2024 Christian Scholars’ Conference

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 8:00 AM-Friday, June 7, 2024 8:00 PM

Annual Christian Scholars’ Conference explores ‘Hope Amid Crises’

Academics from across the nation gather to explore scholarship on contemporary challenges and spirit-filled ways to meet those challenges.

On June 5-7, Lipscomb University will host for its 16th time the annual Christian Scholars’ Conference (CSC), an annual interdisciplinary gathering of scholars intended to facilitate interaction and discussion of theological issues amongst all academic disciplines.

This year’s conference will be held at Houston’s Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center and will explore the theme, "Hope Amidst Crises: Challenges, Opportunities and Collaborations." Registration is still open.

The event will feature sessions in the arts, the sciences, business, sociology and the humanities, as well as theological areas. Reflecting an awareness of global crises while projecting a hopeful vision, the conference will address contemporary societal concerns through a slate of nationally recognized experts and scholars as keynote speakers and featured lecturers.

• N.T. Wright is senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, the church’s life and mission in light of Scripture’s promises that the whole creation will in the end be full of the knowledge, or the glory, of God.
• Mark Lanier, founder of the Lanier Law Firm, one of the top civil trial lawyers in America and a Lipscomb University trustee, will discuss the challenges and opportunities of giving hope in the modern age with its particular challenges brought about by the changing demographics of America and the moving legal and political landscape. 
• David French (BA ’91), New York Times columnist, former litigator, author and distinguished visiting professor of public policy at Lipscomb, will give a keynote and discuss “Higher Education Under Attack: Issues on the Front Lines” in a session with Lipscomb President Candice McQueen.

• Jonathan Brant, dean for research and culture at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, will discuss how the Christian community has been able to offer wider society the resources needed for cultural renewal during times of crisis and turmoil, highlighting the role of Christian scholarship, leadership and arts in such periods of renewal.
• Charlie Styles, CEO of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.
• Lynn H. Cohick, distinguished professor of New Testament and director of the Houston Theological Seminary at Houston Christian University, will discuss how ancient Christian female martyrs played a significant role in shaping the church’s theology and praxis by challenging Roman imperial power structures.

• Mark Love, professor of theology and ministry and director of the Master of Religious Education in missional leadership program at Rochester University, will endeavor to connect the areas of discernment and missional theology, exploring theological, biblical, and philosophical sources.
• Esau McCaulley, author and associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, will examine how pro and antislavery advocates used the gospels to support their position in the abolitionist/slavery debates of the 19th century.
• John Walton, professor of Old Testament emeritus Wheaton College and Graduate School, will draw from the book of Daniel to discuss insights about the shifting of power and the transition of empires that provide Christians hope when facing times of political crisis.

These preeminent scholars, and more then 80 other speakers, conveners and coordinators, will explore questions surrounding trust of America’s institutions and division in church and academia as a symptom of the divisive culture.

“This is a conversation on the minds of those in churches, universities and communities. Emphasizing the interdisciplinary possibilities of the conference, the 2024 CSC provided research and resources for facing contemporary challenges, but with special emphasis on the central place that collaboration holds in our efforts to meet those challenges,” said Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, Lipscomb provost and chair of the CSC advisory committee. 

The Lanier Theological Library serves as a particularly apt setting for a gathering of the Academy and the conference will include a robust line-up of engaging paper presentations, panel discussions, special activities and networking opportunities.

Register Now. Email the csc [at] lipscomb.edu (CSC) or visit christianscholarsconference.org/. We look forward to seeing you in Houston in June! We look forward to seeing you in Houston in June!