Faculty Spotlight: Matthew Goff

Matthew Goff is a professor in the Department of Religion, part of Florida State University’s College of Arts and Sciences. He earned his master of theological studies degree from Harvard Divinity School in 1997 and his doctorate from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2002, both in biblical studies, before joining FSU’s faculty in 2005. He was appointed president of the American Academy of Religion - Southeast Region in 2024. Goff’s most recent book, “The Apocrypha: A Guide,” was published by Oxford University Press in September 2024 and provides an introduction to a collection of sacred texts, examining their themes and historical significance.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I’m originally from rural Maine. While I was in graduate school, a good friend of mine named Shannon Burkes was teaching in the Department of Religion here at FSU. I vividly remember telling myself I wanted a job like the one she had. When I was offered the opportunity to teach here in 2005, I immediately knew it was the ideal environment for me. Having colleagues who are experts in radically different topics from my areas of specialization challenges me with new ideas and perspectives. It also offers opportunities for collaboration, allowing us to create interdisciplinary classes together.

Can you describe your main research focus?

My primary area of research lies in the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient manuscripts that have dramatically expanded our understanding of early Judaism and the origins of Christianity. They offer a glimpse into the history of ancient Israel and reveal information that wasn’t available a few decades ago including diverse beliefs, significant textual variations among biblical manuscripts, and detailed apocalyptic expectations of the end of the world, which deepen our understanding of the Bible and early religious traditions.

Beyond your main research area, what other research topics are you passionate about?

My research interests focus on two main themes — how people in antiquity understood wisdom and monsters. The first ties closely to apocalyptic traditions, or religious or cultural beliefs focused on revealing hidden knowledge often related to the end of the world or the ultimate destiny of humanity. In this context, wisdom encompasses ancient ways of knowing, learning, and interpreting the world. I even offer a course, “Apocalypse Now and Then,” in which we examine how ancient societies used various sources of knowledge, including wisdom literature, to understand their world. I’m also fascinated by how ancient people imagined the monstrous aspects of the world. In antiquity, the world was seen as a place filled with mysterious entities such as dragons, demons and other fantastical creatures.

Tell us about your recent book.

“The Apocrypha: A Guide” was published by Oxford University Press in September. It's an introduction to the Apocrypha, a collection of sacred texts included in some versions of the Christian Bible but not in all denominations, which encompasses a wide range of themes, including historical accounts of events and figures, wisdom literature, prayers and apocalyptic writings. The book is aimed at readers who aren’t familiar with the Apocrypha because I wanted to reach a broader audience, such as my students. The book also delves into the controversies surrounding the Apocrypha and examines their cultural influence.

What do you want the public to know about your research? Why are your topics important?

I want to highlight the importance of interpreting ancient texts, such as the Bible, within their historical contexts. In my classes, I emphasize that our identities and experiences are deeply shaped by our historical and cultural backgrounds. Similarly, texts like the Bible did not appear out of the blue but instead evolved over time. The Bible isn’t a static document; it reflects a rich historical development. This is essential to understand the history behind religion and why there are different versions of the Bible.

Tell us about becoming president of the AAR-SE this year.

I’m honored to take on this role, which primarily involves several administrative responsibilities. One of my main duties is to help organize our annual conference, to be held in March 2025, where I’ll give a presidential address. It will be on understanding Q-Anon in relation to the apocalyptic tradition. What I enjoy most about my work is addressing a diverse audience of professors and students, not just those in my area of research.

What is your favorite part of your job and your best memory so far from working at FSU?

I feel immensely lucky to work with graduate students because I can see them transition from students into great scholars and colleagues. For example, a couple years ago, I was at a conference and a scholar recommended me a recently published book, which turned out to be the published version of a dissertation I had supervised. It was a sign that my student had become an established scholar. That was definitely a full-circle moment.

Who are your role models?

John J. Collins, the Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale Divinity School and my graduate adviser, is a significant role model for me. He was a prolific scholar who always took graduate students seriously and made time for me. I became the scholar I am today because John took an active interest in guiding and training me.

Do you have any exciting upcoming projects you’re working towards?

Over the summer, I dedicated much of my time to writing since I'm working on another book. This book will explore demons, monsters, and giants in ancient Judaism and early Christianity.

If your students only learned one thing from you (of course, hopefully they learn much more than that), what would you hope it to be?

I want students to learn the art of slow reading, how to closely examine a small amount of text thoroughly. The Bible is a great text for this practice because it forces students to deeply consider an excerpt, understand its nuances and explore different interpretations. This skill will carry over into other aspects of life, and it’s invaluable.