Learning Resources

During the 19th-century, there was extensive theological and biblical debate around the issue of slavery in North America. The scholarly consensus seems to suggest that the pro-slavery faction had the better biblical argument, but the pro-abolitionist side had the better moral argument. In addition, many contend that abolitionists searched frantically and often in vain for biblical support for abolition, especially in the gospels. Dr. McCaulley challenges that consensus by focusing on the use of the Jesus tradition in the slavery and abolitionist debates by demonstrating that abolitionists made extensive use of the Jesus tradition in their reasoning and were much more confident in their position than later scholars and clergy recognize.

In this lecture, Gary Habermas will explore his approach to analyzing ancient sources to determine “what really happened.” He argues that even agnostics, atheists, and skeptics must acknowledge certain facts. Dr. Habermas identifies six historical facts that support the claim that the bodily resurrection of Jesus offers the most compelling explanation. He contends that alternative interpretations do not account for the evidence as effectively.

For some time now there have been calls for the recovery of lament. Yet despite these, there appears to be a continuing lack of appreciation for the “costly loss of lament.” In this lecture, Dr. Villanueva will make the case that one of the reasons for the continuing loss of lament is due to a limited vision of worship, which only sees a movement to praise. To recover lament, we need a more encompassing vision of worship itself, one which sees a movement not only from lament to praise but also the opposite movement from praise to lament.

Who was Hazael? The book of Kings gives the biblical perspective on this famous king of Aram-Damascus. Recent archaeological and ancient Near Eastern evidence provides additional insights. In this lecture, Dr. Younger, following a general historical outline, will integrate the evidence and investigate Hazael from an Aramean perspective in order to paint a more complete picture of this charismatic — yet enigmatic — figure, whom, according to the Hebrew Bible, God used for his purposes.

Dr. Nicole Martin, the newly named president of Christianity Today, takes up a timely topic: leadership. Leadership styles have not changed much in the last few decades. Yet, the world is changing . . . fast. Christian leaders are under scrutiny because they represent God and His kingdom; and because many Christian leaders have publicly fallen due to moral and ethical lapses. Martin will inspire us “to crucify our ministry idols and nail outdated leadership practices to the cross.” Some contemporary leadership practices might need to be abandoned and replaced with more biblical precepts and pastoral wisdom.

Daniel 12:2-3 has been at the center of controversy from before the time of Jesus to the present day. Yet these verses had little to do with debates about the resurrection In Jesus’ day or for the early Christians. Who did Daniel suggest will be resurrected? Where will they be resurrected to? Are souls resurrected and exalted among the stars? While these questions are fascinating, Dr. Walton suggests that a close reading of these verses is not about resurrection or exaltation, but pertains to a different sort of legacy.

Modern notions of altruism (a 19th-century term) have often created a self/other binary, suggesting that any benefit to oneself diminishes benefit to the other. In this framework, one must choose between being selfish or selfless. In Christian theology, Agape has been set against Eros, while in global politics, development aid is praised as disinterested charity—or criticized as exploitation—with the only alternative appearing to be non-intervention. This lecture argues that Paul’s ethics offer another model: one that gives not away from oneself, but into relationship with others, where reciprocity and solidarity enable shared benefit. Love is not only for the other but also with them, reflecting the self-giving love of God in Christ. For Paul, this provides the foundation and shape of a communal ethos within the church and, by extension, beyond it.

Certain Old Testament passages—especially those on warfare and servitude—can raise ethical questions. At first glance, these texts may seem to conflict with the biblical teaching that all humans are made in the image of God (imago Dei). However, a deeper look reveals that this doctrine of human dignity is not diminished by these passages. In fact, the imago Dei continues to be a powerful foundation for human rights, equality, and moral values. Today, these biblical truths are often ignored or redefined. As a result, core ideas like human dignity and equality are at risk of being lost. Gospel-centered Christians are called to respond. We must speak boldly and take action to uphold these values in our modern world.

The tools we use, whether material or digital, inevitably shape the people we become. Artificial intelligence, designed to imitate human capacities, now shows remarkable abilities in language, analysis, and synthesis—and even in reading medical images or driving vehicles. Theological reflection invites us to consider how such tools might serve genuine human and Christian formation. This lecture explores how technology, and AI in particular, can be shaped to help shape us well.