Biblical and Theological Studies Department
Visiting Assistant Professor of Old Testament
On Faculty since 2011
Office: BGC 216
Phone: (630)752-5919
Email: Jamie.Viands@my.wheaton.edu
Education
Ph.D. Old Testament Theology and Exegesis, Wheaton College, 2010
Dissertation: “The Progeny Blessing in the Old Testament with Special Attention to the Latter Prophets”
M.A. Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 2005
M.A. Biblical Exegesis, Wheaton College, 2003
B.A. Ancient Languages/Bible, Wheaton College, 2001
About Jamie Viands
My goal is to encourage students to adopt a biblical worldview, biblical priorities, the biblical Gospel, and the biblical depiction of God while rejecting the false gospels and idols of our culture. I want our students to master the overarching narrative of the Bible, see how each book of the OT contributes to it, and understand their own role in the grand narrative. Ultimately, though, I pray that students might know God more fully and love Him more passionately as a result of my teaching.
Last summer (July 17, 2010) I married my best friend, Kim, and we waited a solid month before starting a family. Our daughter, Eliya Sarai, was born on May 21, 2011. She has to be one of the most beautiful babies God has created thus far, and the experience of being a father continues to give me a greater appreciation for God’s fatherly love for us. We live on the edge of campus next to College Church, where we have ministered within the single and young adult community for the past six years.
Currently, we are raising support to serve in Africa as career missionaries in theological education through Africa Inland Mission. Lord willing, in July, 2012 we will move to Machakos, Kenya, where I will teach at Scott Theological College. Over the past century, the spread of the Gospel in sub-Saharan Africa has been astounding: whereas in 1910 less than 10% of the population claimed to be Christian, today over 70% claim the name of Christ. Most agree that the development of biblically trained pastors and leaders to disciple the 500 million Christians in Africa is the most pressing need of the African Church. We are eager to come alongside our African brothers and sisters and help to meet this great need. In the meantime, having spent most of my academic life at Wheaton, it is a tremendous privilege to serve the Wheaton community this year with my mentors and former teachers.
Courses Taught
BITH 211: OT Literature and Interpretation
HEBR 301/302: Elementary Hebrew
HEBR 401: Intermediate Hebrew
Membership in Professional Societies
Evangelical Theological Society
Society of Biblical Literature
Areas of Research
African theology and culture
Old Testament theology
The progeny blessing