Reverend Thomas L. Leclerc, M.S., Th.D.

Chair, Department of Theology + Religious Studies; Associate Professor of Theology + Religious Studies

Contact Information

617 975-9352

Office Hours

Office: Administration Building, Room 456

Office hours: Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; other times by appointment

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.

Publications + Presentations

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

Review of The Desert Will Bloom: Poetic Visions in Isaiah eds. A. Joseph Everson and Hyun Chul Paul Kim (Society of Biblical Literature, 2009). Forthcoming.
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)

Reverend Thomas L. Leclerc, M.S., Th.D.

Chair, Department of Theology + Religious Studies; Associate Professor of Theology + Religious Studies

Contact Information

Office Hours

Academic Convocation 2013

Student Accomplishments: Fall 2013

Emmanuel Observes Anniversary of Gettysburg Address

Divining Venus

Grant Kuehl '15

What is Academic Convocation?

Why Political Science?

Spencer Deschenes '14

Academics at Emmanuel

Emmanuel Celebrates Graduates, Honorees at 91st Commencement

Peace and Democracy are Predominant Themes of Middle East Week

Student Accomplishments 2012-2013

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