Steven Smith

"The word of God draws each of us into a conversation with the Lord:

the God who speaks

teaches us how to speak to Him." Pope Benedict XVI (Verbum Domini, 24)

Dr. Steven C. Smith is a nationally-recognized speaker, best-selling author, and Catholic Scripture scholar. For over a decade, he has taught and formed future priests at two of the nation’s oldest and most esteemed graduate seminaries. He’s the author of two widely respected books, and numerous peer-reviewed essays. His latest book is due in early 2020.

Order Steve’s latest book now: THE HOUSE OF THE LORD (2020)

Teacher

He earned his Ph.D. in New Testament and Early Christianity from Loyola University of Chicago (2008). His "Lord" trilogy—The Word of the Lord, The House of the Lord, and The Face of the Lord (2012-20)—is highly regarded and has been read by many. Currently, Steven is finishing a new project called Gardens of Meaning: Myth, Poetry, and Symbol in the Bible. It will be published by Word on Fire Academic (2023). Many of his talks are available at CatholicProductions.com, and his website is TheGodWhoSpeaks.com.

If you'd like to Invite Dr. Smith to your city / parish to speak about Scripture, his books, or another topic, you can find more information here.

SPEAKER

Over the years, Steve has released a number of CDs / MP3s of his courses, talks, and lectures. I’m well aware most folks are too busy to take a class — I’m thrilled to offer a simple way to access my work, at home or in the car. Dr. Smith is represented by Catholic Productions, and you can order his CDs / MP3s here, on his store page.

Today, Steve is busier than ever! When not teaching, or with family, he travels annually to the Holy Land - and across the United States, speaking at numerous conferences, events, and parishes. As Steve explains, “a parish talk is different from the Seminary classroom—which is itself different from an academic conference. I love all of them, and I especially love when I can connect with people in the pews.”

Best-selling Author

Dr. Smith is a gifted writer, with two serious books under his belt, and a third on the way. In 2012, he published The Word of the Lord: 7 Essential Principles for Catholic Scripture Study. It continues to be a popular go-to title, nearly ten years after its release. The Word of the Lord unpacks what a Catholic approach to the Bible looks like: inspiration and inerrancy, Scripture and Tradition, the canon, the relationship of the Old and New Testaments, and much more. Order your copy today (paperback / Kindle).

His follow-up was released in 2017: The House of the Lord. The sub-title makes clear that this is a Catholic biblical theology of God’s “temple presence” in the Old and New Testaments.

“From the sanctuary of Mt. Eden, to Solomon’s Temple, to Herod’s Temple, this book may radically affect the way you read, study, and pray Scripture,” he says. “All of these Old Testament temple scenes lead us to Jesus, who is the true Temple, the eternal High Priest, and the perfect sacrifice, all at once.” —Steven Smith

Purchase The House of the Lord today (hardcover / paperback).

Recently, Steve released up his third book of his “Lord” trilogy, The Face of the Lord. This is the most ambitious subject I’ve ever undertaken,” he admits. It’s about contemplating Jesus, the Divine Son through what are known as the the ‘four senses’ of Sacred Scripture. Along with ancient and medieval guides, the book examines numerous theophany encounters in Scripture. “But this book pushes things further than the others,” Steve adds. “It’s not only Augustine, Aquinas, and St. Bernard with whom we’ll read the Scriptures, but with Bishop Robert Barron … and even Jordan Peterson!” (The cover of the book features a carving by an artistic colleague of Peterson.)

Order it now: THE HOUSE OF THE LORD (2020)

ABOUT Steve

Steve grew up in a big Catholic family in NW Chicago. As a young adult, he had a powerful conversion to Christ — outside the Church. In the 1990s, He ended up as a leader at one of the nation’s most influential Evangelical mega-churches, Willow Creek. In pursuing graduate studies in Scripture and theology at the prestigious Wheaton College Graduate School, he gradually rediscovered the full picture of early Christianity, and fell in love again with his Catholic faith. He returned to the Catholic Church in 2000.

“It is wonderful to have this whole trilogy out there — over a decade of research, writing, discovery and prayer.” Still, Steve’s heart is forming priests. “I can’t imagine teaching anywhere but here,” he pointedly says.

—Steven C. Smith is a proud member of the elite Catholic Speakers Organization, CMG Booking.