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Elizabeth Newman

Instructor, Special Programs
Divinity School

Overview


Adjunct Professor of Theology, Baptist House of Studies

My work focuses on two interrelated themes: 1) building up the unity of the church and 2) extending the visibility of Christ’s body in the face of various cultural challenges. Regarding the first theme, I am particularly interested in how Baptists can understand themselves more fully as part of the church catholic in a way that enhances the whole body of Christ. My interest in the church’s visibility has led me critically to examine which liturgies are actually forming (or distorting) our lives and how “life together,” as Bonhoeffer emphasized, might display more fully liturgy as a way of life. Both of these interests come together in my most recent book: Living the Liturgy: Enlarging the Baptist Vision (Baylor University Press, September 1, 2024). [Use code 17Fall24 at baylorpress.com to receive 20% off + free shipping.]

I began my teaching career at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN (1990-2002) before joining the faculty of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (2002-2019) where I served as the Eula Mae and John Baugh Professor of Theology and Ethics. I currently chair the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Baptist Doctrine and Christian Unity and am co-chair of the Baptist World Alliance Delegation for Theological Conversations with the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Instructor, Special Programs Divinity School

In the News


Published April 7, 2025
Ecumenical Conference: with Hope and Courage
Published March 24, 2025
The Bishop of Rome and Christian Unity - Ecumenical Webinar
Published November 28, 2023
She was the only Baptist and only woman fraternal delegate at a Vatican synod

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Recent Publications


Living the Liturgy Enlarging the Baptist Vision

Book · September 2024 Living the Liturgy displays in particular ways and through specific examples how an ecumenically informed understanding of liturgy can cultivate an enriched Baptist self-understanding and witness in a late modern context. ... Cite

Remembering Churches

Chapter · November 30, 2022 This book contends that the distinctive Baptist ecclesial vision is best embodied in twelve core practices of Baptist churches and their interrelationship: covenanting, discerning, gathering, befriending, proclaiming, equipping, baptizing, ... ... Cite
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