Back to News 
By Shannon Smith, PR Intern
MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (Jan. 31, 2003) – Is Jesus seen differently by the various writers of the Gospels? Yes, according to New Testament scholar Dr. Elizabeth Struthers Malbon, who will speak on “Listening for Mark’s Jesus” for Milligan College’s annual Institute for Servant Leadership Lectureship, to be held Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 5-6, at Milligan College.
The Gospels, which are written accounts of the life of Jesus, each emphasize distinctive characteristics of the person and message of Jesus. Malbon, a professor of religious studies at Virginia Tech, will discuss the character and teachings of Jesus as emphasized in the Gospel of Mark. She will specifically look at the way people responded to Jesus-disciples and non-disciples alike.
Understanding discipleship in Mark is directly applicable to the life of Christians today, says Malbon. Mark was originally written to be heard and performed, not read, by those who wanted to experience the good news of Jesus.
Malbon has done extensive research on the Gospel of Mark and recently released the book Hearing Mark: A Listener’s Guide. She writes for contemporary readers to experience what the ancient listeners shared.
Malbon has also published articles in magazines and books, including “‘Reflected Christology:’ An Aspect of Narrative ‘Christology’ in the Gospel of Mark” for Perspective in Religious Studies. She also wrote the chapter “The Christology of Mark’s Gospel: Narrative Christology and the Markan Jesus” in the book Who Do you Say that I Am? Essays on Christology, written by Mark Allan Powell and David R. Bauer.
Malbon will speak on Feb.5 at 8:00 p.m. in Hyder Auditorium and again on Feb. 6 at 11:00 a.m. in Seeger Chapel and 8:00 p.m. in Hyder Auditorium. The public is invited and welcome to attend the free lecture series.
For more information, contact Dr. Phil Kenneson, associate professor of theology and philosophy, at Milligan College at 423-461-8797.