L’Abri Rochester

Transformation of the City: Lessons from Utrecht. - Wim Rietkerk - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures The lecture is From the 2017 Rochester L'Abri Conference; the speaker is from Dutch L'Abri In 1971, Wim and Greta helped found the Dutch L’Abri. Since then they have led the work in Holland.

Cultural Transformation: A Proposed Model - Bob Osburn - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   A Senior Fellow with Wilberforce International Institute, which he founded in 2009, Bob Osburn trains international students as redemptive change agents and writes and teaches about international development, comparative worldviews, corruption, education policy, and wealth creation. For seven years he taught courses on religion and educational policy and religion and international development at the University of Minnesota, and currently teaches courses with The New International University and Wilberforce International Institute. He has a PhD in comparative and international development education from the University of Minnesota, a ThM from Dallas Seminary, and a BA from the University of Michigan. He is the author of Taming the Beast: Can We Bridle the Culture of Corruption? (2016) and, most recently, Developing Redemptive Change Agents: Discipleship That Helps Nations Flourish Rather Than Flounder (2021). Bob and Susan have been married for 49 years, are the parents of four sons, and grandparents to 13.

This lecture explains why corruption is so rampant in the international aid sector, tracing much of the problem to faulty diagnoses and remedies rooted in naturalistic and postmodern worldviews. Dr. Bob Osburn, who has worked in international student and academic campus ministry for 40 years and has authored Taming the Beast: Can We Bridle the Culture of Corruption?, recommends a rejection of Christian sentimentalism and a simultaneous fulsome embrace of the Christian worldview in order to bridle corruption in the international aid sector while also enhancing international development outcomes centered on human flourishing.

This talk considers the involvement of medical professionals in intentionally lethal acts in several historical and contemporary contexts (beyond abortion or medical experimentation under National Socialism). Contexts include medicalized capital punishment (from 18th C. France to 21st C. Florida); assisted suicide and euthanasia (from Hippocratic proscription to contemporary prescriptions); transplantation (forced organ harvesting in totalitarian China / the intersection of euthanasia and transplantation among European liberal democracies), as well as, oddly and astonishingly, medical lethality as a backstop solution for failed housing policy in Canada! In economic terms, a 'perverse' incentive accomplishes the opposite of the stated intent. But, a morally or spiritually perverse incentive may also fulfill intent. When medical(ized) lethality is normalized, 'the trouble with normal is it always gets worse' (B. Cockburn) - including for the coherence of medicine per se.   Kirk C Allison, PhD, MS directed the Program in Human Rights and Health at the U of M School of Public Health from 2007-2016 and taught in the Health Humanities Program of the College of Saint Scholastica from 2017-2025. (Previously he served as Chair of the American Public Health Association's Ethics Special Primary Interest Group and testified on forced organ harvesting in China before a U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee).

Throughout its history, Evangelicalism has neglected to consider the spiritual lives of people with profound intellectual disabilities and how their experiences might contribute to a fuller understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Both the historic and modern constructions of evangelical discipleship have led to particular ministry strategies and practices that rarely consider the presence of people with profound intellectual disabilities. A broader theology of discipleship that includes the spiritual lives of people with profound intellectual disabilities can only be achieved through embracing a renewed emphasis on a theology of the cross, and the conviction that we are held in the trustful love of God that seals our eternal purpose in the divine kingdom. Dr. Phil Letizia is a theologian and pastor who holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Disability from the University of Aberdeen. After 20 years of pastoring and church planting, Phil has joined Anselm House's Center for Faith & Learning as the inaugural Director of the Healthcare Initiative. The initiative aims to provide intellectual and relational support to the significant number of healthcare students, faculty, and providers at the University of Minnesota, in the Twin Cities, and at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Phil also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Disability and Religion. Last fall, his book Held in the Love of God: Discipleship and Disability was published by Baylor University Press.

