Biography

Dr. Jo Ann Davidson taught in the Andrews University Theological Seminary–the first woman to teach in the Theology department. She earned her Ph.D. in Systematic Theology in 2000. Articles she has written have appeared in the Adventist Review, Signs of the Times, Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, and Andrews University Seminary Studies, along with a column, "Let's Face It," in the journal Perspective Digest. She has contributed chapters to several books, and also authored the books Jonah: The Inside Story (Review and Herald), Toward a Theology of Beauty: A Biblical Perspective (University Press of America), and Glimpses of Our God (Pacific Press). Daughter of missionary parents and former homeschooling mom and music instructor, Jo Ann finds great fulfillment in her many roles as wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, teacher, musician, student and Seventh-day Adventist Christian. 

Current Research or Professional Activities

Dissertation:

Toward a Theology of Beauty: A Biblical Aesthetic (Feb 2000).

Books:

Davidson, Jo Ann. Toward a Theology of Beauty: A Biblical Perspective. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2008.
Davidson, Jo Ann. Jonah: The Inside Story. Review & Herald, 2003. To purchase a copy of this book, please visit the Adventist Book Center web site.

Chapters Contributed to Book/Volume:

“Finding True Rest in Jesus.” In Really Living: People whose lives have been changed by Jesus. Don Schneider, ed. Nampa, ID: Pacific Press, 2010, 43-50.

“Ellen White and Environmental Ethics.” In “Ellen White and Current Issues” Symposium, vol. 5. Merlin D. Burt, ed. Berrien Springs, MI: Center for Adventist Research, Andrews University, 2009 (copyright 2010), 21-78.

“The Inspiration of Scripture: Word Made Flesh.” In Christ in the Classroom: Adventist Approaches to the Integration of Faith and Learning, Vol. 34-B. Humberto M. Rasi, ed. Silver Spring, MD: General Conference of SDA, 2007, 44-65.

“Deep Breathing.” In For You have Strengthened Me: Biblical and Theological Studies in Honor of Gerhard Pfandl in Celebration of His Sixty-fifth Birthday. Ed. Martin Pröebstle with assistance of Gerald A. Klingbeil and Martin G. Klingbeil. St. Peter am Hart, Austria:  Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen, 2007, 51-58.      

“La expiacion segun Moises.” In Volviendo a los Origenes, Merling Alomia, Segundo Correa, Victor Choroco y Edgard Horna, eds.  Universidad Peruana Union, 2006, 247-272.

“Jonas: Lições de um Profeta Para os Ultimos Dias.” In O Futuro: A Visão Adventista dos Ultimos Acontecimentos. Alberto R. Timm, Amin A. Rodor and Vanderlei Dorneles, eds.  Brazil: UNAS Press, 2004, 27-39.

“Seventh-Day Adventists and Ecology.” In The Word of God for the People of God. Ron du Preez, Philip G. Samaan, and Ron E. M. Clouzet, eds.  Southern Adventist University, 2004, 359-378.

“Lessons for the Last Days: The Prophet Jonah.” In The Cosmic Battle for Planet Earth. J. Moskala and Ron du Preez, eds. Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University, 2003, 275-292.

“The Bible and Aesthetics.” In Christ in the Classroom: Adventist Approaches to Integration of Faith and Learning, Vol 26-B, Chapter 8. Humberto M. Rasi, ed. Silver Spring, MD: General Conference of SDA, 201-265.

“Abraham, Akedah and Atonement.” In Creation, Life and Hope: Essays in Honor of Jacques B. Doukhan. Jiri Moskala, ed. Berrien Springs, MI: Old Testament Department, Andrews University Theological Seminary, 2000, 49-72.

“Women in Scripture: A Survey and Evaluation.” In Women in Ministry: Biblical and Historical Perspectives. Nancy Vyhmeister, ed. Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 1998, 157-186.

Refereed Journal Articles:

“The Decalogue Predates Mount Sinai: Indicators from the Book of Genesis.” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, vol. 19, nos. 1 & 2 (2008): 61-81.                                     

“Creator, Creation, and Church: Restoring Ecology to Theology.” Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 45, no. 1 (2007): 101-122.

“The Well Women of Scripture Revisited.” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, vol. 17, no. 11 (Spring 2006): 209-228.

“John 4: Another Look at the Samaritan Woman.” Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 43 (2005): 159-168.

“Word Made Flesh: The Inspiration of Scripture.” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, vol. 15 (Spring 2004): 21-33.

“World Religions and the Vegetarian Diet.” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, vol. 14 (Autumn 2003): 114-130.

“Toward a Scriptural Aesthetic.” Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 41, no. 1 (July 2003).

“Genesis Matriarchs Engage Feminism.” Andrews University Seminary Studies (Autumn 2002).

