Jewish New Testament Scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine to Speak at First Presbyterian Church, April 4-5. Register for events below!

We invite you and your congregation to join us at First Presbyterian Church on April 4th and 5th for a special weekend of learning and conversation with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, a renowned Jewish New Testament scholar. In a world where differences too often lead to division, it is crucial to recognize the connections between Christianity and Judaism. Understanding Jesus within the religious traditions He knew and practiced offers a richer, more complete perspective on His teachings and their meaning for us today. Dr. Levine’s scholarship provides a valuable opportunity to engage in this important dialogue.

Clergy are especially encouraged to attend the Clergy Conversation on Friday, April 4th at 3pm, where we will engage in meaningful discussion about faith, scholarship, and unity in today’s world. On Saturday evening, April 5th, we invite the entire community to a public lecture and reception at 7pm—a wonderful opportunity for your congregation to be part of this timely and transformative conversation.

Please extend this invitation to your congregation, and join us as we seek to deepen our commitment to peace, understanding, and faithful engagement in our world. We look forward to welcoming you!

 Contact us at events@fpcknox.org for more information, call the church office at (865) 546-2531 or click here to learn more about Dr. Amy Jill Levine and the upcoming events! We look forward to seeing you!

Friday, April 4 – Clergy Conversation | 3:00–4:30 PM

"Misunderstanding Judaism means Misunderstanding Jesus and Paul: Points on avoiding antisemitism in teaching and preaching"

Join us for this important opportunity to understand how Jesus’ and Paul’s teachings fit into their first-century contexts and how to avoid false and negative stereotypes of those contexts.

Subjects include: interpretation of Torah, messianic expectations. the role of women, Pharisees, purity laws, the Jerusalem Temple, sickness and disability, children, and relations with gentiles and Samaritans.

Saturday, April 5 – Public Lecture & Reception | 7:00–9:00 PM

"Jesus and Judaism: The Connection Matters"

Jesus of Nazareth followed the Torah of Moses, found inspiration in the Prophets of Israel, and offered a teaching that some Jewish men and women found compelling. Yet too often Christians and Jews incorrectly regard Jesus as rejecting Judaism. Understanding Jesus in his Jewish context brings new meaning to his piety, his politics, and his parables, and it offers as well a new path for Jewish-Christian relations.

By situating Jesus within his Jewish context, we gain not only a clearer picture of who he was but also a deeper appreciation for the shared heritage of Judaism and Christianity.

We invite you to this opportunity to hear from Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, one of the world's preeminent scholars of the New Testament, on how Jesus' connection with Judaism matters. Whether you are a Christian seeking a fuller understanding of Jesus, a Jew curious about how Jesus fits within Jewish history, or someone simply interested in exploring the intersection of faith and history, this lecture promises to be a fascinating and eye-opening experience.

Tickets are free but registration is required. Parking is free onsite and at the State Street Garage. Please register in the link below.