About Samantha

Dr. Samantha Bise is an author, poet, educator, and researcher whose work explores the intersects of language and power—especially within religious and imperial systems. Her most recent book is Tongue in Church: A Liberating Primer on Christian Vocabulary.

Samantha teaches college rhetoric, writing, communications, ESL, literature, humanities, and social science courses. With a background in English, anthropology, literacy, and critical theory she brings a deeply interdisciplinary approach to her writing and teaching by examining how words shape belief, identity, information, and social structures. Her doctorate is in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education from Indiana University. 

Over the course of her career, she has worked for an online learning program, as a GED math and literacy teacher, as an academic librarian, and as a college professor. In all of these roles, Samantha has helped students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of how information is created, shared, and interpreted. 

Her writing and research focuses on the historical, linguistic, and political dimensions of Christian language and literacy; cultural and political rhetoric concerning gender; and language as it relates to themes of oppression and liberation.  Samantha deeply believes the language we use forms us as individuals and our social systems of power.

Samantha is also the co-host of the Church Chatter Podcast, a podcast exploring the surprising linguistic, cultural, and theological contexts behind different religious words and phrases. Episodes can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

She lives in northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, two daughters, and Cocker Spaniel.