Faith Matters is a free lecture series designed for church leaders and the general public. The most recent presentations were held in the evenings of spring 2010 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Southern Hills Christian Church in Edmond. A summary of the presentations and their presenters are listed below.

There are currently no future Faith Matters presentations scheduled. If you would like to be on our mailing list to receive information about where and when others may be held, please email Judy Krase.

February 15, 2010

What is Sacred?: The Religion of the USA

Many of the world’s religions found a home in the U.S. But some of the faithful also adhere to a faith in the U.S. itself, a faith scholars refer to as “civil religion.” What are the symbols, beliefs, and practices of this faith in the United States of America?

Gary E. Peluso-Verdend

President and Associate Professor of Practical Theological

February 22, 2010

“Three Women and a Little Lamb: Ecclesiology and Christology in the Book of Revelation"

What do the Persecuted Mother, the Whore of Babylon, and the Bride of Christ have in common with the little lamb in the Book of Revelation?  Dr. Pittman will address this question as she examines the images of community, all in female form, and how they interact with the primary image of Jesus Christ in this mysterious last book of the Bible.

Nancy Claire Pittman

Associate Professor of the Practice of Ministry and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program 

March 1, 2010

Voices in the Wilderness: An Historical and Theological Survey of Black Preaching in the United States

This presentation will explore the historical and theological development of preaching in the Black Church from slavery to the present. Dr. Thomas will offer examples of the various ways Black Preaching has often addressed the social, political, and religious concerns of African-American people.

John. L. Thomas, Jr.

Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Associate Dean for Contextual Education and Church Relations

March 8, 2010 

Reading Ruth with New Eyes

How do Jews and Christians read the biblical Ruth story differently?  What ambiguities and implications in the Hebrew text have been conveniently smoothed over in traditional translations?  How does Ruth evoke other biblical narratives to flesh out the story?  Rev. Southard will guide you through a close reading of Ruth, highlighting the familiar chapter 1 and the provocative chapter 3.

Susanna Weslie Southard

Instructor of Hebrew Bible