Current Lectures
Our Summer Term Lectures begin on May 30. See below for the full schedule.
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7:30pm Tea & Coffee | 8:00pm Lecture
Join us for our summer lecture series in-person or on Zoom. If you are attending in person, please come to the Manor House at 7:30pm for coffee and dessert. Otherwise, click the link below to join us on Zoom (password is 'Lecture').
30 May
The Theology & Philosophy of Ageing
Dr. Charles Taliaferro, Professor St Olaf College & Author
How should we think of ageing? Is it the same as getting older? Is ageing or getting older good? Is being young and youthful the same thing? Does Christianity offer insights about ageing that are different from our secular culture?
6 June
George MacDonald and Reformed Influences on His Life
Joyce McPherson, Covenant College, Professor of English
Joyce will incorporate her research on MacDonald's love for Pilgrim's Progress as well as the influence of Thomas Chalmers's sermons.
13 June
What on Earth is Heaven? Ecological Implications of the New Creation
Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker
20 June
Tacit Knowledge in Crisis: Michael Polanyi’s Vision for Restoring Truth in a Fragmented World
Krisztina Mair, Lecturer in Philosophy, Ethics, and Apologetics, Oak Hill College
We will explore how Polanyi’s concept of tacit knowledge offers a path forward in an era of uncertainty and ideological division. As truth becomes increasingly contested, Polanyi’s insights remind us that knowledge is not merely objective data but a lived, embodied reality shaped by tradition, trust, and personal commitment. We will examine how reclaiming tacit knowledge can help restore coherence in public discourse and navigate the complex challenges of our fragmented world. What is at stake is not only truth, but justice and liberty.
27 June
Why Does Nature Matter? Why Belief Counts for Tree Frogs
Peter Harris, A Roche
4 July
The Paradox of Limitations
Lacey Shelton, L’Abri Worker
To be human is to be limited. Many of the most triumphant moments of history have occurred, however, when mankind has found a way to exceed beyond these limitations and grasp that which seemed impossible. Yet in our day-to-day lives, we all experience the angst derived from expecting to live beyond our limits and many have found relief in accepting these limitations as God’s plan for humanity. Still, the Christian faith encourages supernatural living, and seemingly-impossible sacrifice. So what can we do? How do we humbly accept our limitations and also exercise our call to glorify God with our gifting and achievements? Should we embrace the sacrifice of living beyond our limits?
11 July
The Second Sexual Revolution: Disintegration
Phillip Johnston, Hope Church Greatham
The Western world has been shaped by two sexual revolutions. In a previous lecture, we saw how early Christianity ushered in the first revolution with a cosmic sexual code that overturned the oppressive sexual code of the ancient world. In this lecture, we'll explore how the sexual revolution of the twentieth century overturned the Christian code, resulting not in liberation but in disintegration of intimacy, trust and of our very humanity.
18 July
The Story of Scripture: Seeing the Bible as One Unfolding Story of Redemption
Anna Ochoa, MA Biblical & Theological Studies
The entire Bible, both Old and New Testament, can be seen as one unfolding narrative of redemption told by One Author. However, the Bible can often be mystifying in its various genres and ancient context—in other words, very much not like a story when one tries to read it through! This lecture traces the speaker’s journey through seminary and learning to track with, treasure, and translate for today the story Scripture tells.
25 July
Title - TBA
Andrew Peterson, Author and Song-writer