Carson-Newman religion professor Ballard releases new book

^{Dr. Wayne Ballard, professor of religion}

(April 2, 2015) – Dr. Wayne Ballard, a professor of religion at Carson-Newman University, has released a new book, “The Exile and Beyond,” from Smyth & Helwys Publishing.

The new book is part of the “All The Bible Series,” an eight-volume basic biblical survey series to assist in nurturing a better understanding of the message and background of the biblical writings.

“The Exile and Beyond” seeks to bring to life the sacred literature of Israel and Judah that comprises exilic and postexilic communities of faith. Ballard says his hope is for readers to take away words of encouragement and hope.

“Though plagued with devastation, exilic and post-exilic Israel is faced with a challenge: how to rebuild in the midst of adversity,” explained Ballard. “There are so many people in our world today who are living in their own personal “exiles.” I want to share with people there is always hope with God.”

According to Ballard, a reoccurring thread throughout the writing process was thoughts of his father. “My father is a Baptist layman,” said Ballard. “Every week he spends at least five to 10 hours preparing to teach his Sunday school lesson. Every time I finished a chapter of this work I asked myself if my father would be able to take the words of that particular chapter and apply them to his lesson or situation. In one sense, I wrote this entire work with my father and other lay students of the Bible in mind.”

Ballard joined Carson-Newman’s faculty in 2002. He teaches Old Testament, Hebrew and Leadership. Ballard received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University before earning his Master of Divinity degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds doctorates from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Tennessee.

Copies of “The Exile and Beyond” may be purchased online at Helwys.com, or through Amazon.com.