JAIME WATERS
Areas of expertise:
Feminist and womanist biblical criticism
Biblical prophets
Women in scripture
Ecological biblical criticism
Workshop: Lamenting with Lamentations
This workshop focuses on poetic laments in the book of Lamentations. Participants will examine ancient Hebrew poetry to experience and analyze its content and structure, reflect on its imagery, and hear the voices and experiences remembered in the book.
While reading ancient laments, participants will draw inspiration and parallels from the evocative images of suffering, hopelessness, regret, and trauma. Participants will consider the emotional realities, lived experiences, and theological challenges contained within the book.
With this grounding, the workshop will explore ways that ancient laments might serve as models for modern communities to lean into and move through their own lamentations. In keeping with the 2025 Congress for Spiritual and Public Leadership theme of “Pilgrims of Liberation,” this workshop will explore ways community leaders can encourage individual and communal laments to sustain and strengthen their communities.
Bio:
Jaime L. Waters is associate professor of Old Testament and director of the Courage to Preach Program at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. A native Philadelphian and alumna of Boston College (BA, Theology and Philosophy), she holds graduate degrees from Yale Divinity School (MA, Religion) and Johns Hopkins University (MA, PhD, Near Eastern Studies). Waters’ teaching and research focus on biblical prophets, women in Scripture, feminist and womanist biblical criticism, and ecological biblical criticism. Before joining the faculty at Boston College, Waters taught for nine years at DePaul University in Catholic Studies.