Postmodernism's Failure to Assuage Your Fears - Greg Jesson - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Greg Jesson’s long journey from Los Angeles to Iowa took him to Switzerland, where he studied at L’Abri with Francis Schaeffer, to UCLA where he finished his undergraduate degree in philosophy, to USC where he completed an MA in philosophy under Dallas Willard, and finally to the University of Iowa where he received a Ph.D. in philosophy focusing on philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, phenomenology, and philosophy of religion. He has published books and articles on the nature of thought and knowledge, consciousness, philosophy of mathematics, Francis Schaeffer, the portrayal of ultimate issues in modern film, defending Christianity in the marketplace, and the philosophical and religious thought of Dallas Willard. Over the years he has taught at eight colleges and a seminary, and has lectured widely in America and Europe. Most recently, he was a professor of philosophy and director of the Center for Ethics and Public Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Having decided to leave the university, he now spends his time writing, lecturing, restoring an old home, and looking after his dog, Dr. Watson.

You Say You Want a Reformation: Cultural Engagement or Cultural Resistance? Evaluating the Benedict Option - Mike Sugimoto - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures    Mike Sugimoto is Professor of Asian Studies at Pepperdine University with a focus on cinema, sociology and philosophy.

The Transformative Power of Art: Story in Film - Denis Haack - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Culture   Denis and Margie Haack co-directed Ransom Fellowship from 1983-2020. They continue a ministry of conversation and listening, as well as writing, no longer in print (Critique & Letters from the House Between), but on their website (https://www.critique-letters.com/). They are enjoying being grandparents while Margie collects eggs laid by her four hens, Pecorino, Brie, Fontina, and Velveeta. They live in Savage, MN and are members of Church of the Cross (Hopkins, MN).

Abraham Kuyper A Model for Transformation - Wim Rietkerk - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Wim Rietkerk was educated at Leydon University in Philosophy of Religion and graduated in Theology at Kampen. He has worked as a pastor for many years along with leading L’Abri Fellowship in Holland. He is the author of several books including co-authoring What in the World is Real: Challenging the Superficial in Today’s World.

Can the Bible Reform the 21st Century West - Vishal Mangalwadi - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Vishal Mangalwadi is an Indian philosopher and social reformer who has written several popular books on the Bible’s seismic influence. Vishal has lectured in over 40 countries, published seventeen books (including The Book That Made Your World), and contributed to many more.

Developing a Reformed Theology of Culture - Doug Groothuis - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Dr. Groothuis holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy (University of Oregon, 1993) and in the fall of 2024, he will become Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University. He is the author of twenty books, beginning with the best-selling Unmasking the New Age (InterVarsity Press, 1986) and including the popular and voluminous textbook, Christian Apologetics, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2022), as well as a memoir, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—a Philosopher’s Lament (InterVarsity Press, 2017), an introduction to philosophy, Philosophy in Seven Sentences (InterVarsity, 2016), and a book on the controversial topic of Critical Race Theory, Fire in the Streets (Salem Books, 2022). He co-authored the introductory textbook on apologetics, The Knowledge of God in the World and in the Word (Zondervan-Academic, 2022) with Andrew Shepardson.

Sin Shamanism Suspicion and The State: Why Corruption Pervades & Devastates Societies Around the World - Bob Osburn - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   A Senior Fellow with Wilberforce International Institute, which he founded in 2009, Robert Osburn trains international students as redemptive change agents and writes and teaches about international development, comparative worldviews, corruption, education policy, and wealth creation. For seven years he taught courses on religion and educational policy and religion and international development at the University of Minnesota, and currently teaches courses with The New International University and Wilberforce International Institute. He has a PhD in comparative and international development education from the University of Minnesota, a ThM from Dallas Seminary, and a BA from the University of Michigan. He is the author of Taming the Beast: Can We Bridle the Culture of Corruption? (2016) and, most recently, Developing Redemptive Change Agents: Discipleship That Helps Nations Flourish Rather Than Flounder (2021). Bob and Susan have been married for 49 years, are the parents of four sons, and grandparents to 13.

