Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio

Denomination: Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA)
Organization: Candler School of Theology

Dr. Ryan Bonfiglio is Associate Professor in the Practice of Old Testament at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He also serves as the Founding Director of the Candler Foundry, an initiative aimed at making theological education more accessible and engaging for the broader public. Through innovative programs like TheoEd Talks, Dr. Bonfiglio works to bridge the gap between the academy and the church, helping people encounter scripture with depth, curiosity, and practical relevance.

A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Bonfiglio holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Princeton University, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Emory University. Before entering academia, he served as a college wrestling coach, a journey that ultimately led him to explore theological questions and engage in scriptural study from a unique perspective.

His research and teaching interests include the theology and practice of sabbath, biblical metaphors, poverty in scripture, ancient iconography, and the evolving future of theological education. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Bonfiglio is a frequent contributor to the Journal for Preachers and collaborates with national and international ministries through his involvement with The Ministry Collaborative.

Known for his engaging teaching style and thoughtful biblical interpretation, Dr. Bonfiglio continues to inspire both lay learners and church leaders. He lives in Atlanta and remains a devoted fan of Philly sports, despite the trials that fandom entails.