Postmodernism's Failure to Assuage Your Fears - Greg Jesson - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Greg Jesson’s long journey from Los Angeles to Iowa took him to Switzerland, where he studied at L’Abri with Francis Schaeffer, to UCLA where he finished his undergraduate degree in philosophy, to USC where he completed an MA in philosophy under Dallas Willard, and finally to the University of Iowa where he received a Ph.D. in philosophy focusing on philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, phenomenology, and philosophy of religion. He has published books and articles on the nature of thought and knowledge, consciousness, philosophy of mathematics, Francis Schaeffer, the portrayal of ultimate issues in modern film, defending Christianity in the marketplace, and the philosophical and religious thought of Dallas Willard. Over the years he has taught at eight colleges and a seminary, and has lectured widely in America and Europe. Most recently, he was a professor of philosophy and director of the Center for Ethics and Public Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Having decided to leave the university, he now spends his time writing, lecturing, restoring an old home, and looking after his dog, Dr. Watson.

You Say You Want a Reformation: Cultural Engagement or Cultural Resistance? Evaluating the Benedict Option - Mike Sugimoto - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures    Mike Sugimoto is Professor of Asian Studies at Pepperdine University with a focus on cinema, sociology and philosophy.

The Transformative Power of Art: Story in Film - Denis Haack - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Culture   Denis and Margie Haack co-directed Ransom Fellowship from 1983-2020. They continue a ministry of conversation and listening, as well as writing, no longer in print (Critique & Letters from the House Between), but on their website (https://www.critique-letters.com/). They are enjoying being grandparents while Margie collects eggs laid by her four hens, Pecorino, Brie, Fontina, and Velveeta. They live in Savage, MN and are members of Church of the Cross (Hopkins, MN).

Abraham Kuyper A Model for Transformation - Wim Rietkerk - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Wim Rietkerk was educated at Leydon University in Philosophy of Religion and graduated in Theology at Kampen. He has worked as a pastor for many years along with leading L’Abri Fellowship in Holland. He is the author of several books including co-authoring What in the World is Real: Challenging the Superficial in Today’s World.

Can the Bible Reform the 21st Century West - Vishal Mangalwadi - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Vishal Mangalwadi is an Indian philosopher and social reformer who has written several popular books on the Bible’s seismic influence. Vishal has lectured in over 40 countries, published seventeen books (including The Book That Made Your World), and contributed to many more.

Developing a Reformed Theology of Culture - Doug Groothuis - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   Dr. Groothuis holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy (University of Oregon, 1993) and in the fall of 2024, he will become Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University. He is the author of twenty books, beginning with the best-selling Unmasking the New Age (InterVarsity Press, 1986) and including the popular and voluminous textbook, Christian Apologetics, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2022), as well as a memoir, Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—a Philosopher’s Lament (InterVarsity Press, 2017), an introduction to philosophy, Philosophy in Seven Sentences (InterVarsity, 2016), and a book on the controversial topic of Critical Race Theory, Fire in the Streets (Salem Books, 2022). He co-authored the introductory textbook on apologetics, The Knowledge of God in the World and in the Word (Zondervan-Academic, 2022) with Andrew Shepardson.

Sin Shamanism Suspicion and The State: Why Corruption Pervades & Devastates Societies Around the World - Bob Osburn - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures   A Senior Fellow with Wilberforce International Institute, which he founded in 2009, Robert Osburn trains international students as redemptive change agents and writes and teaches about international development, comparative worldviews, corruption, education policy, and wealth creation. For seven years he taught courses on religion and educational policy and religion and international development at the University of Minnesota, and currently teaches courses with The New International University and Wilberforce International Institute. He has a PhD in comparative and international development education from the University of Minnesota, a ThM from Dallas Seminary, and a BA from the University of Michigan. He is the author of Taming the Beast: Can We Bridle the Culture of Corruption? (2016) and, most recently, Developing Redemptive Change Agents: Discipleship That Helps Nations Flourish Rather Than Flounder (2021). Bob and Susan have been married for 49 years, are the parents of four sons, and grandparents to 13.

Whenever we read the Gospels, we visualize what we're reading. In essence, it's like we're directing a little film that plays in our minds. As a way to explore that important interpretative dynamic, Jesus films can provide an external reference point for us. In this talk Dr. John Anthony Dunne will help us think about our internal, private films in relation to the external, public ones that have been a major part of film history since the inception of filmmaking at the end of the 19th century. In doing so, he introduces us to his forthcoming book, co-authored with his colleague Dr. Jeannine K. Brown, which is entitled, The Greatest Story Ever Retold: Envisioning Jesus Narratives from Gospels to Film (Baker), focusing especially on The Chosen—the hit, multi-season streaming show about Jesus and the disciples. John Anthony Dunne (PhD, University of St Andrews) is associate professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary in St Paul, MN, the editor and co-host of 'The Two Cities' podcast, and the author of the forthcoming book, The Mountains Shall Drip Sweet Wine: A Biblical Theology of Alcohol (Zondervan).