Whenever we read the Gospels, we visualize what we're reading. In essence, it's like we're directing a little film that plays in our minds. As a way to explore that important interpretative dynamic, Jesus films can provide an external reference point for us. In this talk Dr. John Anthony Dunne will help us think about our internal, private films in relation to the external, public ones that have been a major part of film history since the inception of filmmaking at the end of the 19th century. In doing so, he introduces us to his forthcoming book, co-authored with his colleague Dr. Jeannine K. Brown, which is entitled, The Greatest Story Ever Retold: Envisioning Jesus Narratives from Gospels to Film (Baker), focusing especially on The Chosen—the hit, multi-season streaming show about Jesus and the disciples. John Anthony Dunne (PhD, University of St Andrews) is associate professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary in St Paul, MN, the editor and co-host of 'The Two Cities' podcast, and the author of the forthcoming book, The Mountains Shall Drip Sweet Wine: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol (Zondervan).

America is a deeply divided nation, politically and culturally. With each month that goes by, our public rhetoric seems to grow more angry, our tolerance less and our ability to live with each other more and more uncertain. Increasingly we see our politicized Culture Wars inside the Church as well as outside. Can Christians engage as citizens in the debates and controversies that roil our society without compromise, but also without being sucked into the anger and hatred? In this lecture we’ll be trying to step back from arguing about what our positions should be on every issue and grapple with the question of how we as Christians should engage with political, social and cultural questions and with people who disagree with us about them - both inside and outside the Church. Click for Slides Ian Barrs was born and raised in the South of England, growing up close to the English branch of L'Abri. He studied History at the University of Wales Lampeter, where he gained a BA in History and a Graduate Certificate in Medieval Studies. Following an ancient tradition, he met his future spouse at L’Abri, which eventually led to him moving to her hometown in Iowa. For the last 19 years, Ian and Buffy have lived in SW Iowa, and now have 3 children from ages 17 to 8. Ian is interested in just about everything, but especially History, Politics, culture and cultural differences, subcultures and discussing and debating those and more! He became a US citizen as fast as legally possible, voted in his first primary weeks after becoming a citizen and at various times has been involved in local and state politics in different ways. In 2015 he ran for the Republican nomination for State Representative, and in 2017 he was involved in trying to start a new political party (...it didn’t work). From 2017 to 2021 he was a regular weekly co-host for the “Politics” segment of FaithWorks Live, a live talk show on Des Moines Christian radio. He serves as an Elder at GracePoint EFCA Church in Atlantic, Iowa.

Discover how the human brain reveals meaning, justifies meaning, and constructs meaning and discuss practical implications for the Christian life. Andrea Leep Hunderfund, MD, MHPE, is associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota where she practices clinical neurophysiology, teaches neuroscience to medical and physical therapy students, and serves as chair of patient and staff experience for her clinical department.

This presentation will be a bit autobiographical, explaining how persistent curiosity led to permitting a rural composting facility, then to a teaching job and other academic pursuits. Then we will delve into the fascinating world of soil biology (where I am still a student). We will consider soil as the “Foundation of Creation,” and the blessing of farmers and of American agriculture, both small-scale and industrial. After almost four decades as a civil engineer working in large and small private sector consulting firms, permitting and designing landfills and water resource projects, and assisting with environmental responses to freight train derailments, Beth Keister stepped back from the professional engineering world to “complete her liberal arts education” and take on a role as an adjunct professor at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, teaching an entry-level environmental science course and getting to know the next generation.

Professor Taliaferro will defend the reality of the soul and consciousness. Questions to be addressed: What is the soul? What is the soul or mind-body relationship? Some Christians in the early church (Tertullian) and today (Peter van Inwagen) are materialists in their view of human and nonhuman animals. What are the merits of Christian materialism? This talk and discussion will bring you up to date in the current debate between Christian philosophers about the soul. Charles Taliaferro Ph.D. MA (Brown) MTS (Harvard) MA (URI) BA (Goddard) Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Emeritus Overby Distinguished Professor, St. Olaf College, has taught at Notre Dame and U. Mass Boston. He is the author or co-author or editor of 40 books (3 are audio books, available on Amazon). For a profile, see: https://wp.stolaf.edu/philosophy/charles-taliaferro-profile/

