University of Leicester academic involved with new Bible Museum from inception

One month before it opens to the public, Museum of the Bible—the 430,000-square-foot museum being dedicated Nov. 17 three blocks from the U.S. Capitol—will host a scholarly panel discussion on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at the museum.

The event, featuring University of Leicester Professor Gordon Campbell,  will outline the rigorous process used to create content displayed throughout the museum and answer questions about the museum's collection practices, some of which have been challenged.

"We want this museum to be enriching and engaging to all people," said Museum of the Bible President Cary Summers. "To that end, we have tapped many of the world's leading scholars with expertise across many subjects and faith traditions, including those with Jewish, Protestant and Catholic proficiency and perspectives, to help us craft the storylines and narrative themes of this museum," he added.

Professor Campbell said: “I have been involved with the Museum since its inception, and have been privileged to lead on academic scrutiny of the History Floor and to contribute to the Impact and Story floors. My aim has been to ensure scholarly integrity, and to help to lift the Museum above the political, ethnic and confessional fissures in American society to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome. Ours is a museum, not a faith enterprise, so we seek to engage, not proselytise.”