EVENTS

LECTURES: We bring leading theologians to Houston—usually twice in the spring and twice in the fall—who keep us on the cutting edge of the ferment in biblical and theological studies. Engagements with our speakers usually take place on Friday evening, and Saturday morning and afternoon.

2008 Lecture Calendar

Click here to register EVENT REGISTRATION FORM


February 8 & 9, 2008 (Friday & Saturday) - "Beyond Atheism, Literalism and Convention"

MARCUS BORG, Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture, Oregon
State University

St. Paul's United Methodist Church
5501 Main Street
Houston, TX 77004


March 14 & 15, 2008 (Friday & Saturday) - "Life After Death and How To Get It"

ALAN SEGAL, Professor of Religion and Ingeborg Rennert Professor of Jewish Studies,
Barnard College, Columbia University

Christ Church Cathedral
1117 Texas Avenue
Houston, TX 77002


October 3 & 4, 2008 (Friday & Saturday) - Topic & Location: To Be Announced

JOHN DOMINIC CROSSAN, Professor Emeritus, Department of Religious Studies,
DePaul University


November 7 & 8, 2008 (Friday & Saturday) - Topic & Location: To Be Announced

BARBARA ROSSING, Professor of New Testament, Lutheran School of Theology
at Chicago

2008 Spring Luncheon Calendar

LUNCHEON LECTURES: Whereas our weekend lectures feature nationally known theologians, our luncheons feature local scholars who share theological insights concerning their areas of expertise. Two previous topics were “Remythologizing Faith” and “What the Gospel of Judas Really Says".

The luncheons take place the 2nd Wednesday of each month, September thru May, and are held at The Forest Club, 9950 Memorial Drive (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). Advance reservations are made by mailing a check for $30 per person (include name, address, phone number and e-mail address) to: The Foundation for Contemporary Theology, P.O. Box 25222, Houston, TX 77265-5222.

Click here for Luncheon Registration REGISTRATION

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Jeffrey Kripal
"The Religion of No Religion: A Brief History of 'I'm Spiritual But Not Religious'"
We will explore the literary, metaphysical, psychical, psychedelic and political histories of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA, as a catalytic institution in creating several movements, including American counter-culture, New Age, Human Potential and the liberal religious worldview voiced as "I'm spiritual but not religious". Jeff is Professor and Chair of Religious Studies at Rice University.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Ryan Valentine
"The Good Book Goes to School"
Elective courses in Bible - largely absent from public education in past decades - are suddenly growing in popularity arouund the state and nation. Curricula used in such courses runs from the ridiculous to the sublime, sometimes exhibiting strange theologies and bizarre hermeneutical worlds. Ryan is Director of the Texas Faith Network arm of the Texas Freedom Network.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Bill Linden
"The Historical Jesus for Beginners"
Many scholars view the Christian Gospels as a combination of history and metaphor. It is possible that the Gospel authors intended some of their writings as metaphor and we have literalized them into being history? We will explore that question together. Bill has a post- graduate diplomain theology from Oxford University and is Chairman of the Board for the Foundation for Contemporary Theology.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Becky Edmiston-Lange
"All Is Grist for the Spiritual Mill"
Our religion, instead of being a separate, objective, seldom- changing conviction, is a product of an ongoing dialog between our life experiences and theological constructs. Our individual spiritual growth cannot be separated from our psychological growth, making our theology somewhat autobiographical, as is this presentation. Becky is co-minister at Emerson Unitarian Church.


Click here to return to the Home Page

This page was last updated on December 28, 2007