Robert M. Bowman Jr. - Curriculum Vitae

Robert M. Bowman Jr. Executive Director, Institute for Religious Research (616) 451-4562 office Executive Summary               M.A., Ph.D., biblical studies: M.A., Fuller Theological Seminary; Ph.D., South African Theological Seminary Taught over 60 courses in undergraduate and graduate programs at Brevard Community College (1993-94), Luther Rice University (1994-99), Biola University (2001-2005), and Cornerstone University in religious studies, biblical studies, theology, and philosophy. Wrote 8 distance education courses at Luther Rice University on religion and philosophy, and taught 4 such courses for Biola University and 2 for Luther Rice University; experience using Blackboard for teaching online courses Author or co-author of 13 books, including 2 winners of the Gold Medallion Award (An Unchanging Faith in a Changing World, 1997; Faith Has Its Reasons, 2001); some of these books have been translated into 6 different languages Contributor of about 30 chapters, essays, etc., in IVP’s Guide to New Religious Movements, the Apologetics Study Bible, the ESV Study Bible, and the Baker Encyclopedia of Cults Author of over 60 articles on a wide range of topics, including atheism, biblical studies, new religions, intelligent design, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, philosophy of religion, the problem of evil, etc., in Areopagus Journal, Christian Research Journal, Journal of Evangelism & Missions, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Journal of the International Society for Christian Apologetics, Midwestern Journal of Theology, Mission Frontiers, Moody Monthly, Pastoral Renewal, Review of Biblical Literature, et. al. Speaker at nearly 50 conferences held at Biola U., Trinity Intl. U., Emory U., Samford U., Liberty U., Georgia Tech., N. Georgia U., William Tyndale Coll., Mt. San Antonio Coll., etc. Participated in 11 public debates—including 5 with atheists (Al Seckel, Ed Tabash, et. al.) Diverse experience teaching and speaking to people of all ages (from junior high to senior adults) of differing ethnic and social backgrounds in 27 states and 2 other countries Almost 25 years in nonprofit religious organizations: Executive Director, Institute for Religious Research (2008—); people group and interfaith researcher, North American Mission Board (2006-2008); researcher, Christian Research Institute (1984-92), and more Over 6 years in radio broadcasting as host of call-in radio programs: Bible Answer Man (1990-91), Truth Talk (1994-96), and Apologetics.com Radio (2002-2003) Current member of 4 professional societies: Evangelical Ministries to New Religions, Evangelical Theological Society, Evangelical Philosophical Society, and Society of Biblical Literature; especially active in EMNR and ETS Involvement in campus ministries: Campus Crusade for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (1974-1978); currently a lecturer for Ratio Christi in Michigan Recommendations from scholars such as Daniel B. Wallace, Craig Hazen, Robert B. Stewart, Kenneth Richard Samples, and Kenneth D. Boa For details and other activities, see the following pages. Bowman/Vitae—page 2 Table of Contents I. Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Courses 3 II. Whole Publications 5 III. Chapters, Articles, and Reviews 6 IV. Public Meetings 9 V. Radio/Television 12 VI. Sample Online Articles and Papers 13 VII. Editing 14 VIII. Reviews 15 IX. Ministry and Teaching Experience 21 X. Education 24 XI. Credentials 24 XII. Recommendations 25 Bowman/Vitae—page 3 I. Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Courses Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI, 2010-2011 Biblical Hermeneutics New Testament Literature and History (2 times) New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Institute for Christian Apologetics, 2010-2015 Advanced Christian Apologetics: Apologetic Methodologies (Jan. 2011, 2013, 2015) The Doctrine of the Trinity (Jan. 2010, 2011, 2014) Critical Thinking and Apologetics (Jan. 2012) Jehovah’s Witnesses (Jan. 2010) Mormonism: Mormon Scriptures (Jan. 2012) The Theology Program (online certificate, Reclaiming the Mind Ministries), 2008-2011 Introduction to Christian Apologetics Christian Apologetic Methods Critical Thinking for Christians Understanding Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses Science and the Bible The Historical Jesus World Religions Biola University, Graduate Program in Christian Apologetics, La Mirada, CA, 2001—2005 Scripture: Canon, Authority, and Criticism (5 times) Cults of America Essential Christian Doctrine I and II (distance learning instructor) Survey of Genesis—Malachi (distance learning instructor) Historical Theology Survey (distance learning instructor) Luther Rice University, Lithonia, GA, 1994—1999, 2010 Non-Traditional Beliefs (online: Spring 2010; Summer 2010; Fall 2010; Spring 2011) Apologetics (Fall 1994, Fall 1996; Summer 2010 [online]) World Religions (Spring 1996) Modern Cults (Spring 1996, Spring 1999) Hermeneutics (Fall 1994, Spring 1997, Fall 1998) Pneumatology (Fall 1994) Survey of Theology I (Fall 1994) Introduction to Philosophy (Spring 1995) Christology (Spring 1995, Spring 1996) Theology Proper and Bibliology (Fall 1995) Life of Christ (Fall 1995) Romans (Fall 1995, Fall 1996, Fall 1997, Spring 1998, Spring 1999) Gospel of John (Spring 1996 seminar) New Testament Theology (Spring 1996, Spring 1997, Spring 1998) Old Testament Theology (Fall 1995, Fall 1996, Fall 1997) Theological Research and Writing (Fall 1998, Winter 1999, Spring 1999) Bowman/Vitae—page 4 Joshua Springs Bible College, Yucca Valley, CA, Summer 2005 Apologetics Hermeneutics Brevard Community College, Palm Bay, FL, 1993—1994 World Religions (2 times) Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, CA, Spring 1988 Introduction to Philosophy (2 sections) Simon Greenleaf University, Anaheim, CA, Fall 1986 Contemporary Cults and the Occult (co-instructor with Walter Martin) International Bible College (an inner-city school), Los Angeles, Fall 1983 Synoptic Gospels California State University, Dominguez Hills, Spring 1978 New Testament History (full instructor as senior project) Bowman/Vitae—page 5 II. Whole Publications A. Books What Mormons Believe. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2012. Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ. Co-author, J. Edward Komoszewski. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2007. Sense and Nonsense about Heaven and Hell. Co-author, Kenneth D. Boa. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007. Sense and Nonsense about Angels and Demons. Co-author, Kenneth D. Boa. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007. Faith Has Its Reasons: An Integrative Approach to Defending Christianity. Co-author, Kenneth D. Boa. Second edition, revised, Waynesboro, GA: Authentic Media—Paternoster, 2006. First edition, Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2001. Winner, 2002 Gold Medallion Award; 2002 Christianity Today Award of Merit. 20 Compelling Evidences for Belief in God: Discover Why Believing in God Makes So Much Sense. Co-author, Kenneth D. Boa. Colorado Springs: Cook—RiverOak, 2002. Translated into Spanish and Korean. The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001. Translated into Russian. An Unchanging Faith in a Changing World: Understanding and Responding to Critical Issues That Christians Face Today. Co-author, Kenneth D. Boa. