World. Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series on Bible and Economics: Edited by Matthew J.M. Coomber. Eugene: Cascade Books, forthcoming (under contract).
  • God, Mammon, and the Hope of the Poor: The First Testament. Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series on Bible and Economics: Edited by Matthew J.M. Coomber. Eugene: Cascade Books, forthcoming (under contract).
  • God, Mammon, and the Hope of the Poor: The Second Testament. Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series on Bible and Economics: Edited by Matthew J.M. Coomber. Eugene: Cascade Books, forthcoming (under contract).
  • Bible in the age of Capital: Challenges We Face. Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series on Bible and Economics: Edited by Matthew J.M. Coomber. Eugene: Cascade Books, forthcoming (under contract).
  • Bible in the age of Capital: What is Being Done. Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Series on Bible and Economics: Edited by Matthew J.M. Coomber. Eugene: Cascade Books, forthcoming (under contract).
  • The Apocrypha: Fortress Commentary on the Bible Study Edition. Edited by Gale A. Yee, Hugh R. Page, Jr., and Matthew J.M. Coomber. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016.
  • The Historical Writings: Fortress Commentary on the Bible Study Edition. Edited by Gale A. Yee, Hugh R. Page, Jr., and Matthew J.M. Coomber. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016.
  • The Pentateuch: Fortress Commentary on the Bible Study Edition. Edited by Gale A. Yee, Hugh R. Page, Jr., and Matthew J.M. Coomber. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016.
  • The Prophets: Fortress Commentary on the Bible Study Edition. Edited by Gale A. Yee, Hugh R. Page, Jr., and Matthew J.M. Coomber. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016.
  • Wisdom, Worship, and Poetry: Fortress Commentary on the Bible Study Edition. Edited by Gale A. Yee, Hugh R. Page, Jr., and Matthew J.M. Coomber. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016.
  • THEO 100 Just Theology (Theology and Social Justice)
  • THEO 130 Introduction to the Bible
  • THEO 336 Bible & the Arts
  • THEO 338 Bible in Modern Political Thought
  • THEO 339 Hebrew Prophecy: Mysticism in Action
  • THEO 360 Special Topics: Genocide, Resistance, and God in Nazi Europe (Study Abroad)
  • THEO 501 Old Testament: Torah and Prophets
  • THEO 502 Old Testament: The Writings
  • Honors 101 World of Ideas: War & Peace

Affiliations

  • Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice, Director
  • Society of Biblical Literature, Co-Chair of Poverty in the Biblical World Section
  • Sheffield Institute for Interdisciplinary Biblical Studies, External Member
  • Society for Old Testament Study
  • Catholic Biblical Association of America 

Leadership

  • St. Ambrose Conference on Bible and Justice Series, Co-Organizer and Director
  • Society of Biblical Literature, Co-Chair of the Poverty in the Biblical World Section
  • International Society of Biblical Literature, Steering committee member of the Bible and Empire Section
  • Middle East Institute, Advisory Board
  • Dean Search Committee (2015-16), College of Arts and Sciences
  • SAU Center for International Education, Regional Expert: United Kingdom and Japan
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