Chair Of Religion Department To Speak In Chapel

by Janelle Bagci, Student Newswriter

Known for his quick wit and engaging story telling, Dr. Randall O'Brien will discuss the least understood of all God's commandments with chapel audiences at 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday.
O'Brien will interpret the third commandment in Deuteronomy 5, which emphasizes not to take the Lord's name in vain.
This command is about "saying one thing and living another," O'Brien said. Through stories and anecdotes, O'Brien wants to help students understand the importance of living a Christ-like life.
After speaking about forgiveness the past two chapels, O'Brien decided not to speak about forgiveness a third time, despite the influx of thankful e-mails after his Chapel lectures.
"I wish I could speak about forgiveness," O'Brien said. "The e-mails I get about families and relationships that are healed are amazing. Everyone needs forgiveness."
A member of the religion faculty since 1991, O'Brien became chair of the religion department in June 2002 and also has served as acting dean of George W. Truett Theological Seminary. His areas of expertise are the book of Job and suffering and faith.
O'Brien conducts research in the area of the ethics of war and "just war" issues. As a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, O'Brien also can comment on experiences military personnel will face in times of war.
For more information on Chapel or Dr. Randall O'Brien, contact the Office of University Ministries at 710-3517. Chapel can be viewed online at www.baylor.edu/um .