Bourbon St. Meets the Bible

It's a gray day in New Orleans, and rainy. No, not THAT rainy, but enough to keep the biblical scholars to their session... till nighttime, that is. The Society of Biblical Literature is meeting right now in downtown New Orleans, just off the French Quarter. This annual meeting, which gathers in a different place each year, is the biggie for all folks involved in studying the Bible. It's a great mix, with sessions ranging from "the Forum on Missional Hermeneutics" to "Method and Madness in the Study of the Bible and Popular Culture," from "Archaeology of Religion in the Roman World" to "the Formation of Isaiah." But you'd have to choose, because those are held at the same time... along with 36 others, all meeting from 1-3:30. It's a huge conference, and the opportunities for learning about anything related to the history, literature, and intepretation of biblical texts and their worlds is dizzying. And I haven't even mentioned the publishers' exhibit hall, much less the perfectly delightful chances -- chance or planned -- to visit with colleagues, friends, and maybe even a rival or two. Then it's off into the streets and charming alleyways of this vibrant and storied place.