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997. Winner, 1998 Gold Medallion Award. Jehovah’s Witnesses. Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements. Edited by Alan W. Gomes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995. Translated into Spanish and Lithuanian. Orthodoxy and Heresy: A Biblical Guide to Doctrinal Discernment. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992. Translated into Portuguese, Russian (excerpts). Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses: Why They Read the Bible the Way They Do. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1991. Why You Should Believe in the Trinity: An Answer to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989. Translated into Spanish and Amharic (Ethiopian). Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jesus Christ, and the Gospel of John. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989. B. Other Whole Publications Why Truth Matters: 10 Common Doctrinal Errors. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2010. Jesus: Fact & Fiction. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2008. 10 Questions & Answers on Angels. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2008. Denominations Comparison. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2003. Also available as a PowerPoint presentation. The Watchman Expositor Index of Cults and Religions (editor). Arlington, TX: Watchman Fellowship, 2000. Bowman/Vitae—page 6 III. Chapters, Articles, and Reviews A. Parts of Books “Agnosticism”; “Apostles”; “Book of Abraham”; “Book of Mormon”; “Book of Moses”; “Christianity”; “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”; “False prophecy”; “Gaia”; “Heaven, biblical doctrine of”; “Heaven, cultic doctrine of”; “Jehovah’s Witnesses”; “Jesus, Mormon View of”; “John 1:1”; “Kingdom of God, cultic notions of”; “Miracles (in non-Christian religions)”; “New World Translation”; “Resurrection, cultic concepts of”; “Second Coming of Christ, cultic concepts of”; “Smith, Joseph Jr.”; “Tetragrammaton”; “Word-Faith movement.” In Baker Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and World Religions, ed. H. Wayne House. Grand Rapids: Baker, forthcoming 2015. “Is Jesus the Only Way?” Holman Christian Standard Bible: Study Bible. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2010. “Twelve Apostles”; “God and Savior in Titus.” In ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2008. “Are the Teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses Compatible with the Bible?” In The Apologetics Study Bible, ed. Ted Cabal. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2007. “Latter-day Saints.” In A Guide to New Religious Movements, ed. Ron Enroth, 78-96. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005. B. Print Periodical Articles “The New Mormon Statement on Race and the Priesthood.” Evangelical Times, June 2014. “Synoptic Criticism and Evangelical Christian Apologetics.” Midwestern Journal of Theology 13, 1 (Spring 2014): 97-117. “Triadic New Testament Passages and the Doctrine of the Trinity.” Journal of Trinitarian Studies and Apologetics 1 (Jan. 2013): 7-54. “Who Were the Ebionites and the Gnostics?” Areopagus Journal, Winter 2012. “Jesus Christ, God Manifest: Titus 2:13 Revisited.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51, 4 (Dec. 2008): 733-52. “Crux Examinatio: Socinus on the Doctrine of the Trinity.” Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics 1 (2008): 59-77. “Augustine: Christian Champion of the First Millennium” [with Kenneth D. Boa]. Areopagus Journal, Jan./Feb. 2008, 10-12. “Joel Osteen.” Watchman Fellowship Profile (Nov. 2007). “Atheism.” Watchman Fellowship Profile (Oct. 2007). “Cult Evangelism Today.” Journal of Evangelism & Missions 6 (Spring 2007): 77-80. “Word-Faith Movement.” Watchman Fellowship Profile (Nov. 2006). “Star Wars.” Watchman Fellowship Profile (May 2005). “Perspectives on the Problem of Pain.” Association for Theological Studies Newsletter 16 (March 2005). Bowman/Vitae—page 7 “From Boston to Tulsa: The Origins of the Word-Faith Movement.” Areopagus Journal 3, 5 (Sept.-Oct. 2003). “Argument for the Silent: A Biblical Case against Abortion.” Facts for Faith 6 (2001). “Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jesus’ Resurrection, and the Gospel of John” [in 2 parts]. Watchman Expositor, Fall 2000, Winter 2001. “Part 1: The Resurrection as Jesus’ Climactic Miracle.” “Part 2: The Resurrection as the Reason Jesus Came.” “Are Mormon Temples Christian?” The Vantage Point, Special Issue (Summer 2000). “The Gospel According to Lucas” [in 2 parts]. The Vantage Point (1999, 2000). “Have You Hugged the Light Today? Betty Eadie, Mormonism, and American Religion.” Association for Theological Studies Newsletter 6 (1995). “Testing the Truth of the Book of Mormon.” Association for Theological Studies Newsletter 4 (March-May 1993). “Mission for the Third Millennium.” Mission Frontiers (Sept./Oct. 1991). “Strange New Worlds: The Humanist Philosophy of Star Trek.” Christian Research Journal [hereafter CRJ] 14 (Fall 1991). “How Christians Are Defending Their Faith: Unity and Diversity in Today’s Apologetics.” CRJ 14, 1 (Summer 1991): 14-19. “Cult Evangelism: Which Methods Are Effective?” CRJ 13, 2 (Fall 1990): 7. “Is Jesus a True God or a False God?” CRJ 12, 3 (Winter/Spring 1990): 7. “How Are the New Religions Doing?” Pastoral Renewal (March/April 1989). “Earl Paul’s ‘Kingdom Now.’” LodeStar Review, March 1989, 6. “Mormon Apologetics” [4 parts]. CRJ 11-12 (1988-89). “Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Bible” [4 parts]. CRJ 11-12 (1988-89). “Are Christians Supposed to Take Dominion?” CRJ 11 (Fall 1988). “The New Puritanism: A Preliminary Assessment of Reconstructionism.” CRJ 10, 3 (Winter/Spring 1988): 23-27. “The Gospel According to Paulk: A Critique of ‘Kingdom Theology’” (with Craig S. Hawkins and Dan R. Schlesinger) [2 parts]. CRJ 10 (Winter/Spring 1988); 11 (Summer 1988). “What’s New in the New Religions.” Cover story, Moody Monthly (Nov. 1987). “Cult Update: Trends in New Religions.” CRJ 10, 2 (Fall 1987): 16-22. “The Faulty Foundation of the Five-fold Ministry.” CRJ 10 (Fall 1987). “Reincarnation: Did the Church Suppress It?” (with Joseph P. Gudel and Dan R. Schlesinger). CRJ 10 (Summer 1987). “Was Jesus Raised as a Spirit Creature? Dialoguing With Jehovah's Witnesses on 1 Corinthians 15:44-50” (with Brian A. Onken). CRJ 10 (Summer 1987). “Ye Are Gods? Orthodox and Heretical Views on the Deification of Man.” CRJ 9 (Winter/Spring 1987). “The Whitewashing of the Watchtower: How Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Defending Their Faith.” Forward 9, 1 (Spring/Summer 1986): 8-14. “Politics and Apologetics.” Forward 9 (Fall 1986): 31. “Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity: A Biblical Critique.” Forward 8 (Fall 1985). “Indefensible Defenses.” Forward 8, 2 (Summer 1985): 31. Bowman/Vitae—page 8 C. Book Reviews “How Well Trod the Divide: A Review Article.” Review of Claiming Christ [Robert L. Millet and Gerald R. McDermott] and Bridging the Divide [Robert L. Millet and Greg C. V. Johnson]. Journal of the International Society of Christian Apologetics 1 (2008): 138-42. “Decoding Early Christianity: Truth and Legend in the Early Church” [ed. Leslie Houlden]. Review of