BMPC Welcomes the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Lee Walton as our 2021 David and Ruth Watermulder Theologian-in-Residence
Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2
Each year, in honor of the leadership of David and Ruth Watermulder, our Adult Education Committee invites a scholar of excellence to share their work and passion with our greater community. This year we are honored to welcome the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Walton, Dean of the School of Divinity, Wake Forest University, Presidential Chair of Religion and Society, Dean of Wait Chapel in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Jonathan L. Walton is a social ethicist whose scholarship focuses on evangelical Christianity and its relationship to mass media and political culture. His latest book, A Lens of Love: Reading the Bible in Its World for Our World blends his work from the pulpit and classroom. A Lens of Love explores the Bible from the perspective of the most vulnerable and violated characters toward developing a Christian social ethic of radical inclusion and human affirmation. The book argues that people of faith can engage the Bible faithfully, approach it responsibly, and thus reject it literally.
Jonathan L. Walton is one of the very few grand figures in American culture who is both public intellectual and prophetic preacher.
- Cornel West
Dean Walton is an outspoken advocate for social justice and civil rights. His work and insights have been featured in several national and international news outlets including The New York Times, CNN, Time Magazine, and the BBC. Prior to coming to Wake Forest he served as the Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church of Harvard University.
Saturday, May 1, 10:00 a.m. via Zoom
The Sun Do Move! Interpreting the Bible in Cultural Context
Join us for a lecture and conversation with Jonathan Walton on the ways that thoughtful biblical interpretation can inform and inspire our living and working in the world today.
Pre-registration is required for this webinar. After registering, you will receive information about joining the event.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcuCqpz4sH9J090Xqgh9RKLP4RTXcsJQL
Sunday, May 2 - Pre-Recorded Worship
Dean Walton will be welcomed into our virtual pulpit as our preacher for this Sunday.
“Shadowboxing with Love” 1 John 4:7-21
The worship service video will be available on our website at 10:00 a.m. on May 2.
Sunday, May 2, 2:00 p.m. - via Zoom Webinar
The Narcissism of Minor Differences:
A Gospel Challenge to Purity, Rank, and Hierarchy
This more formal presentation will also feature a conversation and Q&A with a distinguished panel of local leaders and scholars.
Panelists:
The Rev. Dr. Charles L. Howard
University Chaplain and University Vice President for Social Equity and Community, University of Pennsylvania
The Rev. Eustacia Moffett Marshall
Pastor, New River Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia
Dr. Anthea Butler
Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Graduate Chair of Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania
Pre-Registration is required for this Webinar. After registering, you will receive information about joining the event. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qwVoOQiDQ1avs9OF98_Drw
Conversations on
A Lens of Love: Reading the Bible in Its World for Our World
Sunday, April 25 11:00 a.m. via Zoom
Sunday, May 16 2:00 p.m. on the BMPC Campus
In addition to these opportunities to learn from Dean Walton, you also are invited to participate with the Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick in an online discussion of A Lens of Love on Sunday morning, April 25 or and in-person conversation on the book at BMPC on May 16. You can sign up here to reserve a copy of the book and to choose which session you will attend.
