November 8, 2013 - Phil Davignon, Ph.D. candidate in Baylor University’s Department of Sociology, visited Union’s campus and gave a guest lecture on the complexities of Christian sociology. This event was sponsored by the Institute for Intellectual Discipleship. His talk was titled Can Sociology Be Redeemed?: What Good is Sociology? Does it belong at a Christian University?
Dr. Justin Barnard, Associate Dean of the Institute for Intellectual Discipleship, offered introductory remarks before introducing Phil Davignon. He began with a quote from C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters that illustrated the perception that of the sciences, and particularly social sciences, sociology tends to be the most at odds with the Christian faith. Dr. Barnard applauded the department for organizing a forum like this for students to approach their discipline from a critical and Christian perspective.
Davignon’s talk began first with a defense of why sociology needs “redeemed” in the first place. He went through a very brief history of the field and its stance as one of the most anti-Christian disciplines in higher education. He introduced the audience to several modern sociologists, some Christian and some blatantly against Christianity, in order to show how pronounced the anti-Christian sentiment can be in the broad field of sociology.
Ultimately, Phil’s lecture focused on his belief that Christianity can benefit sociology and sociology can benefit Christianity. Since all truth is God’s truth, the truths that sociology investigates about the social world are God’s truth. Phil stated that sociology’s approach to social problems has huge potential to make a difference in the world when informed by Christian principles about sin and redemption. He identified three main ways that sociology benefits Christianity, which are tied to its critical, interpretive, and analytical nature.
It was great for the students in our department to hear from another Christian scholar who was able to articulate in a clear way the connections between his vocation as a sociologist and his beliefs as a Christian.
After the lecture, Davignon opened up the floor for students to ask questions and discuss his lecture and his beliefs. He spent some time explaining the research he is currently working on for his dissertation, which focuses on the effect of R-rated movies. He then joined several sociology students for lunch during his visit to Union’s campus.
Dr. Justin Barnard, Associate Dean of the Institute for Intellectual Discipleship, which hosted the event, offers introductory remarks and introduces the keynote speaker.
Phil Davignon, Ph.D. candidate at Baylor University, begins his talk on redeeming sociology in a Christian context.
Phil Davignon welcomes questions after his talk on redeeming sociology.
Students Hannah Hughley, Luke Scogin, and Rachael Boswell listen to Phil Davignon’s presentation on Christian sociology.
Mary Joseph listens intently as Phil Davignon of Baylor University describes his view on how sociology fits into a Christian worldview.
S.I.S. officers McKenzie Lynn, Kelsey Queen, and Shelby Henson listen and take notes as Phil Davignon discusses the redemption of sociology.
Gene Fant, Executive Vice President for Academic Administration, and John Netland, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, listen intently to evaluate Phil Davignon’s discussion of the sociology discipline in a context of Christian higher education.