Biblical Literature, 8/2008. “Science and Religion: An Introduction [Alister McGrath].” Facts for Faith 3 (2000): 58-59. “Five Views on Apologetics [Steven B. Cowan, ed.].” Facts for Faith 2 (2000): 61. “Tower of Babel: The Evidence against the New Creationism [Robert T. Pennock].” Facts for Faith 1 (2000): 52-53. “Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism [John Shelby Spong]” CRJ 14 (Fall 1991). “Good Morning, Holy Spirit [Benny Hinn].” CRJ 13 (Spring 1991). “Understanding Jesus and Understanding the Trinity [Alister McGrath].” CRJ 13, 3 (Winter 1991): 36-37. [generally pro] “Another Gospel: Alternative Religions and the New Age Movement [Ruth Tucker].” CRJ 13, 1 (Summer 1990): 36-37. “Psychoheresy: The Psychological Seduction of Christianity [Martin and Diedre Bobgan].” CRJ 10, 3 (Winter/Spring 1988): 30. “Atheism: The Case against God [George H. Smith].” Forward 8, 4 (Winter 1986): 29-30. “A Reasonable Faith: Responding to Secularism [Tony Campolo].” Forward 8 (Fall 1985). “Exegetical Fallacies [D. A. Carson].” Forward 8, 2 (Summer 1985): 29. [Pro] “The Watchtower Files [Duane Magnani].” Forward 8, 2 (Summer 1985): 29-30. [Pro] “The Mormon Challenge [The God-Makers, Dave Hunt].” World Christian, Jan.-Feb. 1985. Bowman/Vitae—page 9 IV. Public Meetings A. Conference Presentations “Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses at Your Door” and “What Newsweek and Salon Won’t Tell You about the Bible,” Church Ministries Conference, Calvary Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI, March 13-14, 2015 “The Deity and Sinlessness of Jesus Christ” and “The Trouble with the Trinity,” Former Adventist Fellowship conference, Anchor Bible Church, Redlands, CA, Feb. 13, 2015 “Temple Setting of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Mormon,” Latter-day Saints and the Bible session, Society of Biblical Literature annual convention, San Diego, CA, Nov. 22, 2014 “The Jesus Quest and the Evangelical Question: Learning from and Responding to a New Fundamentalist Challenge,” Evangelical Theological Society annual convention, San Diego, CA, Nov. 19, 2014 “Paul and Joseph: Comparing Paul’s Witness to the Resurrection to Joseph Smith’s Visions,” Evangelical Philosophical Society annual convention, San Diego, CA, Nov. 19, 2014 “From Mormonism to Skepticism: Answers for Mormons Who Are Losing Their Faith,” and “The Bible in the Book of Mormon,” Capstone Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, April 1112, 2014 “Synoptic Criticism and Evangelical Christian Apologetics,” Evangelical Theological Society annual convention, Baltimore, MD, Nov. 21, 2013 “Paul and Joseph: Comparing Joseph Smith’s First Vision to the Apostle Paul’s Encounter with the Risen Christ,” Kirtland Sunstone Conference, Kirtland, OH, April 26, 2013 “Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the One True God,” Evangelical Ministries to New Religions, Denver, CO, April 11-12, 2013 “Personhood of the Holy Spirit,” Evangelical Theological Society annual convention, Milwaukee, WI, Nov. 16, 2012 “Authenticity of the Golden Rule,” Evangelical Theological Society annual convention, Milwaukee, WI, Nov. 14, 2012 “Can a Man Become God? Understanding the Mormon Doctrine of Exaltation,” and “Can We Become Gods? Responding to Mormon Arguments from the Bible and Church History,” Compassionate Boldness Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, October 14-15, 2011 “The Unbiblical Christology of Biblical Unitarianism” and “The Book of Mormon and the Bible,” Evangelical Ministries to New Religions, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, March 18, 2011 “Jesus and Scriptural Inerrancy,” Institute for Christian Apologetics, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, January 5, 2011 “Defending the Faith,” “The Deity of Christ,” and “The Humanity of Christ,” Ashton Bible Conference, Ashton, England, September 2010 “Surprised by Truth: Defending Christian Faith and Values in Literature and the Arts,” Online Apologetics Conference, May 2010 “Discernment and Defending the Faith,” “A Christian Perspective on Science,” Equipping with Truth student conference, Lake Victoria campground, Uganda, March 19-20, 2010 Bowman/Vitae—page 10 “Understanding and Affirming the Essentials of the Christian Faith,” “Understanding and Affirming the Integrity of Scripture,” Pastor’s Leadership Conference, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, March 16-17, 2010 “Legend, Lama, or Lord: Updating C. S. Lewis’s Famous Trilemma Argument,” International Society for Christian Apologetics, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL, April 18, 2009 “The Deity of God’s Son in Mark,” Evangelical Theological Society annual convention, Providence, RI, Nov. 19, 2008. “Gospel Smackdown: Comparing the Canonical and Noncanonical Gospels,” and “John 10:30 and the Shema: New Evidence for the Deity of Christ,” International Society for Christian Apologetics, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, June 7, 2008 “FAQ about Islam,” Georgia Baptist Collegiate Ministries, North Georgia University, Dahlonega, March 31, 2008 Evangelical Ministries to New Religions annual conference, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO, March 7-8, 2008: “The Gospel According to Joel”; “Is Your Bible Missing Any Gospels?” Veritas Forum, Georgia Institute of Technology, Feb. 20, 2008: “Are There Objective Truths?” See the Q&A session online: http://www.veritas.org/media/talks/605 Interfaith Evangelism Workshop on Jehovah’s Witnesses, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO, Oct. 12-13, 2007 (four sessions on Jehovah’s Witnesses) “Understanding Islam,” Chaplains Training Conference, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Feb. 26-27, 2007 Evangelical Ministries to New Religions annual conference, Birmingham, AL, Feb. 8-10, 2007: “Defending the Deity of Christ: The Five Things You Need to Know”; “How to Speak the Truth—and Not Be an Arrogant Pain in the Neck”; “Your Best Life Now? Assessing Joel Osteen’s Prosperity Message”; panel discussion, “Presuppositionalist, Evidentialist, Foundationalist, Post Conservativist? Help!” 2006 Apologetics Conference, C. S. Lewis Institute, McLean Bible Church, Vienna, VA, Nov. 16-18, 2006: “Is What We Have Now What They Wrote Then? The Reliability of the New Testament Text” What Is Truth and Does It Matter?—Living by the Word Ministries conference, Los Angeles, 29 Jan. 2005: “How You Can Know the Truth—and Not Be an Arrogant Pain in the Neck!” Evangelical Ministries to New Religions conference, Biola University, 2003: “Defining Christianity: The Mormon Challenge”; “New Defenders of the New World Translation” The Great Word-Faith Debate—Living by the Word Ministries conference, Los Angeles, Sept. 21, 2002: “Correcting the Errors of Word-Faith Teaching” “Writing about Wrong Religions,” lecture series, Centers for Apologetics Research, South El Monte, California, 2001 (video available on CD) Evangelical Ministries to New Religions conference, Denver, 2000: “Biblical Hermeneutics for Countercult Ministry”; “Biblical Theology and the Word-Faith Movement” Midwest Conference on Cults and Biblical Discernment, Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, MN, 3-5 June 1999: “The Bible and the Cults”; “The Faith Debate: A Biblical View of the WordFaith Movement”; “Oneness Pentecostals and the Name of Jesus” Ex-Witnesses for Jesus convention, Walsall, England, Sept. 23-24, 1999: “None Dare Call It Bias: The Theological Biases of the New World Translation” Bowman/Vitae—page 11 “If God Has No Body, Is He Nobody? Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Corporeality of God.” Evangelical Theological Society annual convention, Orlando, FL, 1998 Atlanta Christian Apologetics and Ethics Conference, 1998 Evangelical Ministries to New Religions annual conference, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, Sept. 19-21, 1997: “Thinking Like an Apologist”; “The Tao Is with Us: Star Wars and the New Age” Unmasking and Evangelizing the Cults Conference, Biola University, 22-23 March 1996: “Jehovah’s Witnesses”; Faculty Forum Faith and Science Lecture Forum, Emory University, Atlanta, March 17, 1995: “What Jesus Offers to a Multicultural World” Evangelical Ministries to New Religions annual conference, Atlanta, 1995: “Tough Questions on the Trinity”; “Oneness Pentecostals and the Name of Jesus” Atlanta Cults Awareness Conference (ACAC), 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995: “Why Cults Don’t Trust the Bible”; “Why Cults Don’t Like the Church”; etc. Evangelical Ministries to New Religions annual conference, Philadelphia, Sept. 22-24, 1994: “Word-Faith: Cultic or Christian?” Understanding Cults and the Occult: The 1993 Cult Awareness Seminar, Grace Church Richfield, Richfield, MN, March 12-13, 1993: “Cults and American Family Values”; “Who Says Who’s a Heretic?”; “Oneness Pentecostalism: Is It Christian?”; “Jehovah's Witnesses and Jesus Christ” Witnesses Free in Christ Conference, Winter Park, FL, Oct. 30, 1993: “How Not to Be Saved: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Salvation”; “Out of This World: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Political Neutrality” Witnesses Now for Jesus Convention, New Ringgold, PA, Oct. 1989: “Why You Should Believe in the Trinity” “Will There Be an Armageddon?” Lecture sponsored by the Alliance for Survival, Mt. San Antonio College, May 23, 1988. West Coast Chinese Christian Conference, Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, Hume Lake, CA, Dec. 27, 1986: “Christ, Christians, and the Cults”; “Apologetic to the Atheist” B. Debates and Panel Discussions “The Great Trinity Debate” (v. Christadelphian David Burke), Parchment & Pen blog (online), April—June 2010. “Is Jesus God? Examining the Biblical Evidence” (v. Jehovah’s Witness Greg Stafford), La Mirada, CA, May 2, 2003. “Does God Exist?” (v. atheist Edward Tabash), Cypress College, Oct. 16, 2003. “Theism v. Atheism: What Does the Evidence Show?” (v. atheist Bobbie Kirkhart), Pasadena City College, 2002. “Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue: Justification” (v. Catholic Scott Hahn), Southern Methodist University, April 12, 1997. “Is Morality Possible without God?” (v. atheist Ed Buckner, et. al., of the Atheist Freethought Society), sponsored by Center for Biblical Literary, Lawrenceville, GA, May 22, 1995. “Evangelicals and Catholics Together?” panel discussion, Evangelical Ministries to New Religions annual conference, Atlanta, 1995. Bowman/Vitae—page 12 “Is the Word-Faith Movement Cultic?” panel discussion, Evangelical Ministries to New Religions annual conference, Philadelphia, 1994. “Atheism vs. Christianity” (v. Stan Kohls of Atheists United), Mt. San Antonio College, sponsored by the Mt. SAC Philosophy Club, April 8, 1992. “Trinitarian and Oneness Theologies” (v. Oneness Pentecostal Robert Sabin); Part 1, St. Paul, MN, Jan. 12-13, 1990; Part 2, Newport Beach, CA, Aug. 17-18, 1990. “Christianity: Pros and Cons” (v. atheist Al Seckel), University of California, San Diego, sponsored by Rationalists at UCSD, May 30, 1986. V. Radio/Television Occasional guest radio teacher on “Bible Information Brokers” (formerly “Living by the Word”), KKLA 99.5 FM, Los Angeles, 2004 to the present (estimated thirty or more two-hour broadcasts) Host, Apologetics.com Radio, weekly radio call-in show, KKLA 99.5—FM, Los Angeles, 20022003 Host, Truth Talk, daily afternoon call-in radio show, WNIV AM-970, Atlanta, May—Oct. 1994; weekly call-in radio show, WFTD AM-1080, Marietta, GA, Nov. 1994- Dec. 1996 Co-host, Bible Answer Man, daily afternoon call-in radio show, heard coast to coast on numerous stations, broadcast from the Christian Research Institute, about three times a week from summer 1990 through fall 1991 Numerous (well over a hundred) interviews on radio Several TV appearances, e.g., The Harvest Show to talk about the deity of Christ; a video of that interview is available here: http://tinyurl.com/3gqwy6 (starts about 13 minutes into the video) Bowman/Vitae—page 13 VI. Sample Online Articles and Papers “Gospel Principles Scripture Study Guide” (book-length critique of Mormon doctrinal primer) http://www.irr.org/mit/Gospel-Principles-Study-Guide.html “Amos 8:11-12 and the LDS Doctrines of Apostasy and Restoration” http://www.irr.org/mit/pdfs/Amos%20811-12.pdf “A Tale of Two Scrolls: Jeremiah’s Replacement Scroll and Mormon ‘Restoration’ of Scripture” http://www.irr.org/mit/tale-of-two-scrolls.html “The Book of Hebrews and the Joseph Smith Translation” http://www.irr.org/mit/Hebrews-and-JST.html “Does Yoga Conflict with Christianity? A Response to Yoga Journal.” http://www.irr.org/yoga&christianity.html. “Peter Jennings, Jesus and Paul” http://www.irr.org/abc-jesus-and-paul.html “The Biblical Basis of the Doctrine of the Trinity: An Outline Study.” http://www.irr.org/trinity-outline.html “LDS Apostles and Prophets: What Did the New Testament Apostles Say?” http://tinyurl.com/47lfhk “A Biblical Guide to Orthodoxy and Heresy” [in Russian]. http://www.apolresearch.org/eng/apol_eng.php3. See also my blog, The Religious Researcher, at http://www.religiousresearcher.org/blog Bowman/Vitae—page 14 VII. Editing A. Book Editing (mostly freelance) Samples, Kenneth Richard. A World of Difference: Exploring the Christian Worldview. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007. Komoszewski, J. Ed, M. James Sawyer, and Daniel B. Wallace, eds. Reinventing Jesus: How Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture. Minneapolis: Kregel, 2006. Rana, Fazale, and Hugh Ross. Who Was Adam? Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005. Abanes, Richard. Becoming Gods: A Closer Look at 20th-Century Mormonism. Sisters, OR: Harvest House, 2004. Samples, Kenneth Richard. Without a Doubt: Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004. Ross, Hugh. A Matter of Days. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2004. Martin, Walter. The Kingdom of the Cults. 7th rev. ed. Ravi Zacharias, gen. ed. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2003. (Editorial consultant for the chapter on Jehovah’s Witnesses.) Abanes, Richard. One Nation under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church. New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2003. Ross, Hugh, Kenneth R. Samples, and Mark Clark. Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men. Colorado Springs, Col.: NavPress, 2002. Ross, Hugh. The Creator and the Cosmos. 3d ed. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2001. Miller, Elliot, and Kenneth R. Samples. The Cult of the Virgin. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992. Boyd, Gregory A. Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992. Miller, Elliot. A Crash Course on the New Age Movement. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989. B. Other (Non-Book) Publications 10 Questions & Answers on Mormonism. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2007. 10 Questions & Answers on Jehovah’s Witnesses. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2007. The Watchman Expositor Index of Cults and Religions (editor). Arlington, TX: Watchman Fellowship, 2000. The Trinity. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 1998. C. Magazine Editing Editor, The Vantage Point (Watchman Fellowship, Birmingham, AL), 1999-2000 Assistant editor, Christian Research Journal (Christian Research Institute, Irvine, CA), 1984-88; contributing editor, 1988-2001 Bowman/Vitae—page 15 VIII. Reviews Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ (2007) “Putting Jesus in His Place is a meticulously researched and brilliant book on a subject that continues to remain significant even after 2000 years. Robert Bowman and Ed Komoszewski have given readers a unique and unparalleled resource—and one with life-changing implications. I commend this volume to you with much appreciation for their work.” Ravi Zacharias, author and speaker “You might be surprised to learn that the case for Christ’s deity has actually become stronger during the past couple of decades. The average, reasonably well-informed Christian has probably missed out on the flood of new approaches, observations, and lines of argument that have been flowing from the scholarly books and journals lately. Bowman and Komoszewski’s Putting Jesus in His Place has gathered the best of all this recent scholarship and put it together in one readable, memorable, and engaging volume. While reading the book, I found myself at several points thinking, ‘It’s too bad that a popular-level book like this can’t afford to give the details on some of the more complicated evidence,’ only to discover that Bowman and Komoszewski plunged right in and provided easy-to-understand summaries of the specialist scholarship. Putting Jesus in His Place is the book I’ve been looking for to put into the hands of believers who want to understand how the New Testament teaches that Jesus is God.” Fred Sanders Associate Professor of Theology Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University “An exceedingly readable and intelligible book on a central—and hotly debated—theme of the Christian message. The work is based upon a scholarly, well-informed investigation of the most important Christological texts in the New Testament. It gives not only rich biblical information to the reader but also practical pastoral guidance.” Martin Hengel Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Ancient Judaism University of Tübingen, Germany “This book gathers up admirably the results of a number of recent studies that combine to show how remarkably early Jesus was reverenced as somehow bearing a divine status, and how this reverence was exhibited overtly in a whole range of confessional terms and devotional actions. Whether or not one shares the authors’ own particular stance on some matters, they have provided a readable and well-informed summary of a large body of scholarly work showing a very early and very ‘high’ view of Jesus, not as something emerging by slow evolution, but as an explosively quick and remarkable phenomenon.” Larry W. Hurtado Professor of New Testament Language, Literature, and Theology University of Edinburgh, Scotland Bowman/Vitae—page 16 “Finally, here is a book that lays out the case for the deity of Christ in clear, compelling, memorable language. Putting Jesus in His Place fills a huge gap by converting the best of biblical scholarship on the subject into language that anyone can understand. This book is a feast for the mind; the endnotes give the reader a glimpse of the meticulous work the authors went through to make the reading so palatable. I thank God that Bowman and Komoszewski have combined their talents on this supremely important topic and well-written book. The church of the 21st century is in their debt.” Daniel B. Wallace, Ph.D. Executive Director, Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts “Rarely have I seen such a comprehensive and deeply scholarly presentation in theology at such an accessible level—and on one of the most important topics anyone can study: the deity of Christ. Bowman and Komoszewski obviously know this topic as well as anyone in the world because it takes that depth of knowledge to present a case like this in language that can be grasped by non-scholars in every walk of life. I predict this will be a standard textbook on the subject and a much-used resource for anyone who wants to make the case for Jesus’ deity to unbelievers such as Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, New Agers, and skeptics in this generation.” Craig J. Hazen, Ph.D. Director, M.A. Program in Christian Apologetics, Biola University Editor, Philosophia Christi “Jesus said it best when He said, ‘He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.’ The Crisis of our culture is the Crisis of the Christ. Putting Jesus in His Place is a comprehensive apologetic from the Scriptures for the Person and work of Jesus Christ. From His names to His nature, from His works to His worship, this book will lead you from the descriptive affirmations to the well deserved adoration owed to our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This book should be in every home and library.” Mark L. Bailey, Ph.D. President, Dallas Theological Seminary “The authors stage a direct attack upon certain core errors in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses…. Certainly there is enough here to place an element of doubt in the minds of many Jehovah’s Witnesses. Every serious Jehovah’s Witness will have this book on his shelf; how much more should it be on the shelf of every serious Christian. Like feared prosecutors in a courtroom, Bowman and Komoszewski parade a tour de force of evidence in the courtroom of biblical interpretation.” Jeff Miller Bible.org Bowman/Vitae—page 17 Faith Has Its Reasons (2001; 2nd ed., 2006) Gold Medallion Award, 2002 “A brilliantly done apologetics reference.” Charles W. Colson, Prison Fellowship “I know of no better analysis of Christian apologetic systems than Faith Has Its Reasons. It is comprehensive and rigorous, yet eminently readable.” Francis J. Beckwith, author of David Hume’s Arguments against Miracles “Applying the principle of ‘unity in diversity’ to apologetic systems, this book integrates the best insights of each approach. In challenging readers to maximize the stunning reasons for faith in concert with the magnetic power of transformed hearts, Faith Has Its Reasons charts the right course for the future of apologetics.” David K. Clark, author of Dialogical Apologetics “Exceedingly useful.” John Warwick Montgomery, author of Faith Founded on Fact “An excellent, thorough survey of apologetic approaches.” John M. Frame, author of Apologetics to the Glory of God “This volume is an excellent overview of the field of apologetics. It gives not only a superb historical survey but also a look at the different types and approaches to the subject…. This reviewer is so inspired with this volume he plans to go back through and study the text in more detail. In some ways it may be said that the book has in it almost everything you want to know about this important field of study.” Mal Couch, Tyndale Seminary “A massive work of scholarship…provides a wealth of information for those wishing to deepen their understanding of a difficult area of study—Christian apologetics.” Westminster Bookstore Online Reviews “Extensively researched, and offering countless other resources for further study with regard to each theological challenge, Faith Has Its Reasons is a ‘must-read’ for anyone seeking a powerfully argued case for faith in God and Christianity.” James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review “In this well-researched resource, Boa and Bowman offer an overview of how the greatest thinkers in the Christian faith have engaged in apologetics, the defense of the faith. . . . Faith Has Its Reasons is an excellent academic and historical resource for anyone interested in learning more about how to defend the gospel.”