Annual Bitar Memorial Lecture Series

POLITICAL THEOLOGY: Classical & Reformed Approaches

"Political theology" explores the implications of a particular theological perspective for political philosophy—that is, for philosophical ideas that shape how we understand the nature of our political involvement together. In this days of deep political upheaval in the face of massive challenges to human existence worldwide, this philosophical consideration could not be more timely.

R.J. Snell

“The Law of Love: A Classical Approach to Political Theology”

February 6 at 7 p.m. - John White Chapel (Old Main)

One predominant thread of Christian moral reflection is that of the natural law, which supposes that basic moral principles are knowable by unaided human reason—in fact, that these principles cannot not be known. For some Christian thinkers, natural law is no more than empty optimism, maybe even idolatrous, in overlooking the effects of the Fall, the need for grace, and the uniqueness of the work of Christ. Moreover, natural law seems more at home in the world of medieval metaphysics than postmodern skepticism and pragmatic scientism. In this lecture, I continue my argument from The Perspective of Love, that natural law is not mere optimism, that it can take full measure of sin, and that it remains a live option in the postmodern context—albeit in a chastened, humble form, and that natural law requires a healed and redeemed form of love.

Matthew Kaemingk

“The Cross, the Crown, and our Muslim Neighbor: A Reformed Approach to Political Theology”

March 27 at 7 p.m. - John White Chapel (Old Main)

In the past 50 years millions of Muslims have moved into Europe and North America sparking a variety of heated debates about religious freedom and tolerance, national security and culture, democratic values and institutions. How should Christian citizens understand this issue? How should they respond to the popular voices calling for either right-wing nationalism or left-wing multiculturalism? Placing the cross and crown of Jesus Christ at the center of his political philosophy, Dr. Matthew Kaemingk explores how the Reformed tradition and its concept of "principled pluralism" can function as a effective third way for Christian citizens beyond the secular solutions of right-wing nationalism and left-wing multiculturalism.

2019 Bitar Lecture Schedule

Dr. Byron I. Bitar Memorial Lecture

The Dr. Byron I. Bitar Memorial Lecture in Philosophy was endowed by the William C. Kriner Family in memory of Geneva College′s beloved professor of a quarter-century, in order to continue his legacy and vision for philosophy. The Lecture was inaugurated in 2004, a year after Dr. Bitar′s untimely death. Past Bitar Lecturers include renowned philosophers Stephen Evans, Paul Helm, Alvin Plantinga, Nicholas Wolterstorff, and Linda Zagzebski.

In addition to the lectures, the Bitar event includes a dinner with the lecturer for faculty and invited guests from Geneva and other institutions, to honor the Lectures′ endowing families, the William Kriners and the family of Byron Bitar. It features the announcement of the annual Bitar Cash Prize for best student philosophy paper, a gift from Mrs. Gail Bitar. Also there is a dinner for philosophy majors, and a master class, for all Geneva students, with the Lecture.

Past Bitar Lecturers include:

2004-05: Dr. Stephen Evans, Baylor University – “Can Love be Commanded?: Kierkegaard on the Foundations of Moral Obligation”
2005-06: Dr. Paul Helm – “John Calvin′s Big Idea”
2006-07: Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff – "Love and Justice"
2007-08: Linda Zagzebski – "Self-Trust and Religious Belief"
2008-09: Dr. James K.A. Smith – "A Liturgical Phenomenology for a Post-Secular Age"
2009-10: R.J. Snell – "Culture of Boredom, Culture of Death"
2010-11: Dr. Paul K. Moser – “Expecting a Severe God.”
2011-12: Dr. Alvin Plantinga – “Science, Religion and Naturalism”
2012-13: Dr. Nancey Murphy – “Human Nature at the Intersection of Science, Religion and Philosophy”
2013-14: Dr. Merold Westphal – "Getting from There to Here: From Modernity to Postmodernity"
2014-15: Dr. D.C. Schindler – "A Pre-Modern Response to the Post-Modern 'Lonely Mind’"
2015-16: Dr. Gregory R. Beabout - "Philosophical Wisdom for Business Savvy: The Character of the Manager"
2016-17: Dr. Frances Howard-Snyder - "The Moral Risk of Trust: Learning from Fiction"
2017-18: D. C. Schindler - “Hans Urs von Balthasar on Beauty.” and John F. Crosby -
“Dietrich von Hildebrand’s Defense of Beauty Against Its Detractors."

For further information:

Email rmfrazie@geneva.edu, emeek@geneva.edu or call 724-847-6700.

Philosophy at Geneva College

“Engaging the philosophical conversation, honing critical skills and passions, cultivating wisdom, for service, for living; in submission to Jesus Christ the Truth.”