Christianity Today editor Russell Moore appointed inaugural Bill and Crissy Haslam Endowed Distinguished Visiting Professor of Faith and Reason at Lipscomb University
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University has appointed Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, as the inaugural Bill and Crissy Haslam Endowed Distinguished Visiting Professor of Faith and Reason.
This part-time, two-year appointment begins in Fall 2025 and reflects Lipscomb’s continued commitment to engaging nationally recognized thought leaders in shaping academic and public dialogue at the intersection of faith and reason. Moore will continue in his role at Christianity Today while serving in this visiting professorship at Lipscomb.
“Russell Moore’s commitment to civil discourse and faithful presence in the public square aligns well with the mission of Lipscomb University and the vision of the Haslam Professorship,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “We look forward to the way his work at Lipscomb will enrich our students' learning while also elevating the broader conversation in Nashville and beyond about how faith and reason can shape our world for good.”
In this role, Moore will teach courses, deliver public lectures and lead special programs. The Bill and Crissy Haslam Endowed Distinguished Visiting Professor of Faith and Reason was established this past year through a generous gift from the Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation. It honors the legacy of former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, whose lives of service reflect a commitment to both faith and intellectual engagement.
“Crissy and I believe deeply in the importance of preparing the next generation to think clearly, engage graciously and lead courageously from a foundation of faith,” said Bill Haslam. “Russell Moore is one of the most thoughtful and principled leaders of our time and we have long appreciated his insight, courage and humility. We are excited to see how his presence at Lipscomb will challenge and inspire students and the broader community.”
The purpose of the endowed professorship is to attract the nation’s top scholars and thought leaders to Lipscomb to teach and engage with students, the Nashville community and the state of Tennessee through a Christ-centered worldview. The professorship is a key initiative in Lipscomb’s efforts to establish a nationally recognized roster of distinguished faculty and foster academic conversations that reflect its Christian mission.
“I have tremendous respect for the excellence, innovation and Christian conviction exemplified by Lipscomb,” said Moore. “In this time of polarization and division, the world needs as much as ever a Christian witness to truth, justice and mercy. I’m honored to be a part of what the Lord is doing at Lipscomb."
Moore is editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, host of The Russell Moore Show and co-host of The Bulletin. He is the author of several books including Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America. An ordained Baptist minister, Moore previously served as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2013 to 2021. Prior to that, he was provost and dean of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he also taught theology and ethics. He is a Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum, a board member of Becket Law, and a former fellow at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics.