June 2, 2025
An Interview with Dr. Phillip Bollinger
Professor, Biblical Studies (Old Testament)
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
My path to studying the Old Testament began during my undergraduate years at Moody Bible Institute. Though I grew up in the church, my understanding of the Old Testament was initially limited to well-known stories like David and Goliath. However, during my freshman Old Testament Survey course, I began to see the Old Testament as an integral part of God’s grand redemptive story.
As my appreciation for the connections between Scripture deepened, so did my desire to study the Old Testament more thoroughly. During my sophomore year, I began learning biblical Hebrew—a challenge that stretched me but also sparked a love for studying Scripture in its original language. My passion grew even more during a year studying at Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School in Israel, where I immersed myself in the language, culture, and history of the biblical text. That year also held personal significance, as I met my future wife, who is also a faculty member at Kairos.
How did your academic journey lead you to Kairos University?
After developing a deep love for the Old Testament and biblical Hebrew, I pursued graduate studies that ultimately led me to specialize in metaphors within the Old Testament, particularly consumption metaphors—language related to eating, swallowing, and vomiting in connection to the land.
My passion for teaching grew alongside my studies, and I felt a strong calling to help others, particularly pastors and church leaders, engage more deeply with the Old Testament. Over time, this calling led me to Kairos University, where I found a unique space to mentor students, equip leaders, and be part of a theological community that values deep scriptural engagement.
What excites you most about your discipline?
I think studying the Old Testament is exciting because it is an intersection of history, archaeology, literature, language, and faith. It is a collection of ancient, God-inspired texts that continue to shape our understanding of God and ourselves today.
The theological worldview given to us in the opening chapters of Genesis tells us about who we are and whose we are. We are God’s image bearers in the world God created. These truths are desperately needed in our world today.
I find great meaning in how the Old Testament speaks to human experience through psalms of lament and praise, the critiques of the prophets, and the challenging questions posed by books like Job. I believe that when people read the Old Testament well, they not only grow in knowledge but also develop a deeper awareness of God’s justice, mercy, and call to care for the vulnerable.
What books, theologians, or resources have influenced your work the most?
I am an advocate for providing accessible and engaging resources for Old Testament study. One of my top recommendations is The Bible Project, a series of animated videos that offer insightful overviews of biblical books and themes.
Among scholars, one of my greatest influences is Christopher J. H. Wright. I particularly appreciate Wright’s books Old Testament Ethics for the People of God and The Mission of God, which explore the ethical and missional dimensions of the Old Testament.
I often encourage students to participate in structured learning experiences related to biblical studies. Whether through formal education, church study groups, or personal deep dives, rich discussion and dialogue in community can be profoundly formative.
What do you hope students take away from your teaching?
My ultimate hope is that students walk away not only with knowledge but also with tools to continue their own lifelong study of Scripture. I want them to develop a deep appreciation for the Old Testament’s role in the larger biblical narrative and to see how it informs their faith today.
I love to see how God is at work in the lives of my students and how God uses his word to encourage, challenge, and form us. I hope students will continue to wrestle with Scripture, ask difficult questions, and engage the Old Testament in ways that shape their faith and ministry for years to come.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Bollinger’s passion for the Old Testament is evident in both his scholarship and his teaching. His journey—from a student captivated by the Old Testament’s connection to the grand story of redemption to a professor equipping others to engage with Scripture—continues to shape his work at Kairos University.
Stay tuned for the next faculty interview, where we’ll continue exploring the journeys, insights, and passions of the Kairos faculty.