Many in Rochester know someone in the medical profession; perhaps a doctor, a nurse, a physical therapist. However, what most do not experience is the frontline work of the intensive care unit or the emergency department. These are the spaces where life and death meet; where patients and family members are faced with choices and endings that are deeply painful and often sudden and stressful. Amanda Daxon worked as a pediatric ICU nurse for seven years before transitioning into another career. During that time, she walked with families and children through their darkest moments. She will share her own personal story while also highlighting the stressors that healthcare workers face. She will also share insights into suffering and redemption and will remember the children who shaped her. Originally from Oklahoma, Amanda Daxon graduated valedictorian from Oklahoma Baptist University and subsequently worked for several years as a pediatric ICU nurse before realizing that her true passion was historical study. She graduated in 2011 from The Catholic University of America with a Master of Arts in Medieval History. She subsequently worked as the Program Coordinator for the Byzantine Studies Department at Dumbarton Oaks, a Harvard University research institute located in Washington, D.C. In addition, she volunteered at the Folger Shakespeare Library, performing bibliographical analysis on 16th-18th century Flemish imprints before relocating to Germany for three years, where her husband was stationed with the US Army. There, she honed the art of having children and finding obscure medieval structures to explore. She has resided in Rochester for eight years with her husband, Ben, and three children, Macallan, Gwyneth, and Sullivan. She currently teaches literature and rhetoric at Schaeffer Academy.

How Should Christians Be Tolerant - Dick Keyes - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures

Spiritual Transformation Through Five Doctrines of the Reformation - Doug Groothuis - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures

The Unexpected Reformation - Larry Snyder - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures

The Reformed Roots of Modern Science - Greg Grooms - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures  

Ideas affect our lives in both positive and negative ways. Some of the greatest problems in our lives have their origins in confused thinking. Such thinking makes serious thought about the ultimate issues of life close to impossible. We will look at several confusions that deeply harm people and leave them with without hope. This lecture does not presuppose any previous academic preparation. It is meant to be accessible, practical, and engaging. As always, there will be a significant time for discussion, delicious home-baked snacks, and good company.   Greg Jesson’s long journey from Los Angeles to Iowa took him to Switzerland, where he studied at L’Abri with Francis Schaeffer, to UCLA where he finished his undergraduate degree in philosophy, to USC where he completed an MA in philosophy under Dallas Willard, and finally to the University of Iowa where he received a Ph.D. in philosophy focusing on philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, phenomenology, and philosophy of religion. He has published books and articles on the nature of thought and knowledge, consciousness, philosophy of mathematics, Francis Schaeffer, the portrayal of ultimate issues in modern film, defending Christianity in the marketplace, and the philosophical and religious thought of Dallas Willard. Over the years he has taught at eight colleges and a seminary, and has lectured widely in America and Europe. Most recently, he was a professor of philosophy and director of the Center for Ethics and Public Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Having decided to leave the university, he now spends his time writing, lecturing, restoring an old home, and looking after his dog, Dr. Watson.

Mark Chavalas wrestles with a particular issue in the dialogue between God and Abram in Genesis 15, namely the identification of the ‘smoking oven and flaming torch’ of v. 17. Before the advent of the decipherment of cuneiform languages in the mid-nineteenth century the interpretation of the passage was rather straightforward; the oven and the torch represented God, who somehow passed through the halves of the animals in this admittedly strange ritual (which appears to have similarities to an event described in Jeremiah 34:18-19). It so happens that the interaction of Mesopotamian studies with the biblical text has much to offer to help us understand this very difficult and obscure part of Scripture. From a survey of Ancient Near Eastern treaties, the passage appears to be a land grant covenant (among other things). However, the ritual is not nearly as clear; the censer (ie firepot) and torch were used in a myriad of Mesopotamian purification rituals and usually represented two relatively minor Mesopotamian deities, which appears on the surface to be troubling to the believer. Mark will attempt to reinterpret this passage in light of this new information.   Mark W. Chavalas is Professor Emeritus from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he taught for over thirty years. He has written or edited a number of books, including Mesopotamia and the Bible, and the IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. He also has a podcast: Buried Bible Podcast, up and running since February of this year. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572416891118# He and his wife Kimberlee have six children and four grandchildren.

"We want to be the church for people who don’t like church.” This is just one way I have heard it said lately. In the same way people still want romantic or sexual relationships, but don’t want to have anything to do with marriage… perhaps similar to the way a person decides that ‘The me that I am does not belong in this female body, but belongs in a male body’… and certainly in keeping with our newest generation’s newest definitions of 'family' as ‘emphatically not my family of origin but my people,’ it seems that being a part of a church today that is in any sense associated with traditional concepts of “church” is not only undesirable, but culturally immoral! Let’s talk about our disenchantment with “church” and explore a path to restoration for the Bride of Christ.   Click for Slides   Brian Swedburg is currently enjoying family and grandkids as much as possible, while teaching music at a classical Christian academy. His undergraduate degree is in music education and his masters is in exegetical theology. So, you won't be surprised that he has spent the last 30 years pastoring, church-planting, discipling, leading worship, and teaching music in various capacities. Brian and his wife Julie first came to the Rochester L'Abri in 2016, and have returned as often as possible. He is running in preparation for a 50 k this summer, reading all that he can, and growing up by the grace of Christ with his church, family, and friends.

Updates from the Universe: From Challenges to the Big Bang Model to Extra-terrestrial Life and More - AJ Poelarends - Friday Night Lecture - 6th June   In the past few months, several extraordinary claims have been made about discoveries that could turn our understanding of our universe on its head. From signs that the acceleration of the universe is possibly slowing down (challenging the standard Big Bang model), to claims of large quantities of biosignature chemicals (only known to be made by life on Earth) on an exoplanet approximately 100 light-years away. What are the implications of these claims and what do they teach us about the current state of science? And, perhaps more importantly, what do these claims mean for our understanding of reality and how Christian theology helps us to make sense of it all? Arend J. Poelarends is the director of the Center for Faith and Learning at Anselm House, a Christian study center serving the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities). He received a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis (MO). Prior to moving to Minnesota, he taught Physics and Astronomy for 11 years at Wheaton College (IL). For more than two decades he has helped Christians and non-Christians think deeply about questions at the intersection of Science and the Christian faith.

Can I Be Spiritual Without Being Religious? - Dick Keyes - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Dick Keyes is the director-emeritus of L’Abri Fellowship in Southborough, Massachusetts, where he has been working with his wife and family since 1979. They now continue to be engaged in the work but on more of a part-time basis. He holds a B.A. in History from Harvard University, and an M. Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He has worked for L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and in England, where he served also as a pastor in the International Presbyterian Church in London. He has been an adjunct professor at Gordon Conwell Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is the author of Beyond Identity, True Heroism, Chameleon Christianity and Seeing Through Cynicism, as well as chapters in several anthologies such as No God But God, ed. Os Guinness and Finding God at Harvard, ed. Kelly Monroe, and The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics.

From Canon to Wikipedia and Back Again - Clarke Scheibe - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Clarke Scheibe is the director of L'Abri Fellowship in Victoria, B.C. His wife Julia and he have been a part of L'Abri in Canada for 15 years and they are grateful to have two young children. He received a BLA from the University of Mississippi and a MDiv from Regent College in Vancouver.

Can We Keep it? - Marvin Padgett - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures Marvin Padgett is a book business professional who has served as the Editorial Director for Crossway Books in Wheaton, Illinois. He previously managed the bookstore at L'Abri in Huémoz, Switzerland in 1982. He has also served as a board member of Covenant College (1995-03), Good News Publishers (1988-98), and Great Commission Publications.

In the Beginning Was the Word: The Influence of the Reformation on Art and Music - John Hodges - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   John Hodges has worked for over 15 years as an orchestral conductor and taught arts and cultural apologetics for over 10 years at Crichton College. He founded and directs the Center for Western Studies, a tutorial program that teaches college-aged students a Christian worldview and the history of Western ideas. Hodges lectures on music, aesthetics, and education, and lives in Memphis with his wife Day.

Salt and Light and the Transformation of Society - Dick Keyes - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures Dick Keyes is the director-emeritus of L’Abri Fellowship in Southborough, Massachusetts, where he has been working with his wife and family since 1979. They now continue to be engaged in the work but on more of a part-time basis. He holds a B.A. in History from Harvard University, and an M. Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He has worked for L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and in England, where he served also as a pastor in the International Presbyterian Church in London. He has been an adjunct professor at Gordon Conwell Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is the author of Beyond Identity, True Heroism, Chameleon Christianity and Seeing Through Cynicism, as well as chapters in several anthologies such as No God But God, ed. Os Guinness and Finding God at Harvard, ed. Kelly Monroe, and The New Dictionary of Christian Apologetics.

