Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
314.392.2307 / fax 314.392.2265
www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: MBU hosts Christian Reflections on Contemporary Culture
MBU hosts Christian Reflections on Contemporary Culture
June 28, 2005
Missouri Baptist University hosted more than 100 scholars, professors, church leaders, and laity for Christian Reflections on Contemporary Culture June 17-18 for two days of discussion, along with lighthearted and thought-provoking responses.
Dr. John Han, professor of English at MBU and conference site organizer, remarked, "MBU hosts conferences such as this one to help Christians understand what is going on in contemporary culture and how to engage it. The event reflects our institution's commitment to integrating faith and knowledge in teaching, research, and living. We are gratified by the fact that the conference drew Christian scholars not only from St. Louis but also from Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee." With faith and learning at the core of its mission, the academic climate at Missouri Baptist University provided an excellent forum for discussion of seminar topics.
Philip Jenkins, author and distinguished professor of history and religious studies at Pennsylvania State University, served as the conference’s main presenter. In his first session, Jenkins examined Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code in light of the phenomenon it has created. Jenkins noted that while the best seller suggests an immense popular interest in Christianity, a desire exists to go beyond the portraits offered in the canonical gospels. Jenkins closed the session with questions from audience.
David Dark also presented during the conference, offering his expertise on the topic of the apocalyptic. Dark is the author of Everyday Apocalypse (Brazos Press) and teaches English at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville.
Response papers came from many well-known and respected scholars representing a cross-section of denominations, including William Shea, director of the Center for Religion, Ethics, and Culture, College of the Holy Cross; Esther Meek, professor of philosophy, Geneva College; Hal Bush, professor of English, St. Louis University; and Keith Beutler, professor of history at MBU.
The conference was cosponsored by the Institute for the Study of Christianity and Culture (ISCC), whose purpose is to “provide a forum where members of the academy and thoughtful people of faith can gather and discuss issues relating to the interaction of Christianity with culture.” This conference is the first ISCC conference held outside the Institute’s home base in Michigan.
Recorded sessions available for purchase at www.christianityandculture.org.
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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