I’m Matthew Wade Umbarger – Professor of Theology and Scholar of the Old Testament
I have spent nine years in Israel studying the Old Testament. While there, I worked towards acquiring the language skills I needed for a deeper level of understanding. Today I delight in sharing what I have received in those studies with anyone that I can.
I am a professor of theology and Catholic studies at Newman University, where I teach some of the best students on earth. My wife, Robin, and our six children enrich my life and bring me joy. Most importantly, they are helping me as I make my way down the hard path to holiness.
Robin and I both grew up in the Independent Christian Church tradition of the Stone/Campbell Restoration Movement. We got to know each other in Greek class at Ozark Christian College. Shortly after graduation, I was ordained as a preaching minister. Later, Robin and I made the difficult decision, after long hours of prayer and study, to formally enter into communion with the Catholic Church. It has not been easy, but we have no regrets. Yet, we remain committed to working towards unity in the Body of Christ.
I’m really still a Kansas farm-boy at heart. I grew up outside of a tiny little town known as Thayer. I miss operating tractors and working cattle, and I especially miss the spectacular views of the most gorgeous sunsets on earth, but God had other plans for me, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Helping students discover the wonders of the Old Testament is immensely gratifying. I still scratch around in the dirt a bit, though. I have a dozen grapevines that I am struggling to encourage to produce enough fruit for a bottle or two of homegrown wine.