—Adam R. Holz, Discipleship Journal Bowman/Vitae—page 18 “An excellent new book which helps clarify the various approaches to apologetics…. A must read—and one of the best contributions to the field of Christian apologetics we have seen in quite a while.” The Discerning Reader “Because this book is exhaustive in its research and detailing of information, it seems overwhelming at first. But it isn’t. For a fact, it is well-organized, written in layperson’s language, and thoroughly documented…. If used as a reference book and taken in smaller bites, this text is helpful, contemporary, and factually solid.” Church Libraries, Spring 2002 The Word-Faith Controversy (2001) “A scrupulously fair assessment.” Craig M. Kibler, Presbyterian Layman (Dec. 2001) “I commend Bowman for this thoughtful and careful historical/biblical critique of the Word of Faith movement. It fulfills his desire to spark further dialogue between the greater evangelical and Word of Faith communities.” Derek Vreeland, Pneuma 26 (Spring 2004) “The most significant critique of the Word-Faith movement published to-date. As in his other books, Robert Bowman demonstrates his ability to present all sides of a complex issue with great clarity—as well as with gentleness and respect…. Because of Bowman’s gentle, reasoned, and well-documented approach, I feel as comfortable sharing this book with friends in the WordFaith movement as I do recommending it to the movement’s critics.” Anton Hein, Apologetics Index “You need not worry about handing this resource to friends who may be sympathetic to the movement. The book contains no sarcasm or satire which might cause them to stumble…. Bowman has produced the most balanced and cogent treatment of the subject to date.” Rich Poll, Apologia Report Orthodoxy and Heresy (1992) “In a day when believers are told that having an experience is all they need to test the validity of a doctrine, comes the much-needed Orthodoxy and Heresy by Robert M. Bowman, Jr. . . . The book is a balanced warning alerting Christians to the danger signals of doctrinal deviation. . . . There is a lot of good helpful information along with a glossary and a subject index making this little volume well worth the price. Bowman’s distinctions between aberrational belief, unsound doctrine and junk food doctrine are tremendously helpful.” G. Richard Fisher, Personal Freedom Outreach Bowman/Vitae—page 19 “The whole book is written in a simple, clear style, and it is particularly valuable in that the author deliberately avoids naming any groups or teachers. His hope is that this will mean people who would otherwise be warned off it will in fact be allowed to read it. His guidelines are balanced and helpful.” Geoffrey Grogen, Evangel, Autumn 1993 “Sets forth the principles needed to understand the biblical case for the practice of discerning orthodox from heretical doctrines…. You will find this book helpful in the way it offers guidelines for doctrinal discernment.” Biblical Worldview, June 1992 “A much-needed balanced approach to the issue of heresy.” William L. DeArteaga, Ministries Today, July/August 1992 “Concise and clearly written, Orthodoxy and Heresy will be of interest to Christians concerned about sectarian differences and competing ministries.” Frank J. MacHovec, Cultic Studies Journal, 1992 Understanding Jehovah’s Witnesses (1991) “This is one of the best books to come out in a long time on the subject of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their interpretive methods. It is the only book that directly addresses the subject of hermeneutics (interpretation) in relation to the Watchtower in any depth.” Randall Watters, Bethel Ministries Newsletter, Jan./Feb. 1992 “In a fair manner, Bowman first finds areas of agreement with the Jehovah’s Witness, mainly being that of a high view of Scripture. From here he explores the similarities and differences between Christians and the Witnesses as pertains to biblical exegesis. This work is must reading for Christians as well as sincere Jehovah’s Witnesses. Highly recommended.” The Critical Review (El Paso, TX) Why You Should Believe in the Trinity (1989) “Robert Bowman has done the church a great favour in his response to the JW publication ‘Should You Believe in the Trinity?’ Bowman is well versed in the JW sources and repeatedly exposes quotes clearly out of context, blatant misrepresentations, bad Greek grammar and crafty ‘eisegesis.’ His own exegesis and discussion of numerous key passages is laid out clearly, logically and in a most readable style, offering a fresh perspective on some familiar texts…. Aside from polemics the book has a warm pastoral thrust in places, discussing such issues as how much knowledge of the Trinity is necessary for saving faith, the importance of the Trinity for the Christian life and how God ought to be worshipped.” Stephen Sutherland, Evangelical Presbyterian, July-Aug. 1995 Bowman/Vitae—page 20 Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jesus Christ, and the Gospel of John (1989) “In this succinct yet detailed volume Robert Bowman has brought together both scholarly information and experiential insight, and the reader can clearly see the errors of Watchtower thinking…. He is informed, scholarly, and exacting in his analysis of John 1:1, 8:58, and 20:28, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ misuse of scholarly sources to bolster their false doctrines…. This volume for some time to come will be a standard reference in this particular area of cultic theology. It is a delight to recommend its usage to the Christian public and to interested scholars everywhere.” Walter Martin (foreword) “Robert Bowman Jr. has done the Christian Church a great service in this recently published book. . . . This book is a valuable statement on Trinitarian theology and a thorough answer to the false claims of the JWs concerning the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Highly recommended.” John Cromarty, Presbyterian Banner “Exceptionally well researched and expounded, reflecting a massive amount of reading and study. A commendable piece of work which will prove of great value to the body of Christ.” Wesley P. Walters “Fallacies are exposed and dismissed in precise language that can be easily understood by laypersons who have no knowledge of Greek. Extremely good in content and detail and highly recommended for all church libraries.” Librarian’s World “I must congratulate Bowman for the thoroughness and clarity with which he has covered