Dr. Deanna Thompson is a professor of Religion who also teaches classes in African American Studies, Women Studies, and Social Justice. A respected scholar in the study of Martin Luther and feminist theology, many of Thompson’s publications—including her book, Crossing the Divide: Luther, Feminism, and the Cross (Fortress, 2004)—focus on bringing Lutheran and feminist theology together in generative ways. Since the publication of her theo-memoir, Hoping for More: Having Cancer, Talking Faith, and Accepting Grace (Cascade, 2012), Thompson speaks and publishes widely on thinking theologically about living with cancer. Thompson is also one of 38 theologians chosen by Westminster John Knox Press to get back to doing what theologians used to do: write commentary on Scripture. Her theological commentary on the book of Deuteronomy was released in 2014. Her newest book, The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World (Abingdon, 2016) focuses on the current digital revolution and its potential for helping us better care for one another in the worst times of our lives. Thompson received a sabbatical grant from the Louisville Institute for her project: “Glimpsing Resurrection: A Post-Traumatic Theology of Cancer” and will be working on this project during the 2016-2017 academic year. Thompson also is active in the American Academy of Religion, where she served for eight years on the Board of Directors, six years as Director of the Upper Midwest Region, and six years as co-chair of the Martin Luther and Global Lutheran Traditions Program Unit.