Professor

Matthew Coomber, PhD

As a scholar of the Bible, specializing in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Prof. Coomber examines how economic, political, and cultural forces have shaped the development of biblical texts, their interpretations, and use in social activism.

His academic journey and teaching career span multiple continents, including extended stays in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, and Canada. This international experience enriches his teaching and research, and he enjoys sharing his passion for cultural exploration through study-abroad programs like his course "Genocide, Resistance, and God in Nazi Europe," where students investigate biblical and theological questions pertaining to resistance.

Serving as an Episcopal priest and with a graduate-level background in Buddhist Studies and Sanskrit, Prof. Coomber connects his academic expertise, faith life, and social-justice work through teaching English to refugee families and serving the Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice in various capacities.

Beyond academia, Prof. Coomber enjoys playing old time mandolin and banjo, crafting woodwork projects, brewing beer, running, and spending time outdoors with his family. He also enjoys supporting two professional soccer clubs: Sheffield Wednesday F.C. and F.C. St. Pauli.

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.

Courses Taught

Just Theology (Theology and Social Justice)

Designed as a student's first theology course, "Just Theology" introduces Christian scripture and theological disciplines through the lens of justice. It will focus on the relationship between God and just action in the world as emphasized in the mission of St. Ambrose University. Highlights contributions to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition from racial and ethnic minorities, women and global voices.

Introduction to the Bible

This course will explore the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and the New Testament with emphasis on the historical context and intent of the writers and how those writings have impacted the world across the centuries.

The Gospels: Diverse Interpretations of Jesus

Covers the basic content and theological agendas presented by the four evangelists on the canvas that was the historical Jesus. Course utilizes close exegesis, various hermeneutical approaches, and historical-critical principles to understand, as best as possible, the original theological intent. Class also engages in robust discussion of the relevance of such ancient texts to the modern world.

Apocalypse: Now and Then

Whether from the Mayan Calendar, the movie theater, or political rhetoric, we are bombarded by apocalyptic language and imagery. This course will examine the historical and sociological roots of apocalypticism, with particular attention paid to the book of Revelation. Does this book predict the future? How do we evaluate the legacy of apocalypticism in our world today?

Bible & the Arts

The Bible has captured the imagination of artists and their audiences for thousands of years. Explore how artistic engagements with biblical stories and themes have not only influenced the creation of art, but have shaped the ways in which cultures and societies understand the Bible and Christian theology around the world.

Bible in Modern Political Thought

While ancient, the Bible continues to be ever-present in modern political thought. Develop critical skills in assessing and critiquing theological and political ideas by examining how biblical texts and political movements have crossed paths to shape both policy and theology from the nineteenth century to the present.

Hebrew Prophecy: Mysticism in Action

Through uncovering Hebrew Prophecy's mystical and political roots in ancient southwest Asia, we will explore the hopes, fears, and concerns that connect people from the Iron Age to the Information Age. Students will explore issues ranging from righteousness and power to gender equality and systemic poverty as we discover Hebrew Prophecy's evolving impact on the development of Christian thought.

Old Testament: Torah and Prophets

An introduction to the basic content of the Old Testament with an emphasis on what the texts were meant to communicate in their original contexts. Attention paid to specific theological issues, noting the diversity of what the Old Testament has to say about God and humanity. Cover texts from the Torah, and the former and latter prophets. Discuss the role of the Old Testament as Christian Scripture and address issues of preaching on Old Testament texts.

Old Testament: The Writings

Explore the "Writings" of the Old Testament and poetic texts such as the Psalms. Explore in-depth issues raised during the Second Temple period, especially the problem of evil as expressed in wisdom texts such as Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Sirach. Explore Jewish narratives, such as Daniel, Esther, Judith, Tobit, and Ruth.

New Testament Letters

Introduces the epistolary discourse in the New Testament, with 1) a focus on Paul, the communities to which he writes, and the theology and rhetoric of his letters; 2) the theology and context of the Deutero-Pauline letters and the Pastoral letters; and 3) exploration of the "Catholic" Letters.

