Noted Author, Philosopher to Discuss Augustine’s Answers to Today’s Challenges During Truett Lecture Series

September 21, 2018
James Smith

James K. A. Smith, Ph.D., professor of philosophy at Calvin College, will headline the Parchman Endowed Lecture Series.

Professor James K.A. Smith to headline Truett Seminary’s Parchman Endowed Lecture Series

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by Jessie Jilovec, student newswriter

WACO, Texas (Sept. 21, 2018) – In the current secular age, people are more religious than perceived; they hunger for significance, search for meaning and seek redemption in a variety of places, including the latest protests and the local gym, says a noted author and philosopher who will headline this year’s Parchman Endowed Lecture Series hosted by Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

James K. A. Smith, Ph.D., professor of philosophy at Calvin College, who will lecture three times during the two-day event beginning Tuesday, Sept. 25, said people today are experiencing constant frustration and disappointment, which manifests into intolerance, demonization and polarization.

“When we ‘naturalize’ significance, when we look for meaning in the political, for example, then anyone who disagrees with us is nothing short of a heretic,” Smith said.

During his series, “On the Road with Augustine,” Smith said he will share his belief that third and fourth century theologian Augustine, a Christian bishop, provided insights that apply to today’s challenges.

“We’ve inherited something like Augustine’s questions and his quest, but to this point, we’ve spurned his specific answer: the grace found in Jesus Christ,” Smith said. “I want to suggest that this ancient African has both read our postmodern mail and has a word of liberation for us.”

Smith will present “On the Road with Augustine” through three lectures at Truett Seminary’s Paul Powell Chapel, 1100 S. Third St. The schedule includes:

  • “Heart on the Run: How to be a Prodigal” at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25.
  • “Augustine our Contemporary: How to Find Yourself” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25.
  • “An Émigré Spirituality: How to Live Between” at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Smith said Augustine has more influence on people than is realized through 20th century movements like existentialism and his direct influence on people like German philosopher Martin Heidegger and French author Albert Camus, whose impact has “trickled down into popular culture.”

Kimlyn Bender, Ph.D., professor of Christian theology at Truett Seminary, said Smith’s lectures will be beneficial for people preoccupied with questions of identity, significance and meaning.

“His engagement with Augustine draws on one of the earliest Christians to give extensive thought to how the Christian faith addresses such questions, as well as how Christians are to live in a contentious and fragmented culture and world,” Bender said.

The Parchman Endowed Lectures bring world-renowned theologians to Baylor, allowing Truett Seminary to contribute to the world of theological dialogue and the life of the church.

Smith is the holder of The Gary and Henrietta Byler Chair in Applied Reformed Theology and Worldview at Calvin College. He is a trained philosopher with a contemporary focus on French thought. Through his scholarly platform, Smith has expanded to become an engaged public intellectual and cultural critic.

Smith has written for various outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Christianity Today, and he is the editor-in-chief of Comment magazine. He is a well-known author of many books, including the trilogy of "Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation", "Imagining the Kingdom: How Worship Works" and "Awaiting the Kingdom: Reforming Public Theology.”

For more information, visit the Truett Seminary website.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 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.

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, Family Ministries, Ministry Leadership, World Christianity, Worship Leadership, Spiritual Formation, Sports Ministry and Theology. Truett Seminary also offers five joint degree programs – an M.Div./M.S.W. and M.T.S./M.S.W. through a partnership with Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, an M.Div./M.M. through a partnership with Baylor’s School of Music, an M.Div./M.B.A. through a partnership with Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, an M.Div./J.D. degree through a partnership with Baylor Law School and an M.Div./M.Ed. and M.Div./M.A. through a partnership with Baylor’s School of Education. Visit www.baylor.edu/truett to learn more.