Europe: God's Experiment - Wim Rietkerk - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures Wim Rietkerk was educated at Leydon University in Philosophy of Religion and graduated in Theology at Kampen. He has worked as a pastor for many years along with leading L’Abri Fellowship in Holland. He is the author of several books including co-authoring What in the World is Real: Challenging the Superficial in Today’s World.

The Book That Made Your World - Vishal Mangalwadi - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures    Vishal Mangalwadi is an Indian philosopher and social reformer who has written several popular books on the Bible’s seismic influence. Vishal has lectured in over 40 countries, published seventeen books (including The Book That Made Your World), and contributed to many more.

Tolkien's Elves - The Ideal of Every Artist and Sub-Creator - Jerram Barrs - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   Jerram Barrs retired in 2022 after 34 years of service to the Seminary. A student of the late Francis A. Schaeffer, Jerram joined the Covenant faculty in 1989 after 18 years with L’Abri Fellowship in England, where he also served as a pastor in the International Presbyterian Church he helped plant there. Jerram is a graduate of Covenant and while a student at the Seminary he and his wife, Vicki, were involved in the planting of Grace and Peace Fellowship, a Reformed Presbyterian (now PCA) church in St. Louis city. His publications include Being Human, Shepherds and Sheep, Who Are the Peacemakers?, The Great Rescue, The Heart of Evangelism, Through His Eyes, Learning Evangelism from Jesus, The Heart of Prayer, Echoes of Eden, Delighting in the Law of the Lord, as well as the video series Building Up Bridges, Breaking Down Walls. He is at present working on a sermon commentary on the Book of Revelation, tentatively entitled Jesus, Lord of History: The Message of Revelation. He is also working on books on The Heart of a Pastor, The Heart of Worship, C. S. Lewis: God’s Hand in His History, and Mythmaking and the Gospel in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

The Intriguing Friendship Between Francis Schaeffer and Hans Rookmaaker - Edith Reitsema - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   Edith Reitsema worked at English L’Abri from 2002 to 2020, holds a B.A. in Music, and an Honours Degree in Modern English Literature from Potchefstroom University in South Africa; an M.A. in Theology from Covenant Seminary; and a graduate degree in Philosophy from the Free University in the Netherlands. She was one of the translators of The Complete Works of Hans Rookmaaker. Edith lectures on a variety of topics that deal with the relationship between Christianity, contemporary culture and the arts.

A Walk Through Aaron Copland's What to Listen for in Music - John Hodges - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian John Hodges has worked for over 15 years as an orchestral conductor and taught arts and cultural apologetics for over 10 years at Crichton College. He founded and directs the Center for Western Studies, a tutorial program that teaches college-aged students a Christian worldview and the history of Western ideas.  Hodges lectures on music, aesthetics, and education, and lives in Memphis with his wife Day.

Cultivating Beauty - Alison McGregor - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian Alison Mcgregor, who is Australian, worked in computing for 3M Australia before joining her husband Jock in the ministry of L’Abri. They worked at English L'Abri for 10 years and have led the Rochester L'Abri for 20 years. She enjoys still life painting and foraging for mushrooms.

Finding a Voice Through the Arts - Ann Riggot - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   Ann Riggot is primarily a figurative artist using oils in a more traditional realist style, Ann has explored several other styles and subjects including reflective objects, ocean waves and birds.  Her favorite subject matter, however, are children exploring and interacting with their everyday world.   Ann has exhibited throughout SE Minnesota and the Twin Cities, and has won many awards for her work, including Best of Show, People’s Choice Awards and a merit award in international juried competition.  

Shakespeare and the Christian Walk - Keith Jones - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian Dr. Keith Jones received his B.A. in English from Covenant College and his M.A. in English Literature and Ph.D. in Renaissance English Literature from Saint Louis University. He served as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the English Department of Wheaton College for five years and has been a valued part of the Department of English and Literature at University of Northwestern since 2004. The Joneses have adopted three children from Vietnam. The experiences surrounding their adoptions continue to teach the family about trusting in God. Adopting children from Vietnam has also expanded Keith’s love of Vietnamese culture, literature, and cuisine.