America is a deeply divided nation, politically and culturally. With each month that goes by, our public rhetoric seems to grow more angry, our tolerance less and our ability to live with each other more and more uncertain. Increasingly we see our politicized Culture Wars inside the Church as well as outside. Can Christians engage as citizens in the debates and controversies that roil our society without compromise, but also without being sucked into the anger and hatred? In this lecture we’ll be trying to step back from arguing about what our positions should be on every issue and grapple with the question of how we as Christians should engage with political, social and cultural questions and with people who disagree with us about them - both inside and outside the Church. Click for Slides Ian Barrs was born and raised in the South of England, growing up close to the English branch of L'Abri. He studied History at the University of Wales Lampeter, where he gained a BA in History and a Graduate Certificate in Medieval Studies. Following an ancient tradition, he met his future spouse at L’Abri, which eventually led to him moving to her hometown in Iowa. For the last 19 years, Ian and Buffy have lived in SW Iowa, and now have 3 children from ages 17 to 8. Ian is interested in just about everything, but especially History, Politics, culture and cultural differences, subcultures and discussing and debating those and more! He became a US citizen as fast as legally possible, voted in his first primary weeks after becoming a citizen and at various times has been involved in local and state politics in different ways. In 2015 he ran for the Republican nomination for State Representative, and in 2017 he was involved in trying to start a new political party (...it didn’t work). From 2017 to 2021 he was a regular weekly co-host for the “Politics” segment of FaithWorks Live, a live talk show on Des Moines Christian radio. He serves as an Elder at GracePoint EFCA Church in Atlantic, Iowa.

Discover how the human brain reveals meaning, justifies meaning, and constructs meaning and discuss practical implications for the Christian life. Andrea Leep Hunderfund, MD, MHPE, is associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota where she practices clinical neurophysiology, teaches neuroscience to medical and physical therapy students, and serves as chair of patient and staff experience for her clinical department.

This presentation will be a bit autobiographical, explaining how persistent curiosity led to permitting a rural composting facility, then to a teaching job and other academic pursuits. Then we will delve into the fascinating world of soil biology (where I am still a student). We will consider soil as the “Foundation of Creation,” and the blessing of farmers and of American agriculture, both small-scale and industrial. After almost four decades as a civil engineer working in large and small private sector consulting firms, permitting and designing landfills and water resource projects, and assisting with environmental responses to freight train derailments, Beth Keister stepped back from the professional engineering world to “complete her liberal arts education” and take on a role as an adjunct professor at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN, teaching an entry-level environmental science course and getting to know the next generation.

Professor Taliaferro will defend the reality of the soul and consciousness. Questions to be addressed: What is the soul? What is the soul or mind-body relationship? Some Christians in the early church (Tertullian) and today (Peter van Inwagen) are materialists in their view of human and nonhuman animals. What are the merits of Christian materialism? This talk and discussion will bring you up to date in the current debate between Christian philosophers about the soul. Charles Taliaferro Ph.D. MA (Brown) MTS (Harvard) MA (URI) BA (Goddard) Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Emeritus Overby Distinguished Professor, St. Olaf College, has taught at Notre Dame and U. Mass Boston. He is the author or co-author or editor of 40 books (3 are audio books, available on Amazon). For a profile, see: https://wp.stolaf.edu/philosophy/charles-taliaferro-profile/

Many in Rochester know someone in the medical profession; perhaps a doctor, a nurse, a physical therapist. However, what most do not experience is the frontline work of the intensive care unit or the emergency department. These are the spaces where life and death meet; where patients and family members are faced with choices and endings that are deeply painful and often sudden and stressful. Amanda Daxon worked as a pediatric ICU nurse for seven years before transitioning into another career. During that time, she walked with families and children through their darkest moments. She will share her own personal story while also highlighting the stressors that healthcare workers face. She will also share insights into suffering and redemption and will remember the children who shaped her. Originally from Oklahoma, Amanda Daxon graduated valedictorian from Oklahoma Baptist University and subsequently worked for several years as a pediatric ICU nurse before realizing that her true passion was historical study. She graduated in 2011 from The Catholic University of America with a Master of Arts in Medieval History. She subsequently worked as the Program Coordinator for the Byzantine Studies Department at Dumbarton Oaks, a Harvard University research institute located in Washington, D.C. In addition, she volunteered at the Folger Shakespeare Library, performing bibliographical analysis on 16th-18th century Flemish imprints before relocating to Germany for three years, where her husband was stationed with the US Army. There, she honed the art of having children and finding obscure medieval structures to explore. She has resided in Rochester for eight years with her husband, Ben, and three children, Macallan, Gwyneth, and Sullivan. She currently teaches literature and rhetoric at Schaeffer Academy.

