JACKSON, Tenn. — March 11, 2015 — James K. A. Smith, professor of philosophy at Calvin College, will speak about Christianity's role in secular society at the 17th annual Scholar-in-Residence Lecture Series at Union University March 17-23.
Smith is the award-winning author of “Who's Afraid of Postmodernism?” and “Desiring the Kingdom,” and his writing has appeared in such publications as Christianity Today, Books & Culture and the New York Times. Smith holds the Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology and Worldview at Calvin College. He is also a senior fellow with Cardus and editor of Comment magazine.
The series of four lectures will cover “Embodying the Kingdom: Reforming Public Theology,” the third book in Smith's cultural liturgy series. According to Scott Huelin, director of the Honors Community at Union University, the series is a “resource for thinking about how Christians ought to live in the public sphere of the secular world, and how we can contribute to public life.”
The schedule for the lectures is as follows:
• “Liturgical Politics: Reforming Public Theology,” March 17 at 7 p.m. in Hartley Recital Hall in Jennings Hall.
• “Rites Talk: The Worship of Democracy,” March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Carl Grant Events Center.
• “Redeeming Christendom: Or, What's Wrong with Natural Law (and Common Grace)?” March 21 at 7 p.m. in the Carl Grant Events Center.
• “The City of God and the City We're In: Augustinian Principles for Cultural Engagement,” March 23 at 7 p.m. in Harvey Auditorium in the Barefoot Student Union Building.
The lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Huelin at (731) 661-5390.