Beauty out of Ashes: Blues and Spirituals for Troubled Times - Bill Edgar - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   William 'Bill' Edgar (BA, Harvard University, MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary, DTh, Université de Genève) is proffesor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He directs the gospel-jazz band Renewal, which features the legendary singer Ruth Naomi Floyd. He is also currently professeur associé at the Faculté Jean Calvin, Aix-en-Provence (France). He has published more than 20 books and numerous articles in French and in English. His most recent book is A Supreme Love: The Music of Jazz and the Gospel (IVP Academic, 2022). He and his wife, Barbara, have two children and three grandchildren.

The Exploration of Good and Evil in C.S. Lewis's Science Fiction Trilogy - Jerram Barrs - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   Jerram Barrs retired in 2022 after 34 years of service to the Seminary. A student of the late Francis A. Schaeffer, Jerram joined the Covenant faculty in 1989 after 18 years with L’Abri Fellowship in England, where he also served as a pastor in the International Presbyterian Church he helped plant there. Jerram is a graduate of Covenant and while a student at the Seminary he and his wife, Vicki, were involved in the planting of Grace and Peace Fellowship, a Reformed Presbyterian (now PCA) church in St. Louis city. His publications include Being Human, Shepherds and Sheep, Who Are the Peacemakers?, The Great Rescue, The Heart of Evangelism, Through His Eyes, Learning Evangelism from Jesus, The Heart of Prayer, Echoes of Eden, Delighting in the Law of the Lord, as well as the video series Building Up Bridges, Breaking Down Walls. He is at present working on a sermon commentary on the Book of Revelation, tentatively entitled Jesus, Lord of History: The Message of Revelation. He is also working on books on The Heart of a Pastor, The Heart of Worship, C. S. Lewis: God’s Hand in His History, and Mythmaking and the Gospel in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

The Apologetics of Beauty: The Aesthetic Vision of Edith Schaeffer - Mike Sugimoto - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   Mike Sugimoto is Professor of Asian Studies at Pepperdine University with a focus on cinema, sociology and philosophy.

'That we Might be Truly Human': Looking Back at Rookmaker's Legacy... and Looking Forward - Robb Ludwick - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   Robb Ludwick lives and works at L’Abri Fellowship in the Netherlands with his wife and four children. Alongside rendering hospitality and mentoring L’Abri guests, Robb teaches and writes regularly on cultural apologetics and personal spirituality. He holds degrees in literature, pastoral theology and philosophical anthropology.

Celebrating the Wisdom of Luci Shaw and the Witness of Poetry - Sarah Chestnut - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   Sarah Chestnut lives and works at L’Abri Fellowship in Southborough, Massachusetts with her husband and two children. Sarah’s poetry and creative non-fiction have appeared or are forthcoming in CRUX, Red Rock Literary Journal, LETTERS, The Rabbit Room, Three Things Newsletter, Bearings Online, Peacock Journal, and elsewhere. She hosts a local, monthly gathering, Poetry in the Round for conversation about and between poems. Sarah has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Regent College and was the 2009 recipient of the Luci Shaw Prize for Creative Writing.

The Sources of Tolkien's Inspiration in his Sub-Creation of Middle Earth - Jerram Barrs - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian Jerram Barrs retired in 2022 after 34 years of service to the Seminary. A student of the late Francis A. Schaeffer, Jerram joined the Covenant faculty in 1989 after 18 years with L’Abri Fellowship in England, where he also served as a pastor in the International Presbyterian Church he helped plant there. Jerram is a graduate of Covenant and while a student at the Seminary he and his wife, Vicki, were involved in the planting of Grace and Peace Fellowship, a Reformed Presbyterian (now PCA) church in St. Louis city.   His publications include Being Human, Shepherds and Sheep, Who Are the Peacemakers?, The Great Rescue, The Heart of Evangelism, Through His Eyes, Learning Evangelism from Jesus, The Heart of Prayer, Echoes of Eden, Delighting in the Law of the Lord, as well as the video series Building Up Bridges, Breaking Down Walls. He is at present working on a sermon commentary on the Book of Revelation, tentatively entitled Jesus, Lord of History: The Message of Revelation. He is also working on books on The Heart of a Pastor, The Heart of Worship, C. S. Lewis: God’s Hand in His History, and Mythmaking and the Gospel in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