How Should Christians Be Tolerant - Dick Keyes - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures

Spiritual Transformation Through Five Doctrines of the Reformation - Doug Groothuis - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures

The Unexpected Reformation - Larry Snyder - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures

The Reformed Roots of Modern Science - Greg Grooms - 2017 Conference Highlights: The Power of God's Word to Transform Cultures  

Ideas affect our lives in both positive and negative ways. Some of the greatest problems in our lives have their origins in confused thinking. Such thinking makes serious thought about the ultimate issues of life close to impossible. We will look at several confusions that deeply harm people and leave them with without hope. This lecture does not presuppose any previous academic preparation. It is meant to be accessible, practical, and engaging. As always, there will be a significant time for discussion, delicious home-baked snacks, and good company.   Greg Jesson’s long journey from Los Angeles to Iowa took him to Switzerland, where he studied at L’Abri with Francis Schaeffer, to UCLA where he finished his undergraduate degree in philosophy, to USC where he completed an MA in philosophy under Dallas Willard, and finally to the University of Iowa where he received a Ph.D. in philosophy focusing on philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, phenomenology, and philosophy of religion. He has published books and articles on the nature of thought and knowledge, consciousness, philosophy of mathematics, Francis Schaeffer, the portrayal of ultimate issues in modern film, defending Christianity in the marketplace, and the philosophical and religious thought of Dallas Willard. Over the years he has taught at eight colleges and a seminary, and has lectured widely in America and Europe. Most recently, he was a professor of philosophy and director of the Center for Ethics and Public Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Having decided to leave the university, he now spends his time writing, lecturing, restoring an old home, and looking after his dog, Dr. Watson.

Mark Chavalas wrestles with a particular issue in the dialogue between God and Abram in Genesis 15, namely the identification of the ‘smoking oven and flaming torch’ of v. 17. Before the advent of the decipherment of cuneiform languages in the mid-nineteenth century the interpretation of the passage was rather straightforward; the oven and the torch represented God, who somehow passed through the halves of the animals in this admittedly strange ritual (which appears to have similarities to an event described in Jeremiah 34:18-19). It so happens that the interaction of Mesopotamian studies with the biblical text has much to offer to help us understand this very difficult and obscure part of Scripture. From a survey of Ancient Near Eastern treaties, the passage appears to be a land grant covenant (among other things). However, the ritual is not nearly as clear; the censer (ie firepot) and torch were used in a myriad of Mesopotamian purification rituals and usually represented two relatively minor Mesopotamian deities, which appears on the surface to be troubling to the believer. Mark will attempt to reinterpret this passage in light of this new information.   Mark W. Chavalas is Professor Emeritus from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he taught for over thirty years. He has written or edited a number of books, including Mesopotamia and the Bible, and the IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. He also has a podcast: Buried Bible Podcast, up and running since February of this year. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572416891118# He and his wife Kimberlee have six children and four grandchildren.

"We want to be the church for people who don’t like church.” This is just one way I have heard it said lately. In the same way people still want romantic or sexual relationships, but don’t want to have anything to do with marriage… perhaps similar to the way a person decides that ‘The me that I am does not belong in this female body, but belongs in a male body’… and certainly in keeping with our newest generation’s newest definitions of 'family' as ‘emphatically not my family of origin but my people,’ it seems that being a part of a church today that is in any sense associated with traditional concepts of “church” is not only undesirable, but culturally immoral! Let’s talk about our disenchantment with “church” and explore a path to restoration for the Bride of Christ.   Click for Slides   Brian Swedburg is currently enjoying family and grandkids as much as possible, while teaching music at a classical Christian academy. His undergraduate degree is in music education and his masters is in exegetical theology. So, you won't be surprised that he has spent the last 30 years pastoring, church-planting, discipling, leading worship, and teaching music in various capacities. Brian and his wife Julie first came to the Rochester L'Abri in 2016, and have returned as often as possible. He is running in preparation for a 50 k this summer, reading all that he can, and growing up by the grace of Christ with his church, family, and friends.