Quick Facts
Biography
Dr. John Bergsma is Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University, in Steubenville,
Ohio. He holds a Master of Theology degree from Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. His specialized study is that of the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He served as a Protestant pastor for four years before converting to Catholicism in 2001.
Career
Dr. Bergsma's study of ancient scripture and the Dead Sea Scrolls have spawned multiple articles and publications, including his book The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran: A History of Interpretation. He has written several scholarly articles, some of which were co-authored by Catholic apologist and theologist Dr. Scott Hahn. Additionally, Dr. Bergsma has taken part in several seminars and discussions, including the Enoch seminar and that of the Jubilee. Dr. Bergsma routinely participates in lectures on his studies, and has contributed to media productions distributed by Lighthouse Catholic Media. With regard to the discovery and study of the Dead Sea Scrolls, his focus often includes how the scrolls reaffirm Catholic doctrine, tradition, and practices.
Books
- The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran: A History of Interpretation (Vetus Testamentum Supplements 115; Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, 2007).
- Bible Basics For Catholics: A New Picture of Salvation History (Ave Maria Press, 2012).