the material. The kind of detailed work he has done is definitely needed, and I don’t recall reading a more capable discussion. A fine piece of work.” Moisés Silva, Chair of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary Bowman/Vitae—page 21 IX. Ministry and Teaching Experience Institute for Religious Research Title: Executive Director Dates: September 2008—present Address: 1340 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Phone: 616-451-4562 IRR is a nondenominational, evangelical, nonprofit apologetics ministry, providing resources nationally and internationally in 19 languages on Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, biblical studies, and other related subjects. In the time I have been at IRR so far, I have helped revamped its web site (http://www.irr.org/), produced about 800 pages of new resources, and helped increased its mailing list from 120 to about 1,300. North American Mission Board Title: Research Manager, Apologetics & Interfaith Evangelism (full-time) Dates: July 2006—August 2008 Address: 4200 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022 NAMB is an agency of the Southern Baptist Convention. In my capacity as Research Consultant in People Groups/Interfaith Department, I oversaw the development of NAMB’s apologetics web site (http://www.4truth.net), responded to queries from pastors, the media, and other professionals regarding new religions, world religions, and controversial issues, spoke at churches and conferences, and provided information on such topics for other departments at NAMB. Graduate Program in Christian Apologetics, Biola University Title: Adjunct Instructor (part-time) Dates: October 2001—June 2005 Address: 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90638 I taught the program’s required course in biblical reliability, “Scripture: Canon, Authority, and Criticism,” five times. I also taught its “Cults of America” course and supervised distance-learning students in “Essential Christian Doctrine” (I and II), “Survey of Genesis—Malachi,” and “Historical Theology Survey.” Apologetics.com, Inc. Title: President (part-time) Dates: June 2002—October 2003 Address: 1900 S. Western Ave., San Pedro, CA 90732 For over a year I hosted this ministry’s weekly call-in radio show. I also created materials for the ministry’s web site, spoke in churches, and participated in two public debates— one with a Jehovah’s Witness, the other with an atheist attorney. Bowman/Vitae—page 22 Watchman Fellowship, Alabama Title: Director of Research (full-time) Dates: June 1999—November 2000 Address: 913 Huffman Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 In this apologetics ministry, I wrote articles for and edited the ministry’s magazine, The Vantage Point, spoke in area churches, and created new resources for dissemination to the public. Reflections Ministries Title: Staff Writer Dates: January 1997—December 1998 Address: One Piedmont Center #130, Atlanta, GA 30305-1501 Having already begun co-authoring An Unchanging Faith in a Changing World with Dr. Boa, in 1997 I joined his staff to work on the book full-time. After it was finished, I began writing Faith Has Its Reasons, based loosely on Dr. Boa’s first doctoral dissertation. It turned out to be really an entirely new work. I later finished the book (published in 2001) as his private co-author. Luther Rice University Title: Adjunct Instructor Dates: September 1994—May 1999 Address: 3038 Evans Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 For five years I was an adjunct at Luther Rice, teaching both college and seminary courses. I taught on average 3 courses per semester. Courses that I taught more than once included apologetics, philosophy, cults, hermeneutics, Old Testament theology, New Testament theology, Christology, Romans, and a course on theological research and writing (which I created for the seminary). I also wrote curricula for eight distancelearning courses (apologetics, cults, Old Testament theology, New Testament theology, Life of Paul, Systematic Theology I and II, and New Testament introduction). Brevard Community College Title: Adjunct instructor in philosophy and religion (Palm Bay campus) Dates: September 1993—May 1994 Address: Brevard Community College, 1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922 I taught two semesters on world religions. I used the textbook The World’s Religions by Huston Smith and produced a set of outlines for the students (running to nearly a hundred pages). Christian Research Institute Title: Special Projects Editor (1990-91); Associate Editor (1988-90); Assistant Editor (1984-88) Dates: May 1984—January 1992 Address: P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271-8500 CRI was a pioneering religious research nonprofit organization in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. I wrote articles for and assisted in editing the organization’s magazine, the Christian Research Journal. For four years (1984-88) I edited all research Bowman/Vitae—page 23 department correspondence. In that capacity I overhauled the ministry’s information bank of prepared statements and lists of recommended resources. Along with the other research staff, I counseled hundreds of people by phone and in person. Toward the end of my time there, I was a co-host of the Bible Answer Man radio program (1990-91), fielding questions on religious topics from callers throughout North America. Mt. San Antonio College Title: Adjunct instructor in philosophy Dates: February—June 1988 Address: 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut, CA 91789 I taught two sections of Introduction to Philosophy, concluding the course with a weeklong Socratic dialogue on the question of abortion that exhibited the significance of logic, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and ethical and political theory. Simon Greenleaf University (now Trinity International University) Title: Teaching Assistant Dates: September—December 1986 Address: Trinity International University, 2200 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705 I co-taught the “Contemporary Cults and the Occult” course with Walter Martin, teaching about half of the classes and doing all of the exams and grading of papers. International Bible College Title: Instructor Dates: September—November 1983 Address: 1218 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019 I taught a course on the Synoptic Gospels for inner-city Christian laymen. Calvary Baptist Church (now Calvary Community Church) Title: Adult Bible Teacher (1980-81); Youth Pastor (1979-80) Dates: September 1979—June 1981 Address: 1555 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106 For one year I served as the church’s youth pastor (1979-80). The following year I taught weekly adult evening Bible classes, taught adult Sunday School classes, led two weekend seminar retreats, and preached an occasional Sunday night service (1980-81). California State University, Dominguez Hills Title: Student Instructor Dates: February—June 1978 Address: 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747 I taught a university course on “New Testament History” as my final, senior project. Bowman/Vitae—page 24 X. Education Ph.D., Biblical Studies, South African Theological Seminary, 2015 P.O. Box 258, Rivonia, South Africa 2128; http://www.satsonline.org/ Topic: “The Sermon at the Temple in the Book of Mormon” Ph.D. studies (A.B.D.), Westminster Theological Seminary, 1988—2000 2960 W. Church Road, Glenside PA 19038; 800-373-0119 Historical and Theological Studies—emphasis in Apologetics 3.93 GPA; all language, preliminary, and comprehensive exams passed by 1992 Second draft of dissertation was well under way (over 150 pages accepted) when advisor Robert Knudsen suddenly retired; program suspended in 2001 M.A., Fuller Theological Seminary, 1978—1981 135 N. Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91182; 626-584-5200 School of Theology—Biblical Studies and Theology major (pre-doctoral); 3.78 GPA B.A., California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1974—1978 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747; 310-243-3696 Small College: Civilizations program; Major: Biblical Studies/Philosophy; 3.97 GPA XI. Credentials California Community College Instructor Credential, Philosophy and Religion Valid for Life Bowman/Vitae—page 25 XII. Recommendations “Rob Bowman is a true liberal in the classical sense of the word. He investigates all the evidence and earnestly pursues truth along the path. I have been impressed with his deep integrity when wrestling with scholarly issues—a rarity today. Rob first works with the text exegetically and forms his opinion from the ground up, allowing the text to inform his views rather than the other way around. Rob’s exegetical and theological insights in Putting Jesus in His Place (co-authored with Ed Komoszewski) have received almost unbelievable accolades from some of the best New Testament scholars today. I had the privilege of reading several portions of the book before it went to press. As a man who has trained long and hard in exegesis, theology, and apologetics, Rob is almost peerless. May his tribe increase!” Daniel B. Wallace Professor of New Testament Studies Dallas Theological Seminary Executive Director, Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts “Robert Bowman is one of the most outstanding Christian scholars working today. His research findings are detailed, accurate, and fair; his writings, which are voluminous, are clear and powerful. It is with great pleasure that I wholeheartedly recommend Rob to you.” Robert B. Stewart Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Theology Greer-Heard Chair of Philosophy and Culture New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary “Robert Bowman has been a vital part of our faculty in the MA program in Christian Apologetics at Biola University for a number of years. We consider him an indispensable resource. He is deeply knowledgeable in the full range of apologetics subjects. Prof. Bowman is one of those rare teachers who is both a mile wide and a mile deep. He is loved by the students and holds the full respect of his faculty colleagues. I give him the highest marks in teaching and research.” Craig J. Hazen Director, Graduate Program in Christian Apologetics, Biola University Editor, Philosophia Christi “Robert Bowman is one of the most astute thinkers that I have ever known. This remarkable man has a depth and breadth of knowledge like few I have ever known, but he is able to communicate it all in a manner that will be appreciated by even the simplest of students.” James M. Kinnebrew Vice President of Academic Affairs, Luther Rice University “Mr. Bowman has unusually detailed command of other major and minor religious traditions outside of mainstream Christianity, though his specialization was in the field of Christian theology. He has excellent gifts as a writer and communicator as well as in research. He is truly one of the most talented people that I have seen in our Ph.D. program. I can recommend him highly for any position involving teaching and/or research in the area of Bible and religion.” Bowman/Vitae—page 26 Vern Sheridan Poythress Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Westminster Theological Seminary “I have dealt with many scholars and can say without reservation that Robert Bowman is unusually talented. He combines solid, broad academic preparation with extensive hands-on experience. Academically speaking, I especially appreciate Mr. Bowman’s thoroughness and objectivity in dealing with difficult and sometimes controverted issues. He nuances his conclusions well, showing sensitivity to accuracy of interpretation and detail.” Alan W. Gomes Assistant Professor of Theology, Talbot School of Theology “My work brings me into contact with many scholars. Few match Rob Bowman’s breadth of knowledge and clarity of expression. His writings demonstrate that he is conversant with ideas and literature spanning a wide spectrum, and he possesses an uncommon ability to communicate simply without being simplistic.” J. Ed Komoszewski Former adjunct instructor, Northwestern College “I have known Robert Bowman for over a decade. During that time I’ve been privileged to work with him, and I have found him to be one of the most versatile, balanced, and helpful scholars working today. I especially appreciate his ability to apply his impressive gifts in interacting with both academics and laypersons—a testimony to his skill and his humility. He would be an asset to any organization.” Paul Carden Executive Director, The Centers for Apologetics Research “For nearly fifteen years it has been my pleasure to know Robert Bowman. His sharp mind, biblical knowledge, and research skills have enabled him to make many significant contributions.” Richard Abanes Author of The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code and Harry Potter and the Bible “Mr. Bowman is a fine conceptual thinker and is unusually well read, particularly in the areas of theology, philosophy, apologetics, biblical studies, and cults and world religions. His character demonstrates integrity, commitment, consistency, and quality, and his diligence, clear resolve, and personal discipline equip him well.” Kenneth D. Boa President, Reflections Ministries Ph.D., New York University; D.Phil., University of Oxford “Robert Bowman is one of the most gifted Christian thinkers in evangelicalism today. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the history of Christian thought, and has published widely in such fields as theology and philosophy. As a college lecturer his presentations are always clear, logically concise, and thought provoking. He has earned a reputation for being well-liked and respected by his many students.” Kenneth Richard Samples Bowman/Vitae—page 27 Vice President of Philosophical and Theological Apologetics, Reasons To Believe Adjunct Instructor in Philosophy and Religion, Cerritos College Author of Without a Doubt: Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions “When I stand before my congregation each Sunday, I am clearly aware of the influence my seminary professors have had upon me. Without question, none has had greater influence than Robert Bowman.” Pastor R. Todd Wright Midway Macedonia Baptist Church, Villa Rica, GA “Robert Bowman was the favorite professor of several of our members who were students at Luther Rice Seminary. We invited him to speak in our annual church conference for several years. Rob has the ability to make profound subjects understandable to a congregation. He writes with the same clarity. In fact, he has become my favorite professor, too.” Pastor Jim Stallings Pastor, Maranatha Baptist Church, Lilburn, Georgia