Oxford Theologian, C.S. Lewis Biographer, Will Speak at Truett Seminary About ‘Why Faith Makes Sense’

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WACO, Texas (Nov. 13, 2015) – Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary will welcome theologian, professor and author Alister McGrath, D.Phil. and D.D., for its annual Parchman Endowed Lecture Series on Nov. 17 and 18 in Truett’s Paul W. Powell Chapel.

McGrath is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion and director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at the University of Oxford.

“Dr. McGrath will be addressing topics that are basic to the questions all modern humans ask regarding religion in general and Christianity in particular,” said Brian Brewer, Ph.D., associate professor of Christian theology. “How can we understand faith in God in light of science? Can an intellectual person also be a Christian? Does reason give answers to all of life’s questions – or do we need something more than this?”

McGrath will present three lectures with the overarching title “Why Faith Makes Sense: Exploring the Rationality of Christianity.”

The schedule of lectures is as follows.

11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 “Why Reason Isn’t Enough: The ‘Big Picture’ of Faith”

7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 “Seeing Things in a New Way: Grace and the Transformation of Vision”

11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 “Wonder and Meaning: Why Faith Engages the Imagination, Not Just Reason”

“Dr. McGrath is one of the world’s experts on how faith and reason interact in complementary, not contradictory, ways,” Brewer said. “The lectures are intended to help us understand better the ways in which heart and mind, faith and reason are compatible and essential to one another.”

McGrath began his academic work in the natural sciences, but turned to the study of theology and intellectual history. He occasionally has become engaged in broader cultural debates about the rationality and relevance of the Christian faith. His longstanding educational interest led him to develop a series of theological textbooks which are widely used throughout the world. McGrath’s most recent publication is an award-winning biography of C.S. Lewis.

“Dr. McGrath is a world-renowned scientist and theologian, a prolific author and one of the most important Christian thinkers in the early 21st century,” Brewer said. “Most anyone who has read something of theology knows his name.”

The Parchman Endowed Lecture Series brings world-renowned theologians to the Baylor campus and enables Truett to make a significant contribution to the realm of theological dialogue and the life of the church. It was established in 1999 through the generosity of Leo and Gloriana Parchman.

This event is free and open to the public.

Paul W. Powell Chapel is located inside George W. Truett Theological Seminary at 1100 S. Third St.

For more information, contact Brian Brewer.

by Ashton Brown, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

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Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, the Master of Theological Studies, or the Doctor of Ministry degrees that are centered in the gospel of Jesus Christ and consistent with historic Baptist commitments to prepare persons to carry this gospel to the churches and the world. Within the M.Div. degree program, students can choose concentrations in biblical studies and languages, Christian education, ministry leadership, missions and world Christianity, worship leadership, spiritual formation and discipleship, sports ministry, theology and youth/family/student ministry. Truett Seminary also offers three Dual Degree programs – a M.Div./MSW and MTS/MSW through a partnership with Baylor’s School of Social Work, a M.Div./Master of Music through a partnership with the Baylor's School of Music, and a M.Div./MBA through a partnership with Baylor's Hankamer School of Business. Visit www.baylor.edu/truett to learn more.