Scholar explores 'biblical and cultural portraits of Jesus' during Schreyer-Russell Lectures at Pfeiffer, March 21

David Otto

MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Dr. David Otto, professor of religious studies and the Arthur and Emily Webb professor of International Studies at Centenary College of Louisiana, will serve as guest speaker during the Schreyer-Russell Lectures at Pfeiffer University on Wednesday, March 21. The event is free and open to the public.

Otto will compare the answer to Jesus' provocative question, "Who do you say that I am?" offered by the four Gospel writers and will highlight various portraits of Jesus at key times in United States history and within selected subcultures.

The series begins with Otto as the speaker during a worship service at 10 a.m. in the Henry Pfeiffer Chapel on Pfeiffer's Misenheimer campus. The series continues at 11 a.m. in the chapel with "Who do you say that I am? Exploring biblical and cultural portraits of Jesus." His message will provide insight into the specific audiences and cultural contexts in which Matthew, Mark, John and Luke wrote their gospels and the ways the church and the culture have emphasized different aspects of Jesus' persona and ministry through history.

"Dr. Otto is delightful and entertaining," said Dr. Chris Hughes, minister to the university at Pfeiffer. "He is an insightful and knowledgeable speaker that will not only prompt some engaging dialogue and deep thinking, but he also will interject some humor and fun."

Many may remember Otto as the Bible study leader during the National Christian Educators Fellowship Conference held last October at Lake Junaluska, N.C. Otto has served as a professor of religion or department chair at Centenary College of Louisiana since May 1995. He also was a visiting associate professor of Christian education at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Forth Worth, Texas, and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. Otto has presented numerous papers and lectures throughout the country. He earned a bachelor's degree from Centenary College of Louisiana, a master's degree in Christian education from Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville, Tenn., and a doctorate in religious education and contemporary theology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

The Schreyer-Russell Lectures exists to expose the church and the world to the next generation of theological and biblical scholars. It was established by alumni and friends of religion, philosophy and Christian education to honor two former professors — Dr. George Schreyer and Dr. Bernard Russell.

This lecture is beneficial for Christian educators, Sunday school and Bible study teachers, pastors, church leaders and the general public. To register for the lecture or for additional information, please contact Dr. Chris Hughes at (704) 463-1360 ext. 2585 or email.