How the Psalms' lament is useful today

What does Psalm 137 have to say about the role of lament and displacement in today’s world? Valerie Bridgeman, associate professor of homiletics and Hebrew Bible at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, has researched the question and will share what she has learned in an MTSO faculty lecture.

Bridgeman will present “A Long Way from Home: Displacement, Lament, and Singing Sorrow in Psalm 137,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 in the Alford Centrum on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware. It is free and open to the public. Live and archived video of the lecture will be available on MTSO's Livestream page. 

The lecture will explore lament in the Psalms as a form of protest and spirituality when people feel disconnected from their home, whether because of social disparities or immigration. It is an extension of her summer research project, which includes a presentation in South Africa.

In addition to her work at MTSO, Bridgeman is the founding president and CEO of WomanPreach! Inc., a nonprofit organization bringing preachers to full prophetic voice. An advocate and activist for justice, she is in demand as a speaker and preacher throughout the country. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Baylor University in biblical studies, with secondary studies in ethics.

Bridgeman’s lecture is presented by the Theological Commons at MTSO, which promotes the sharing of knowledge and experience between students, faculty, clergy and the public for the benefit of all participants and those they serve.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of lasting significance in service to the church and the world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree.