The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist educational system is to prepare young people for success in the 21st century and beyond. Walla Walla University's (WWU) goals are even higher—striving not only to educate students, but to provide thoughtful Christian educational experiences to people of all ages.
The Center for Bible, Faith and Mission (CBFM), formerly the Institute for Bible, Church and Culture, is a subsidiary organization of WWU focused on providing valuable opportunities for lifelong learning. "CBFM seeks to be a source of timely and relevant information, relating the Bible to issues of our day," says David Thomas, WWU School of Theology dean.
WWU and the CBFM invite you to attend four upcoming events:
The first is a CBFM seminar entitled, "What On Earth Are We Doing: Christians and the Environment." This series of presentations, held Jan. 18–20 at the Sunnyside Church in Portland, Ore., will provide a Christian response to the current frenzy regarding the environment.
"Given the discussions about global warming and our potential for running out of fossil fuels, this is a good time for Christians to weigh in on the subject," says Thomas. Speakers include Thomas, Jon Cole, professor of engineering, and Jim Nestler, professor of biology. Each presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
WWU presents the annual Distinguished Scholar Lecture on Jan. 24–25. This year the distinguished guest will be David R. Williams, Florence and Laura Norman professor of public health at the Harvard School of Public Health. Williams is also a professor of sociology, African, and African American studies at Harvard University. During the three-part lecture, this international authority on the social influences of health will present:
"Social Inequalities in Health: Patterns, Causes, Interventions," Thursday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Walla Walla Valley Academy Auditorium.
"Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Health: Evidence, Questions, Interpretations," Friday, Jan. 25, 1–3 p.m., Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium
"Religion and Health: Scientific Findings and Unanswered Questions," Friday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m., Walla Walla Valley Academy Auditorium
Tony Campolo, professor emeritus at Eastern University and founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, will be the featured speaker for Black History Weekend at WWU, held Feb. 1–2. A Sabbath afternoon forum, "The God of Intimacy and Action: The Challenge to Welcome and Embrace Diversity," is jointly sponsored by the Black Faculty and Staff Fellowship, the Faculty Development Committee, the School of Theology and the Association of Adventist Forums.
March brings the annual CBFM Retreat to the WWU campus. George Knight, professor emeritus at Andrews University, and Craig Newborn, pastor of Oakwood College Church and past director of the Ellen G. White Institute at Oakwood College, will speak on "Ellen White: The Myth and the Reality: Adventists and the Prophetic Gift." The three-day retreat will examine how White's writings have affected Adventism and will address ways to reawaken an interest in her gift.
These events are free and open to the public. Continuing education credits are available for select presentations. For more information, please contact the School of Theology at (509) 527-2194.
Tony Campolo will speak at WWU in February.
The WWU 2007 Distinguished Scholar Lecture will be presented by David R. Williams in January.
