Religion & Public Life

Dr. Peter Heltzel's recent book "Jesus & Justice: Evangelicals, Race, and American Politics" looks at the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and Carl F. Henry on later evangelicals and their views of Jesus and how that influenced their views of and participation in the political sphere.

Heltzel holds degrees from Wheaton College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Boston University. He teaches systematic theology at New York Theological Seminary.

Friday Conversations is a relaxed venue to watch films on various topics, hear professors reflect on their vocation, and discuss the implications of Christian faith for all aspects of life and learning.

What could this world-renown rock star have to say about the disasters in Africa? Are there solutions to such huge problems? Using his celebrity status, U2's lead continually places the desperate plight of millions before world leaders. Come hear what Bono has to say (video) and discuss what Christians should think and do about caring for people on a continent across the Atlantic.

Pizza and discussion will follow the video.

Today, we are deeply aware of not only the current economic crisis, but also economic inequality. Recently, Pope Benedict XVI responded to these concerns in the encyclical Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth). At the Center for Public Justice, evangelical Protestants responded to this announcement (http://www.cpjustice.org/doingthetruth). Karl Johnson, Director of the Chesterton House, Professor Emeritus Dick Baer, and Fr. Bob Smith of the Cornell Catholic Community will respond to and facilitate conversation raised by both statements.
Join us for discussion and pizza.

In some ways the modern research university is more successful than ever. Universities enjoy great prestige, are the recipients of many of the largest charitable donations in history, and--in the words of one historian--"have established a near monopoly on access to prestigious and lucrative careers."

This is a special event for anyone in the Seattle area interested in learning more about Chesterton House and the study center movement. There will be a dinner prior to the lecture for Cornell alumni. If you are interested in the dinner, please contact karl@chestertonhouse.org.

Christians assume various positions and attitudes towards culture and society. Karl will explore some of past expressions of these attitudes.