Renewing Mind and Heart
Questions for the Next Generation in Christian Higher Education
Oct. 17-19, 2024
What makes a Christian university education worthwhile? How can our academic communities cultivate an education not just of the mind, but also of the heart and soul? And is it possible for Christian universities to draw upon the deep resources of our theological tradition while also critiquing systemic injustice in society and our own communities?
In October of 2024, the Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith and Learning will host a conference aiming to rekindle an ongoing conversation around these themes and the future of Christian higher education: "Renewing Mind and Heart: Questions for the Next Generation in Christian Higher Education." Over three days, the conference will feature plenary talks from leading Christian thinkers, worship led by Porter's Gate, facilitated conversation over shared meals, and break-out sessions designed to encourage more focused disciplinary conversations about the integration of faith, scholarship, and teaching.
Preliminary Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 17
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4 p.m. | Intro |
| 4:30 p.m. | Plenary: James K.A. Smith — “Critical Liturgies for Learning: Christian Education for the Life of the World” |
| 6 p.m. | Opening dinner |
| 7 p.m. | Evening worship service: Porter's Gate |
Friday, Oct. 18
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Morning prayer |
| 9 a.m. | Morning breakout |
| 10:30 a.m. | Plenary conversation: Beth Allison Barr and Malcolm Foley — “Liberation and the Christian Academy” |
| 12-1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30 p.m. | Plenary conversation: Jonathan Tran and Eric Gregory — “Can the University Make You Good?” |
| 3 p.m. | Afternoon breakout |
| 5-6:30 p.m. | Dinner break |
| 7 p.m. | Plenary conversation |
Saturday, Oct. 19
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast/morning breakout |
| 10 a.m. | Jessica Hooten Wilson — “Education of Witness: Faith, Reason, Imagination, and Cost” |
| 11:30 a.m. | Closing remarks |