The Johannine Literature

Explore the unique voice offered by John in the New Testament canon. Examine the specific theological argument made by this author, and analyze the place of Johannine Christianity within the diversity of Christianities in the first and second century, especially as traced into the Johannine Epistles.

Synoptic Gospels

Introduces the background from which the synoptic gospels emerged and the specific shape each evangelist gives to his narrative about Jesus. Special emphasis is on how each presents a unique picture of Jesus. This information will equip students to be effective and reflective readers, interpreters, and preachers.

Study Abroad – Genocide, Resistance, and God in Nazi Europe

Professional Services

St. Ambrose Conference on Bible and Justice Series, Co-Organizer and Director

International Society of Biblical Literature, Steering committee member of the Bible and Empire Section

Middle East Institute, Advisory Board

Dean Search Committee, College of Arts and Sciences, 2015 - 2016

St. Ambrose University Center for International Education, Regional Expert: United Kingdom and Japan

St. Ambrose University General Education Committee, 2019 - Current

Yom Hashoah of the Quad Cities, SAU Representative, 2022 - Current

St. Ambrose University Honors Council, 2021 - Current

ESL Teacher for St. Ambrose University Refugee Families, 2023 - Current

Book Series Editor for the Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice Book Series, 2019 - Current

Poverty in the Biblical World Committee Member, Society of Biblical Literature, 2013- Current

Boston Poverty Consortium, Scholarly Advisor, 2013 - Current

Rethinking Class in Intersectional Activism and Faith-Based Community Organizing, Conference, 2023

Continuing Critical Reflections on the Work of Norman K. Gottwald.
Co-organized with Ludwig Beethoven J. Noya, the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice, and the Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice. This online seminar considers the effects Dr. Norman Gottwald’s 1992 presidential address, “Social Class as an Analytic and Hermeneutical Category in Biblical Studies” has had on the role of class analysis in Biblical studies. Speakers include Gregory Cuellar, Stacy Davis, Brigitte Kahl, Madipoane Masenya, Monica Melanchthon, Ched Myers, Joerg Rieger, and Gerald West.

St. Ambrose Conference on Bible and Justice: Contextual Bible Study Webinar Series, St. Ambrose University, 2016

An online webinar series to train biblical scholars and community workers on how to develop bible studies for their communities that both draw awareness to the issues they face, while also supporting those who struggle for a more just world. Keynote speakers included Dr. Paulo Ueti, Prof. Jerald West, and Dr. Bob Ekblad.

St. Ambrose Conference on Bible and Justice, St. Ambrose University, 2013

Along with his colleague, Dr. Micah Kiel, he organized and directed an international conference that explored how biblical texts can find relevance in addressing modern justice concerns. The conference focused on themes of empire, gender, poverty, and the environment. Keynote speakers were Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, Richard Horsley, Elsa Tamez, David Horrell, and Norman Gottwald.

Honors and Awards

Guest Speaker, Summer Symposium at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg: “Is It Good to Be Rich? Answers from Antiquity and the Bible.” Wittenberg, Germany. 2022

Guest Speaker, Society of Old Testament Studies Summer Meeting: “Interpreting the Psychology of Privilege: The Modern Relevance of Contempt in the Hebrew Bible.” Sheffield, England. 2021

Keynote Speaker, Symposium on Religion and the New Politics, Chreighton University: “Understanding and Confronting the Callousness of The New Politics: A Biblical-Psychological Approach” Omaha, Nebraska. 2020

Burchenal Keynote Speaker, Burchenal Lecture Series: "Seeking Community in a Capitalist Age: A Collective Response to Poverty & Debt in the Bible and Today." Eckerg College, St. Petersburg, Florida.

Phi Eta Sigma Excellence in Teaching Award, St. Ambrose University (2015)

The Charles K. & Mary Ellen Wilber Award for Research in Peace and Non-Violence, St. Ambrose University (2012)

Sheffield Graduate Award for Excellence in Research & Academic Development, University of Sheffield (2010)

Governor General’s Silver Medal for highest standing in graduating class (M.Div.), University of Trinity College, University of Toronto (2005)