The Heart of Christianity (Part 1/9)
Speakers are Dr. Marcus Borg and Dr. Gary Ferngren. What are the core beliefs of the Christian faith? Is there an essential Christian message that appeals to both head and heart? Does Christianity need to adapt its creed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world? Marcus Borg will present the case for a new theological paradigm that reflects modern thought and differs from the dominant models of the past. Gary Ferngren will argue that traditional Christian belief offers both a unique diagnosis of the human condition and a solution as relevant today as in Jesus' time. The debate grows out of Professor Borg's most recent book, The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith (2003). The meeting will present alternative views regarding the nature of Christianity and is the third in a series of annual debates between Professors Borg and Ferngren that have been sponsored by the Socratic Club. Marcus Borg is Professor of Religion and Culture at OSU, where he holds the Hundere Chair in Religious Studies. He is a widely recognized scholar and a member of the Jesus Seminar who lectures widely in the U.S. and abroad. He has authored 10 books. Gary Ferngren is Professor of History, where he has taught since 1970. His books include The History of Science and Religion in the Western Tradition and Science and Religion: A Historical Introduction. The debate is the fourth in the Socratic Club's fifth year as a student organization at OSU. It is modelled on the original Socratic Club, which was founded at Oxford University in 1941, with C. S. Lewis serving as President. At OSU the Club presents offers a forum for opposing points of view on subjects of contemporary debate at the intersection of Christian belief and contemporary culture. For more information see our web site at http://oregonstate.edu/groups/socratic.
Speakers are Dr. Marcus Borg and Dr. Gary Ferngren. What are the core beliefs of the Christian faith? Is there an essential Christian message that appeals to both head and heart? Does Christianity need to adapt its creed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world? Marcus Borg will present the case for a new theological paradigm that reflects modern thought and differs from the dominant models of the past. Gary Ferngren will argue that traditional Christian belief offers both a unique diagnosis of the human condition and a solution as relevant today as in Jesus' time. The debate grows out of Professor Borg's most recent book, The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith (2003). The meeting will present alternative views regarding the nature of Christianity and is the third in a series of annual debates between Professors Borg and Ferngren that have been sponsored by the Socratic Club. Marcus Borg is Professor of Religion and Culture at OSU, where he holds the Hundere Chair in Religious Studies. He is a widely recognized scholar and a member of the Jesus Seminar who lectures widely in the U.S. and abroad. He has authored 10 books. Gary Ferngren is Professor of History, where he has taught since 1970. His books include The History of Science and Religion in the Western Tradition and Science and Religion: A Historical Introduction. The debate is the fourth in the Socratic Club's fifth year as a student organization at OSU. It is modelled on the original Socratic Club, which was founded at Oxford University in 1941, with C. S. Lewis serving as President. At OSU the Club presents offers a forum for opposing points of view on subjects of contemporary debate at the intersection of Christian belief and contemporary culture. For more information see our web site at http://oregonstate.edu/groups/socratic.