Dr. Roger E. Olson to speak at HPU’s 10th annual Currie-Strickland lectures

HPU Press Release – Howard Payne University’s 10th annual Currie-Strickland Distinguished Lectures in Christian Ethics will feature guest speaker Dr. Roger E. Olson, Foy Valentine Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. The lectures will take place Thursday, February 23, and Friday, February 24, and are free to the public.

Speaking on the theme “Both-And Ethics: Reconciling Niebuhr and Hauerwas,” Dr. Olson will begin his lectures at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening and 10 a.m. Friday morning with a question-and-answer session following each lecture. Both events will be held in the Richard and Wanda Jackson Conference Room of HPU’s Paul and Jane Meyer Faith and Life Leadership Center.

Dr. Olson holds degrees from Rice University, North American Baptist Seminary and Open Bible College. He has written numerous articles for such publications as Theology Today, Dialog, Scottish Journal of Theology, Christian Century and Christianity Today. His recent books include “Reformed and Always Reforming: The Postconservative Approach to Evangelical Theology,” “The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition and Reform,” “The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity and Diversity” and “Who Needs Theology?” with Dr. Stanley J. Grenz. Dr. Olson received two awards for “The Story of Christian Theology” including a Gold Medallion from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association in 1999. In 1993 he and co-author Dr. Grenz received Christianity Today’s award for best book in theology/biblical studies for “20th Century Theology: God and the World in a Transitional Age.”

A past president of the American Theological Society (Midwest Division), Dr. Olson has been the co-chair of the Evangelical Theology Group of the American Academy of Religion for two years. An expert in historical theology, he is a frequent preacher, teacher and speaker for local churches and organizations.

“We’re looking forward to Dr. Olson’s discussion of ‘both-and ethics’ and well-known ethicists and theologians Reinhold Niebuhr and Stanley Hauerwas,” said Dr. Donnie Auvenshine dean of HPU’s School of Christian Studies and professor of Christian studies. “Studies of ethics are crucial in today’s society, particularly for Christians. We know Dr. Olson will deliver thoughtful and timely discussion on the subject.”

The Currie-Strickland lecture series is made possible through the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Elliston and was established to honor the life of Dr. David R. Currie, retired executive director of Texas Baptists Committed, and the memory of Phil Strickland, who dedicated nearly 40 years of ministry to the Baptist General Convention of Texas’ Christian Life Commission.

Admission is free but reservations are requested. For reservations or more information, contact Howard Payne University’s School of Christian Studies by e-mail at currie-strickland@hputx.edu or by phone at (325) 649-8403.