Full Summer Term Lecture Schedule beginning Friday May 30
with Dr. Charles Taliaferro speaking on the Philosophy and Theology of Ageing
Greetings,
Our full Summer Term Lecture Schedule is now available. See below for a variety of stimulating topics and speakers featuring guests and local L’Abri workers.
We begin this Friday night May 30 featuring Dr. Charles Taliaferro, Professor St Olaf College & Author. Dr Taliaferro will be speaking on the Philosophy and Theology of Ageing.
How should we think of ageing? Is it the same as getting older? Is ageing or getting older good? Is being young and youthful the same thing? Does Christianity offer insights about ageing that are different from our secular culture?
Please note that Dr. Taliaferro will present this lecture over Zoom.
We look forward to welcoming you from 7:30pm for tea and coffee with the lecture beginning at 8pm.
If you can’t be there in person, feel free to watch via Zoom.
The password is Lecture.
Also, you can catch up on lectures via the English L’Abri Podcast.
Warmly,
The team at English L’Abri
Summer Term 2025 Lectures
6 June - George MacDonald and Reformed Influences on His Life
Joyce McPherson, Covenant College, Professor of English
Joyce will incorporate her research on MacDonald's love for Pilgrim's Progress as well as the influence of Thomas Chalmers's sermons.
13 June - What on Earth is Heaven? Ecological Implications of the New Creation
Jim Paul, L’Abri Worker
20 June - Tacit Knowledge in Crisis: Michael Polanyi’s Vision for Restoring Truth in a Fragmented World
Krisztina Mair, Lecturer in Philosophy, Ethics, and Apologetics, Oak Hill College
We will explore how Polanyi’s concept of tacit knowledge offers a path forward in an era of uncertainty and ideological division. As truth becomes increasingly contested, Polanyi’s insights remind us that knowledge is not merely objective data but a lived, embodied reality shaped by tradition, trust, and personal commitment. We will examine how reclaiming tacit knowledge can help restore coherence in public discourse and navigate the complex challenges of our fragmented world. What is at stake is not only truth, but justice and liberty.
27 June - Why Does Nature Matter? Why Belief Counts for Tree Frogs
Peter Harris, A Roche
4 July - The Paradox of Limitations
Lacey Shelton, L’Abri Worker
To be human is to be limited. Many of the most triumphant moments of history have occurred, however, when mankind has found a way to exceed beyond these limitations and grasp that which seemed impossible. Yet in our day-to-day lives, we all experience the angst derived from expecting to live beyond our limits and many have found relief in accepting these limitations as God’s plan for humanity. Still, the Christian faith encourages supernatural living, and seemingly-impossible sacrifice. So what can we do? How do we humbly accept our limitations and also exercise our call to glorify God with our gifting and achievements? Should we embrace the sacrifice of living beyond our limits?
11 July - The Second Sexual Revolution: Disintegration
Phillip Johnston, Hope Church Greatham
The Western world has been shaped by two sexual revolutions. In a previous lecture, we saw how early Christianity ushered in the first revolution with a cosmic sexual code that overturned the oppressive sexual code of the ancient world. In this lecture, we'll explore how the sexual revolution of the twentieth century overturned the Christian code, resulting not in liberation but in disintegration of intimacy, trust and of our very humanity.
18 July - The Story of Scripture: Seeing the Bible as One Unfolding Story of Redemption
Anna Ochoa, MA Biblical & Theological Studies
The entire Bible, both Old and New Testament, can be seen as one unfolding narrative of redemption told by One Author. However, the Bible can often be mystifying in its various genres and ancient context—in other words, very much not like a story when one tries to read it through! This lecture traces the speaker’s journey through seminary and learning to track with, treasure, and translate for today the story Scripture tells.
25 July - Title - TBA
Andrew Peterson, Author and Song-writer