Mercer University’s James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology will hold the fourth annual D. Perry and Betty Ginn Lecture Series Sept. 20-22 on the University’s Atlanta and Macon campuses. This year’s lecturer is Dr. John F. Haught, theologian and author of 18 books, including most recently Making Sense of Evolution: Darwin, God, and The Drama of Life.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 10:45 a.m., Dr. Haught will discuss “Evolution and Faith: What is at Stake?” in the auditorium of the Atlanta Administration and Conference Center. On Sept. 21 at 4 p.m., he will discuss “Science and the Quest for Cosmic Purpose” in the Science and Engineering Building Auditorium in Macon, followed by “Astrobiology and Cosmic Purpose” on Sept. 22 at 10:45 a.m. the auditorium of the Atlanta Administration and Conference Center.
Dr. Haught is a senior fellow of science and religion at the Woodstock Theological Center and distinguished research professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He lectures internationally on issues related to science and religion. His area of specialization is systematic theology, with special interest in issues involving science and religion. In addition to his 18 books, Dr. Haught has also authored numerous articles and reviews. In 2002 he was winner of the Owen Garrigan Award in Science and Religion; in 2004, the Sophia Award for Theological Excellence and; in 2008, a “Friend of Darwin Award” from the National Center for Science Education. He testified for the plaintiffs in the Harrisburg, Pa., “Intelligent Design trial” Kitzmiller et al. vs. Dover Board of Education. In recognition of his work in science and theology, in April 2009 he received an honorary doctorate from Louvain University in Belgium. In 2008, he held the D’Angelo Chair in the Humanities at St. John’s University in New York City.
“The Ginn lectureship is devoted to the conviction that theology is ultimately compatible with science,” said Dr. R. Alan Culpepper, dean of the McAfee School of Theology. “The lectures always stretch those of us who are not scientists and prompt students and faculty alike to consider faith from a new perspective.”
The D. Perry and Betty H. Ginn Lectures in Christian Faith and Modern Science were endowed by the Rev. Dr. D. Perry Ginn to encourage a deeper understanding of science by clergy and students, and how it relates to the Biblical revelation. The former pastor of several Georgia congregations, including First Baptist Church, Gainesville, and Peachtree Baptist Church in Atlanta, Dr. Ginn is semi-retired and serves as pastor of the North Clarendon Baptist Church in Avondale Estates.
For more information, or if you plan to bring a group, please contact Diane Frazier at (678) 547-6470 or frazier_d@mercer.edu.
About the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology
The McAfee School of Theology was established in 1996. Located in Atlanta on Mercer’s Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus, the School of Theology offers programs leading to the degrees Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry. The School of Theology also offers several joint programs: an M.Div.-Master of Business Administration, an M.Div.-Master of Science in Counseling and an M.Div.-Master of Arts in Church Music through the Townsend-McAfee Institute for Graduate Church Music Studies, a collaborative program between the School of Theology and the Townsend School of Music in Macon. For more information, visit theology.mercer.edu.
About Mercer University
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University enrolls more than 8,200 students in 11 schools and colleges – liberal arts, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing and continuing and professional studies – on major campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah and at three regional academic centers across the state. Mercer is affiliated with two teaching hospitals — Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah and the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon, and has educational partnerships with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Warner Robins and Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta. The University operates an academic press and a performing arts center in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer is the only private university in Georgia to field an NCAA Division I athletic program. For more information, visit www.mercer.edu.
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