Well-known writer, speaker and Bible scholar Ben Witherington III will give a series of talks on Jesus for the University of South Carolina's annual Nadine Beacham and Charlton F. Hall Sr. Lectureship in New Testament Studies and Early Christianity, March 27-28.

In its 13th year, the lectureship features three talks, all of which are free and open to the public. Witherington, professor of New Testament interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky., is known for his books, public lectures and frequent appearances on national radio and television.

Witherington's primary public talk, titled "What Have They Done with Jesus? Beyond Strange Theories and Bad History," is based on his latest book by the same title and is set for 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, in the university's Russell House ballroom. In this talk, Witherington will tackle modern images and interpretations of Jesus, with examples ranging from the DaVinci theories to new-age programs on satellite radio.

Witherington will address clergy from all faiths at 10 a.m. Thursday in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia for a talk, titled "Jesus the Seer," which focuses on Jesus as a visionary prophet. His concluding talk will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 28, in Stavros Lecture Hall at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Titled "Jesus the Sage," the talk will focus on the historical Jesus and how Jesus presented himself as an early Jewish sage, using sayings and parables.

Many of Witherington's books will be for sale at the lecture sites and the University Bookstore during his visit.

For more information, call the Department of Religious Studies at 803-777-4100 or visit www.cas.sc.edu/relg/.

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