Central Faith and Public Life Lectures

The Central Faith and Public Life Lectures address matters of public interest from the viewpoint of Christian faith. The Christian faith and intellectual tradition have vast resources to address the most pressing problems of our world, and we seek to present a public forum where these resources can be presented and debated.

Spring, 2011

Darkness to Light
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Credulous Hypotheses or Credible History?
Is Jesus Risen?
The apostle Paul wrote, "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). Without the resurrection of Jesus, Christianity makes no sense. For Christian belief, the resurrection is the culmination of God's saving purposes in the world and the beginning of a new future for the human race and all of creation. So, it is no surprise that widespread skepticism about the resurrection in Western culture leads many to doubt the validity of Christianity. But, is that skepticism justified? In this lecture and q/a session, New Testament scholar Dr. Bob Yarbrough explored the reasons skeptics doubt and the reasons Christians adduce for believing in the resurrection.

Sunday, April 17 - 6:30 p.m.

Lecture Audio (MP3) Download     Listen

Lecture Q and A (MP3)  Download     Listen

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Spring, 2010

Healing, Evangelism & Christianity's Growing Edge:
A Report & Reflection on Mozambique, Brazil and North America
Dr. Michael McClymond


Sunday, March 21  6:30 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

Lecture Audio (MP3) Listen

Lecture Audio (MP3) Download

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Winter, 2010

Between the Bible and Brain Scans
Understanding Depression
Dr. Richard Winter

 Friday, February 19 - 6:30 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

The incidence of depression seems to have risen dramatically in the last few decades. Many Christians are using anti-depressants but would not want others to know this! What do we know of the causes of depression? Is it an illness or a sin? What is the difference between sadness, grief, and “clinical depression”? How can we recognize the signs of serious depression and what can we do to make ourselves less vulnerable and to help those who are suffering? Do we just need the Bible or can brain scans and antidepressants help too? Can the Church be an instrument of help and healing?   

Lecture Audio (MP3) Listen           Q&A Session (MP3) Listen

Lecture Audio (MP3) Download      Q&A Session (MP3) Download

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Fall, 2009

The fall, 2009 series focused on the problem of suffering. Secular thinkers often cite suffering as the most compelling reason to doubt the existence of a loving and personal God, but Christians believe that through the life of Jesus we come to see God’s surprising response to suffering. We also begin to see how to respond to suffering in our own lives.

Children at War:


Biblical and Personal Reflections
on Growing Up in a Violent Home
Sunday, September 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Lecture and Q&A with Dr. Dan Doriani
Senior Pastor, Central Presbyterian Church

Lecture Audio (MP3) Listen          Q&A Session (MP3) Listen

Lecture Audio (MP3) Download     Q&A Session (MP3) Download

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Suffering and Hope


Sunday, October 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Concert, lecture and Q&A with special guest speaker Jerram Barrs
Covenant Seminary Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary
Culture and Resident Scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute

Lecture Audio (MP3) Listen          Q&A Session (MP3) Listen

Lecture Audio (MP3) Download     Q&A Session (MP3) Download