Dr. Steven Smith is Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There, for the past 9- years, he has taught and formed tomorrow’s Catholic priests from dioceses across the United States. Dr. Smith graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University of Chicago, earning his PhD in New Testament / Early Christianity. He’s authored numerous essays and the 2012 book, The Word of the Lord: 7 Essential Principles for Catholic Scripture Study.
He recently published his second book, The House of the Lord: A Biblical Theology of the Temple in the Old and New Testament (August 2017). Dr. Smith is a sought-after national speaker, and his CD titled ‘The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact or Fiction?’ has reached over 12,000 homes nationwide. A wide array of other biblical topics are available on CD. He and his wife Elizabeth, a cancer survivor, were married in 2000 – and have two daughters, Isabelle Marie and Olivia Marie; the Smiths reside in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
Talk Titles:
“7 Essential Principles for Catholic Scripture Study.” Dr. Smith “wrote the book” on Catholic Scripture study—literally, and will help you understand how to align your mind and heart with the vision of the Catholic Church. Learn the basics on biblical inspiration, the relationship between the OT and NT, the role of Sacred Tradition in our lives, and much more.
“The House of the Lord: Experiencing God’s Temple Presence in Scripture and in Our Lives.” Dr. Smith’s new book, The House of the Lord (2017) was just released and is receiving critical praise and is being well-received and read by Catholics as well as others. What makes “the Temple” so special in Judaism? What was Jesus’ relationship with the Temple? How are we as the Church “connected” to Christ the New Temple? What role did Mary play in the mystery of the Temple? How is God calling us today to “go into the outer courts, in our lives?”
“The Biblical Worldview of the Inklings.” Journey with Dr. Smith to Oxford and meet C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. What went on at an “Inklings” meeting? What was their worldview? What is “the machine” – and how was Tolkien warning modern readers about its dangers? What are the best books of theirs to begin reading? Was The Lord of the Rings a “Catholic work?” How?
“Evangelizing Elves.” All of us are called to give away our faith. Yet honestly, it can be frightening. How can we reach “lukewarm Catholics? Or the so-called “none’s”—those with no religious background, among others? In this imaginative approach, Dr. Smith draws on the “elves,” hobbits” and “wizards” of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, to help explain the various types of persons we may meet today. You’ll gain key insights and be inspired to share the Good news in your world.
“Is God a Moral Monster?” How can we make send of those challenging parts of the Old Testament today? How can we reconcile the conquest of land and the death of whole peoples, as in the Book of Joshua? Isn’t God merciful and gracious? Or is the God of the OT a moral monster? Join Dr. Smith for a deep look into the riddles of the OT—and come away with clarity, hope and gratitude for God’s Word—both Old and New Testament.
