a conference for
graduate students,
faculty, and
professionals

In this track, we will give close scrutiny to some of the major assumptions that are likely to undermine the confidence and effectiveness of followers of Christ in the contemporary academic setting, acting both internally on the individual's self-image and efforts and externally through the attitudes of colleagues and policies of institutions. Among the main questions we take up will be:

• Does Christian teaching contain a unique body of knowledge essential to human life, or is real knowledge restricted to the output of scientific or other human efforts?

• Does religious conviction hinder or even preclude one's pursuit or transmission of knowledge? In this vein how does anti-religious conviction — or simply a lack of conviction — compare?

• Is it realistically possible to regard careers of research and creativity as a service to God? What would be the hallmarks of such endeavors dedicated to him? What is the effect of thinking of academic and artistic pursuits in other terms?

• Will the universities be able to sustain devotion to truth in a world devoted to human desire? If not, what can we expect them to produce? And how might Christians advance plausible options?

The Ideas and Idols track will take seriously not only these questions themselves but also the need for clear thinking and earnest conversation about them. The format of the track, therefore, is designed to foster sustained dialogue with Dallas Willard, the track's leader.

Note: Enrollment for this track is strictly limited, and it has now filled. We are taking names for a waiting list, however — so we urge you to register immediately to get your name on that list. If any openings become available, they will be filled in order from the waiting list.