Joshua Matson - Joshua Matson Video

Joshua came to Florida State to earn his PhD in Religion because it is one of few programs in North America that offers balanced training in the study of the religions of Mediterranean antiquity, in particular the Dead Sea Scrolls. His research concentrates on understanding the processes by which religious communities collect and authorize texts and how the interpretation of those texts functions over time. Joshua does not see such dynamics as relegated to antiquity, however – these processes of interpretation, authorization, and collection still plan key roles in the lives of groups and individuals today, and often affect how they vote, live their lives, and interact with others. Joshua's greatest career aspiration is to help others better understand the development of religious ideas, and thus gain a fuller perspective of themselves, others, and the world in which they live. Joshua received multiple prestigious awards to fund his dissertation research, including a Dissertation Research Fellowship from Brigham Young University and a PhD Research Grant for International Students from the State of Israel.