“‘Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job’ (Ezekiel 14:14, 20)--Why These Three?” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, vol. 12, no. 2 (Fall 2001): 132-144.

“Modern Feminism and Religious Pluralism.” Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, vol. 10 (Autumn 1999): 401-440.

“Eschatology and Genesis 22." Journal of the Adventist Theological Society, vol. 11, nos. 1 & 2 (Spring-Autumn 2000): 232-247.

Professional Journal/Periodical Articles:

“God in Three Persons–Blessed Trinity.” Adventist World, vol. 7, no. 3 (March 2011): 28-29.

“Worshiping God in Truth and Beauty.” Best Practices for Adventist Worship, November 2010 [NAD Church Resource Center newsletter on-line]; available from http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs033/1101578508634/archive/1103867904593.html.

“The Word Made Flesh.” Perspective Digest, vol. 15, no. 3 (2010): 21-25.

“Sabbath is for Love.” Signs of the Times, vol. 137, no. 8 (Aug 2010): 43-46.

“Voices from the Dome: Jo Ann Davidson.” Adventist Review on-line, July 1, 2010; available fromhttp://www.adventistreview.org/article.php?id=3595.

“Hagar: Hope for the Disenfranchised,” “Rebekah: More than the ‘Little Woman’,” “Rachel and Leah: A Lesson in R-e-s-p-e-c-t,” & “Another Stop at the Well.” LEAD magazine, vol. 3, no. 2 (Apr - June 2010): 20-22, 82.

“The Decalogue Before Mount Sinai.” Perspective Digest, vol. 15, no. 1 (2010): 7-23.

“God’s Wonderful World.” Record, vol. 114, no. 41 (October 24, 2009): 6.

                             “Interview.” Shabbat Shalom, vol. 56, no. 2 (2009): 10-17.

“Who Cares? Environmental Ethics and the Christian.” Adventist Review, vol. 186, no. 18 (June 25, 2009): 51-54.

“Creation Care and the Christian.” Perspective Digest, vol. 14, nos. 1 & 2 (2009).

“And It Was Good.” Adventist Review, vol. 185, no. 23 (August 21, 2008): 8-11.

“The Sabbath: A Royal Delight.” New England Pastor (March-April 2008): 6-7.

“World Religions and the Vegetarian Diet.” Perspective Digest, vol. 12, no. 1 (2007): 25-39.

“Well Women Revisited.” Perspective Digest, vol. 12, no. 4 (2007): 7-20.

“Behold the Lamb.” Adventist Review (July 2005): 21-23.

“Old Testament Honor Roll.” Adventist Review (May 2005): 28-31.

“Inspiration and Science.” Perspective Digest, vol. 10, no. 4 (2005): 11-23.

“Those Who Revise and Those Who Revolt.” Perspective Digest, vol. 10, no. 2 (2005): 34-46.

“Anticipating Shabbat, Anticipating Heaven.” Shabbat Shalom (Spring 2004): 30-31.

“The ‘E’ Word.” Perspective Digest, vol. 8, no. 3 (August 2003): 48-52.

“A Great Disappointment.” Perspective Digest, vol. 8, no. 1 (June 2003).

“God’s Word: It’s Origin and Authority.” Ministry, vol. 75, no. 1 (January 2003): 5-9.

“Sabbath: Palace in Time.”  Lake Union Herald (Summer 2002).

“A Rest Designed for Royalty,” Adventist Review, vol. 178, no. 35 (August 30, 2001): 6-10.              

“Deep Breathing.” Adventist Review (May 6, 1999): 36-38.

“The God Who Calls Again.” Adventist Review (June 12, 1997): 8-13.

An article in Adventist Review on the theology and praxis of the Sabbath.

“Sabbath is for Love.” Signs (May 1997).              

Featured front-page picture and article/interview. Women of Spirit (Spring 1997).

Book Reviews in Academic Publications:

“The Majesty of God in the Old Testament: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching,” by Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.  Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 46:2 (2008): 277-279.

“The Mission of God: Unblocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative,” by Christopher J.H. Wright. Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 46:2 (2008): 312-313.

“Is the Reformation Over?: An Evangelical Assessment of Contemporary Roman Catholicism,” by Mark A. Noll and Carolyn Nystrom. Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 46:1 (2008): 142-144.

“Bonhoeffer and King: Speaking Truth to Power,” by J. Deotis Roberts. Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 45:1 (2007): 159.                             

“Living the Sabbath: Discovering the Rhythms of Rest and Delight,” by Norman Wirzba. Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol.45:1 (2007): 160.                     

“Discovering Biblical Equality: Complementarity Without Hierarchy,” Ronald W. Pierce et al, eds.Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 44:1 (2006): 186-188.

“No Longer Jews: The Search for Gnostic Origins,” by Carl B. Smith. Andrews University Seminary Studies, vol. 44:1 (2006):188-189.