The University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosted its Robert E. Knoll lecture Thursday, hosting speaker Achsah Guibbory, who is an Ann Whitney Olin professor of English at Barnard College, Columbia University.
Guibbory spoke about Christian identity and Israel in England in the 17th century.
In England, after the defeat of the Spanish Armada, England was spoken of being protected under God, she said in the lecture.
"Some English people, some of the time, found themselves relating to Jewish people," Guibbory said.
This led to the belief that England may actually be Israel, she said.
"One of the most fascinating phenomenons was the sudden appearance of people who believed they were prophets," Guibbory said.
She talked about some of the more extreme prophets who thought drastic change was necessary.
"English radical prophets were inspired by the Hebrew prophets' need for reform," she said.
Kate Bierman, a senior broadcasting major, said she thought that was the most interesting part of the lecture.
"I liked it when she talked about the different political radicals," she said.
Guibbory said she wanted the audience to know that relations between Christianity and the Israeli faith have been much more complicated, and Christian identity has never been just one thing.
"Christian identity has almost always involved identifying closely to the Israeli faith," she said.
Guibbory said she wanted to also break down the idea of Christians on one side, Hebrews on another side and Muslims on another.
In addition, Guibbory pointed out that the Israeli Bible has reached a varied audience.
"Ideas and language drawn from the Israeli Bible have been used by diverse groups," she added.
Guibbory said that it gave hope to the oppressed for a better future, and even just survival.
"I think it speaks to several human needs," she said.
Bierman said she learned that people in that time wanted to be identified with Israel.
Guibbory said she became interested in studying and lecturing about Christian identity and its connection with Israel in England in the 17th century "partly because of my own personal experiences, my family background, my friends."
She also said studying John Milton played a huge part in her interest as well.
"Milton is at the heart of it," she said.
kimbuckley@dailynebraskan.com
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