Reverend Thomas L. Leclerc, M.S., Th.D.
Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies
Office Hours
Office: Administration Building, Room 456
Office hours: M/W 11:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m.; T/TH 10:00—10:45 a.m.; other times available by appointment in person or on Zoom
Education
Th.D., Harvard University; M.A. Washington Theological Union; B.A., Merrimack College
Bio
My specialty is biblical studies with particular interest in the prophets and the gospels. While the Bible is an important source of ethical teachings for believers, there are also many aspects of ancient biblical ethics that are troublesome for modern readers. I enjoy the challenge of helping students to read biblical texts critically and to understand them in their historical, social, and literary contexts. Some of my other interests include appreciating how the great works of art interpret, rather than merely depict, biblical stories, and how the Lectionary (the book of biblical readings used in worship) interprets and reinterprets biblical texts in a liturgical setting.
What I Love About Emmanuel:
I love Emmanuel College! I am energized by the mission and charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, which focus on both education and social justice issues. I am inspired by the generosity of students who participate in so many forms of service. I enjoy working collaboratively and collegially with faculty, staff and administration. Emmanuel College is a great fit for me personally and a force for good in our Boston community.
Courses I Teach
- THRS 1111 - Exploring the Bible
- THRS 2102 - In the Beginning: Adam to Moses
- THRS 2114 - The Prophets: Power, Politics, and Principles
- THRS 2205 - The Gospels: Portraits of Jesus
- THRS 2223 - The First Christians
Publications + Presentations
Introduction to the Prophets: Their Stories, Sayings, and Scrolls
Second (Revised) Edition. Paulist Press, 2017
Introduction to the Prophets: Their Stories, Sayings, and Scrolls
Paulist Press, 2007
Yahweh Is Exalted in Justice: Solidarity and Conflict in Isaiah
Fortress Press, 2001
Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration, and Catechesis for Sundays and Solemnities
Nine volumes. Author with Joyce Ann Zimmerman, Thomas A. Greisen, and Kathleen Harmon.
- Year A, 2008 (Liturgical Press, 2007)
- Year C, 2007 (Liturgical Press, 2006)
- Year B, 2006 (Liturgical Press, 2005)
- Year A, 2005 (Liturgical Press: 2004)
- Year C, 2004 (Liturgical Press: 2003)
- Year B, 2003 (Liturgical Press: 2002)
- Year A, 2002 (Liturgical Press: 2001)
- Year C, 2001 (Liturgical Press: 2000)
- Year B, 2000 (Liturgical Press: 1999)
- Living Liturgy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, 2007. Author with Joyce Ann Zimmerman, Thomas A. Greisen, and Kathleen Harmon. Liturgical Press, 2006.
- Living Liturgy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, 2008. Author with Joyce Ann Zimmerman, Thomas A. Greisen, and Kathleen Harmon. Liturgical Press, 2007.
Recent Articles and Reviews
- "Zechariah" (873-884) and "Malach" (885-890) in The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- The Catholic Prayer Bible: Lectio Divina Edition. New York / Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press, 2010. Commentary and Notes on the following books:
- "Daniel," 1414-1441;
- "Nahum," 1493-1497;
- "Habakkuk," 1499-1503;
- "Zephaniah," 1505-1510.
- "Resurrection: Biblical Considerations." Liturgical Ministry 18 (Summer 2009): 97-106
- "The Sunday Gospels of Ordinary Time: Hearing His Voice, Entering His Mystery." Liturgical Ministry, 17 (Fall 2008) 173-182.
- "The Branch." Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception. Walter de Gruyter Press.
- "Isaiah and the God of Justice," The Bible Today 43 (November 2005) 359-64.
- "The Sunday Lectionary as Bible Interpreter," Liturgical Ministry: 13 (Fall 2004) 169-180. (Invited article).
- "Community Conflicts and Decision-Making in the Early Church." July 2002. Online: http://www.voiceofthefaithful.org; July 2002.
- "Faith-in-Action: Biblical Aspects," Liturgical Ministry, 9 (Fall 2000) 184-95. (Invited article).
- "The Gospel Meets the World: Translation and Inculturation." La Salette America." January 2010, 9-11.
- "What the New Testament Says about the Laity." La Salette America (April 2008): 9-11.
- Review of Reading Isaiah: Poetry and Vision by Peter D. Quinn-Miscall (Louisville / London / Leiden: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001) in Biblical Interpretation: A Journal of Contemporary Approaches. (Vol. XII, No. 1, 2004: 97-99).
- Review of Injustice Made Legal: Deuteronomic Law and the Plight of Widows, Strangers and Orphans in Ancient Israel by Harold V. Bennett. (Grand Rapids, Michigan / Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002) in Review of Biblical Literature. (Fall 2003).
- Review of Isaiah 40-55 (Anchor Bible 19A) by Joseph Blenkinsopp (New York: Doubleday, 2002) in Review of Biblical Literature (2003: 271-74)
- Book Awards from The Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada: for Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration, and Catechesis for Sundays and Solemnities. Author with Joyce Ann Zimmerman, Thomas A. Greisen, and Kathleen Harmon. (Collegeville: The Liturgical Press.)
- 2004: Second Place in Liturgy
- 2003: Third Place in Liturgy
- 2002: First Place in Liturgy
- 2001: Second Place in Liturgy
- Dean's Dissertation Fellowship, Harvard University (1998)
- Harvard Certificate for Distinction in Teaching (1997, 1995)
Research Focus
I am presently working on two projects focused on the book of the Prophet known as "Second Isaiah" (Isa 40-55). The first project examines how the Prophet creatively transformed the presentation of God as the Divine Warrior. In ancient traditions, God arose as a Warrior who battled Israel's enemies militarily; Second Isaiah presents God battling social injustice with weapons more suited to an ethical struggle. The second project examines how Second Isaiah uses flora and fauna as images of restoration, salvation, and re-creation.