Apollo, Dionysus and Jesus: A Brief history of Western Aesthetics - John Hodges - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   John Hodges has worked for over 15 years as an orchestral conductor and taught arts and cultural apologetics for over 10 years at Crichton College. He founded and directs the Center for Western Studies, a tutorial program that teaches college-aged students a Christian worldview and the history of Western ideas.  Hodges lectures on music, aesthetics, and education, and lives in Memphis with his wife Day.

Created and Creating: A Mandate for Creativity and the Arts - Bill Edgar - 2018 Conference Highlights: For Glory and for Beauty - Creativity and the Christian   William Edgar (BA, Harvard University, MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary, DTh, Université de Genève) is proffesor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He directs the gospel-jazz band Renewal, which features the legendary singer Ruth Naomi Floyd. He is also currently professeur associé at the Faculté Jean Calvin, Aix-en-Provence (France). He has published more than 20 books and numerous articles in French and in English. His most recent book is A Supreme Love: The Music of Jazz and the Gospel (IVP Academic, 2022). He and his wife, Barbara, have two children and three grandchildren.

Given that even 'spiritual giants' can burn out, this talk will look at the example of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:3-31 to discern the Three Basic Principles of Rest. InKyung Sung is the coordinator of L’Abri Fellowship Korea. He and his wife KyungOk founded the branch in 1990. They have three children. InKyung has written 'Turning my Worldview Upside Down' and 6 other books, while KyungOk wrote 'Mother to Mothers'. They co-wrote 'Love Song for Young Adults'. Click for Slides We will be doing something a little different this series. We will still meet in-person with discussion and refreshments on offer - but our speakers will be zooming in and speaking to us from afar. This will allow our local supporters to meet some of our colleagues from other L'Abri branches and hear a little of their work in other parts of the world. This Friday we visit South Korea!

The God we encounter in the Bible is a God who asks questions. The questions God asks tend to play significant roles in moving the redemptive story forward. This lecture will explore this idea, focusing particularly on two of those questions and what they might mean for you and I today. Karl Pacholke, with his wife Jenny, is a few years into the vulnerable process of starting a new L'Abri work in Brisbane, Australia. His working backgrounds are a short stint in engineering, followed by a longer stint in pastoral ministry. His days are enriched by a little brood of children.   We will be doing something a little different this series. We will still meet in person with discussion and refreshments on offer - but our speakers will be zooming in and speaking to us from afar. This will allow our local supporters to meet some of our colleagues from other L'Abri branches and hear a little of their work in other parts of the world. This Friday we visit Brisbane, Australia!

Western Society is, to all intents and purposes, atheist. Our scientific, economic, political, and educational institutions all operate practically as if God is irrelevant. What has happened in both the sciences and humanities that has created this situation and what are the consequences? When examined closely, is there a rational case which, once again, points in the Biblical direction towards the Hebrew God - which underpins both the form of the universe and our humanity?   Click for Slides   Dr Frank Stootman is a physicist and committed Christian. He worked for Western Sydney University for 23 years and retired as Associate Professor of Physics. He has spent many years doing research in Astrophysics and has an abiding interest in teaching well, electronics, and videography. He holds a PhD in Physics as well as a Dip. Ed from Sydney Teachers College. He is director of L'Abri Fellowship in Australia, which is an international organization promoting thoughtful Christianity and honest answers to honest questions in the context of home hospitality. (www.labri.org/australia) Frank has spoken widely on the relationship between Christianity and Science both nationally and internationally. He has written chapters in books and edited a volume for the International Astronomy Union. We will be doing something a little different this series - our speakers will be zoom-ing in and speaking to us from afar. This will allow our local supporters to meet some of our colleagues from other L'Abri branches and hear a little of their work in other parts of the world. This Friday we visit Sydney, Australia!