Samford University’s Department of Biblical and Religious Studies will host scholar and author Jarvis Williams for the 2021 Holley-Hull Lecture–“God’s Vertical, Horizontal and Cosmic Saving Action in Christ as THE Foundation to A Biblical and Theological Vision for Redemptive Kingdom Diversity for Ethnically Diverse Image-Bearers.”

Williams, Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, is the author of several scholarly books as well as popular books and articles on race, racism and reconciliation. He will explore the themes of his latest book, Redemptive Kingdom Diversity: A Biblical Theology of the People of God, for the primary Holley-Hull event at 3 p.m. in Brock Forum, Dwight Beeson Hall. He will sign copies of his book starting at 2 p.m. Williams also will speak on “John 3:16: God Loves the World” at 10 a.m. in Reid Chapel

“Redemptive Kingdom Diversity has received effusive praise from scholars around the globe,” said department chair Roy Ciampa. “Jarvis Williams is a wonderful communicator and a recognized expert on this crucial topic. We are honored to have him come to our campus to address this timely and relevant topic.” Ciampa said the lectures will be of great interest to students, staff, faculty, pastors “and all others seeking to understand God’s intentions for our church and world.”

The Howard L. and Martha H. Holley Lectures: New Testament Voices for a Contemporary World are hosted by Samford’s Department of Biblical and Religious Studies and the Center for Congregational Resources. The series honors William E. Hull, a Baptist minister and New Testament scholar who served Samford University as provost, university professor and research professor. He also served as theologian-in-residence at Mountain Brook Baptist Church.