Explore Professor Lori L. Denning's Academic Portfolio
Discover insights into the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and more.
Lori L Denning
Ancient Scripture Scholar, Teacher,
Disciple of Christ
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Friend, Daughter, Twin
Collector of Helmets, Friend of Dogs
ABOUT
ABOUT ME
I am a gospel teacher, speaker, writer and student. I have an extensive history as a Fulfillment and Supply Chain Executive, including Fortune 50 companies. I love to bring an element of fun to my professional and personal interactions.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
I believe in fostering a collaborative and respectful environment that upholds the values of integrity, service, and mutual respect. My approach to teaching is centered on creating an inclusive and spiritually enriching classroom environment where all students feel valued and respected. I aim to inspire students by integrating faith and scholarship, encouraging them to seek personal revelation and apply gospel principles in their studies and daily lives.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Family! Friends! Fun!
Adventure! Biking, swimming, running, (sometimes wrapped into triathlons), motocross, travel, snowboarding, pickleball, snowshoeing, racquetball, learning, reading, temple service, cooking, singing, talking, dogs, and Star Wars... all made better with family and friends!
EDUCATION
2022-2024
Doctor of Philosophy in Religion, Critical Comparative Scripture, In progress.
Claremont Graduate University
Honors & Awards:
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Recipient, 2023-2024 Robert L. Millet Fellowship
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Recipient, 2022-2023 Howard W. Hunter Foundation Fellowship
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2022 Big Pitch Finalist, Three-Minute Thesis Competition
2020-2022
Master of Arts in Theology
Gonzaga University
Honors & Awards:
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Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society
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GPA 4.0
Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies & Hebrew
Multnomah University
Honors & Awards:
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Highest Honors
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GPA 3.94
Southwestern College
Honors & Awards:
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Gold Medalist, College Debate and Speech
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Phi Ro Pi Association of Forensics & Debate
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL
Brigham Young University, Adjunct Instructor
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Religion 250, Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel
Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Summer 2023, Fall 2023
Brigham Young University Women’s Conference, May 2024
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“Deepening Your Conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ,” Immersive Class, May 2, 2024
Church Education Week, Brigham Young University, August 2023, August 2024
Courses Taught:
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“Literary Insights of the Creation”
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“Hebraic Poetry in Helaman 13”
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“Framing Narratives in the New Testament”
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“Hebraic Poetry in Doctrine and Covenants”
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“Gathering of Israel through Scripture”
Institute of Religion Instructor, LDS Church Education System
For Strength of Youth, Session SLC 01A, June 2022
Courses Taught:
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“Hear Him”
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“Finding Answers to Questions”
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“Come Follow Me – Knowing Christ to Be Better Disciples”
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“Who Am I – Understanding Who We Are to the Lord”
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“Who I Can Become – The Lord’s Plan for Me and How I Can Choose”
Taylorsville Campus, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2021 – 2023
Courses taught:
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REL 250-43, Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel, Fall 2021
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REL 301-54, Come Follow Me, Old Testament, Spring 2022
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REL 388-34, Women and the Gospel, Fall 2022
Jordan Campus, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2012-2015, Volunteer
Courses taught:
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REL 212, New Testament
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REL 327, Pearl of Great Price
VOLUNTEER & MINISTRY
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Gospel Doctrine Teacher, LDS Adult Sunday School Teacher
River Ridge VI Ward Congregation
2004 - Present
Courses taught: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, LDS Church History & Doctrine -
Legacy Branch LDS Congregation, Legacy Retirement Home
2014 – 2017
Courses taught: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon -
Antioch III Ward Congregation, Walnut Creek III Ward, California
1997-2004
Courses taught: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, LDS Church History & Doctrine -
Early Morning Seminary Teacher, LDS Church Education System
Hilltop High School, Volunteer, 1993
Courses taught: Doctrine & Covenants, LDS Church History
CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS
ACADEMIC
INSPIRATIONAL
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“Unveiling Hebrew Literary Forms in Helaman 13:5-6,” Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting (SBL), San Diego, California, November 2024.
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“Authority Reimagined: Reevaluating Divine and Political Power in Elijah and Jezebel’s Narratives,” Rocky Mountains – Great Plains Regional Meeting (RBS Regional Meeting), March 22-23, 2023.
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“Beyond Jezebel: A Narrative Analysis of the Characters in the Elijah Cycle,” Society of Biblical Literature Global Virtual Meeting (SBL GVM), April 1-4, 2024.
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“Hidden in Plain Sight: Satire and Characterization in the Wife of Manoah in Judges 13,” Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association (PAMLA), Portland, Oregon, October 29, 2023.
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“Hebraic Literary Forms in the Speeches of Samuel the Lamanite,” Faith and Knowledge Conference, Claremont, California, May 20, 2023.
Brigham Young University Women’s Conference, May 2024
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“Deepening Your Conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ,” Immersive Class, May 2, 2024
Church Education Week, Brigham Young University, August 2023, August 2024
Courses Taught:
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“Literary Insights of the Creation”
-
“Hebraic Poetry in Helaman 13”
-
“Framing Narratives in the New Testament”
-
“Hebraic Poetry in Doctrine and Covenants”
-
“Gathering of Israel through Scripture”
PODCAST GUEST APPEARANCES
MY CREATIVE WORKS
VLOGS – The Bible Brief, July 2021 – Present
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Patheos/Radiant.org backed Bible-based vlog on YouTube
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Research, script, and perform all vlogs
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Book-by-book examination of context, structure, and themes in the Bible
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Literary theory, structure, and context
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First Episode: The Bible Brief - Episode 1
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11 episodes currently available on YouTube
PODCASTS - 20 Minute Scriptorian, July 2019 - 2021
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Created an LDS podcast based on the Come, Follow Me Curriculum
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Released 1-2 weekly episodes on practical exegesis and hermeneutics
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Achieved over 3,000 downloads weekly, offered before and during COVID-19
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Applied the learnings from the Theology program to the greater Latter-day Saint worldwide congregation
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122 episodes currently
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Managed and built a supporting website and blog: 20 Minute Scriptorian
PUBLICATIONS
BOOKS
CONTRIBUTIONS
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Chapter, “The Test,” in It Will All Be Worth It, Springville: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media, May 2024.
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Chapter, “Behold, I am the Lord of Glory: Analyzing the Lord’s Self-Introduction in Joseph Smith’s First Vision” in Joseph Smith as a Visionary, Religious Education Symposium in Honor of Sidney B. Sperry. Pending 2024.
ADDITIONAL
VOLUNTEER WORK
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Missionary, Barcelona, Spain Mission, 1991-1993
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President, Relief Society, 1997-1999, Walnut Creek III Ward Congregation, Women’s Ministry
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Ministering Sister, 1990 – Present
MEMBERSHIPS
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Society of Biblical Literature
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Society for the Study of Theology
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Mormon History Association
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Claremont Mormon Studies Student Association
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Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society
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Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association
LANGUAGES
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Spanish, fluent
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Biblical Hebrew, advanced writing and reading, trope introductory
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Catalan, proficient
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Ladino, proficient