A Yale professor will discuss women in Revelation for the Carmichael-Walling lecture series Thursday.

Adela Collins is Buckingham Professor of New Testament Criticism and Interpretation Emerita at Yale Divinity School. Collins will give two different lectures and will answer questions after each one. She will speak on Intertextuality in the Book of Revelation during her first lecture and Women as Symbols in the Book of Revelation during her second lecture.

Dr. Mark Hamilton, Robert and Kay Onstead professor of Biblical studies and Old Testament, said Collins is an expert on early apocalyptic literature. Hamilton is directing the series while Jeff Childers, the usual director, is in Oxford.

The title for this year’s event is “Scripture and Women in the Apocalypse: Revelation’s Allusive Text.” The series is part of an annual event held at ACU since 1987. Endowed by the Carmichael and Walling families, the series brings theology professors from all over the world to speak. The lectures are open to students, faculty, staff and the Abilene community.

“We usually have a good crowd from the community,” Hamilton said.

The sessions will be in Room 114 of the Onstead Packer Biblical Studies Building, and Hamilton said audiences of about 100 people usually fill the room.

“Anyone who’s interested in the Bible, literature or gender studies should be interested in this lecture,” Hamilton said.

He said the book of Revelation is often misused and hijacked and it would be beneficial for students to be more informed about the book.

“If students are serious about exploring their own faith, part of that exploration is learning about the people who’ve gone before us, and this is a chance to do that,” Hamilton said.

Collins was an advisor and teacher for Noemi Palomares, instructor of Bible at ACU. Palomares earned a Master of Arts in Religion at Yale Divinity School and she said Collins was a friendly advisor and a skilled teacher.

“I felt like we could talk about anything,” Palomares said.

Collins and her husband were hospitable and often invited Bible students to their home for dinner. Palomares said Collins was a sharp teacher who expected her students to be prepared with questions and theories.

“She’ll give you a run for your money,” Palomares said.