The continuing theological education and media initiative of Emory University's Candler School of Theology, bringing seminary-level teaching into the places where faith is lived.
📖 Luke 24:13–35
In Luke 24, two disciples take their first steps along the road to theological exploration. It's the first Easter afternoon, and two travelers make their way toward Emmaus. Jesus approaches, and mistaking him for a stranger, they relate to him the news of the recent crucifixion of a man from Nazareth.
In Luke 24, two disciples take their first steps along the road to theological exploration. It's the first Easter afternoon, and two travelers make their way toward Emmaus. Jesus approaches, and mistaking him for a stranger, they relate to him the news of the recent crucifixion of a man from Nazareth. Eventually, Jesus breaks in and teaches them from the Scriptures.
What is striking about this story is not just what these travelers learn, but where and how. Rather than directing them to quit their jobs and enroll in rabbinical training, Jesus brings the teaching to them. The learning they experience occurs on the road and as a part of their daily lives.
Later in the story, when it appears that Jesus is about to depart, they urge him to stay. As they break bread together, it's easy to imagine that the lesson begun on the road continues around a table.
The effects are transformative. Their eyes are opened and they come to recognize their guest as the resurrected Christ. In the midst of their journey, in the midst of shared meals and everyday tasks, theological education becomes part of the life of discipleship.
Inspired by this story, The Candler Foundry aims to make theological education accessible to everyone – believers and seekers, Sunday School attendees and lay ministers, community organizers and non-profit leaders, regular churchgoers and those just curious about faith.
Our offerings are designed to be equal parts accessible and rigorous, providing wise, reliable, and relevant teaching in formats that can be integrated into your everyday life and faith. Join us to grow spiritually and develop practices that enable you to better serve the church, advocate for justice, have meaningful conversations, ask difficult questions, and engage issues that matter to the world.
Our Mission & Growth →Theologians, scholars, educators, and practitioners from across Christian traditions and academic disciplines, united by a shared vision: to make theological education accessible to everyone.
Ryan Bonfiglio serves at Candler as an Associate Professor in the Practice of Old Testament and as the Executive Director of The Candler Foundry. After earning degrees at Princeton University (BA in Chemistry) and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), Ryan completed his PhD in Hebrew Bible at Emory University. His research and teaching interests include biblical metaphors, the Bible and poverty, the Ten Commandments, ancient Near Eastern iconography, and various topics in Old Testament theology. He is currently working on a book that explores the biblical theology of the Sabbath (Westminster John Knox). Ryan was born and raised in Philly and suffers from a life-long love of Philadelphia sports teams.
Cristha Lea is a 2021 graduate of Candler School of Theology receiving her Master of Divinity degree with a Certificate in Religion & Health. Prior to her time at Candler, she studied evolutionary biology at Spelman College earning her Bachelor of Science degree in the spring of 2018. Cristha's passion for media and community-based learning informs her belief that theological education must involve intentional use of media and technology.
Elizabeth "Ebby" Arnold is the Scholar in Residence for The Candler Foundry. She holds a PhD in New Testament from Emory University and her dissertation focuses on the wilderness in Luke-Acts. Through both The Candler Foundry and Candler's MDiv program, Ebby teaches courses on a variety of subjects, including the Gospels, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, and Luke-Acts. Her research areas include the literary interpretation of scripture, humor and emotion in the Bible, and the intersection of the church and the academy.
Emily Avant serves as The Candler Foundry's Assistant Director of Strategy and Operations. Emily earned her MDiv from Candler School of Theology in 2024 following a 17-year career in law and business. She and her husband, Sewell, along with their two children, Richard and Betsy, are active members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. A proud "double dawg" with both undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia, Emily occasionally—albeit begrudgingly—roots for her husband's beloved Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.