faculty

Sandra Richter, Ph.D.

The Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies
805-565-6168

Office Location

Porter Center Room 7

Office Available

Wednesdays 1:00-2:15; Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30-6:15 pm

Please schedule appointment on Google Calendar 

Specialization(s)

Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic History, Hebrew language, the intersection of Hebrew Bible and Syro-Palestinian archaeology, and environmental theology.

Research Interests
  • Deuteronomy
  • The Deuteronomistic History
  • Archaeology and the Bible
  • Environmental Theology
  • The socio-economic world of the Ancient Near East
Biography/Details
epic of eden2

 

stewards of eden

Internationally known for her work on Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic History, Dr. Richter brings the Old Testament to life by exploring the real people and real places from which it comes.

Richter is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and earned her doctorate from the Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Department of Harvard University in Hebrew Bible.  A veteran of many years of leading student groups in archaeological excavation and historical geography in Israel, she has taught at Asbury Theological Seminary., Wesley Biblical Seminary and Wheaton College.  She is recognized among the laity for her The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament and the Epic of Eden Bible Study Series that emerged from that project.  Her current research involves a forthcoming commentary on Deuteronomy with Eerdmans.  She is also The Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says about the Environment and Why it Matters (IVP 2020).  Richter is a sought-after speaker in both academic and lay settings.

Read a review of Richter's most recent book, Stewards of Eden

Watch the trailer from Richter's most recent Bible Study

202 Speaking Engagements

Friday & Saturday, September 26 & 27 The Sisterhood Conference 2025 at Covenant Church in Winterville NC. "A Woman's Wisdom from Proverbs 31" and "Ruth: A Woman of Hayil." Organizer: Jordan Sheets. Registration: https://covenantchurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/140/responses/new

Saturday October 4 Launch Event! Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God's Good Earth. Santa Barbara Community Church, 1002 Cienequitas Road, Santa Barbara CA, 3:00-5:00 pm.

Friday & Saturday, October 10 & 11 The Mt. Hermon Women's Retreat at Mt. Hermon Camp and Conference Center, Santa Cruz, CA. "Real People, Real Places, Real Faith." Registration: https://www.mounthermon.org/events/womens-retreats

Sunday October 26 Preaching at Santa Barbara Community Church, "Luke 4 and the Fifth Servant Song"

Friday, November 14 Preaching at Westmont College Chapel, "Not Many Wise: A Testimony"

November 22 Institute for Biblical Research, the PhD Student's Luncheon, "Knowing Who You Work For" 11:30-1:00 pm

January 24-25 The Epic of Eden The Rose Church, Portland OR, Pastors Andrew & Julia Demazio, https://rosechurch.org/

February 12-14 The Mid Texas Annual Awakening for the Global Methodist Church

April 11 "Called 2026" Moody Bible Institute, Chicago IL. A one-day training event designed to equip women who serve in ministry leadership. Contact Professor Pamela L. McRae.

April 22 Earth Day 2026, "Should A Christian Be An Environmentalist?", Harvard Christian Alumni Association. 5:00/8:00pm.

April 30-May 1 "Is it History? A Debate" Exiles in Babylon with Preston Sprinkle

June 21-27 NIV Translation Committee, Nashville TN

July 18-25 Eaton Rapids Family Camp, Eaton Rapids MI, contact@eatonrapidscampmeeting.org