There were six talks at the 2013 Conference, on the general theme of Transforming the Mind. The recordings, and slides where available, are on our Hear the talks page.
Be transformed by the Renewing of your Minds – Maithrie White
Maithrie introduced the conference, and asked the question: “What does God require of Christian Postgrads and academics?” She spoke on integrating Faith and Academic Life, and on the reality of God in our everyday environment. She challenged delegates with the thought that “from those to whom much is given, much is expected”, and proposed some ideas for renewing our minds and deepening our faith.
What is a human being? – Donald Hay
Donald illustrated how different worldviews, and understandings of people and society, can affect practice and belief – using the example of Marriage. He examined four perspectives: Theological, Evolutionary psychology, Rational choice theories, and Social theories, and demonstrated how fundamental (and sometimes unexamined) preconceptions affect how we see and engage with our world.
Engaging with Culture – Roy McCloughry
Roy presented different models of how we might engage with culture, and discussed the tension between being relevant and being true to our faith. He examined how God has intervened in the world, and considers how we should engage positively and constructively.
Christian Academics: In the University – Mike Clifford
Mike talked about his experience of being a Christian Engineer, showing how faith can make a difference to academic research – and giving some pointers on how not to do it.
Christians Intellectuals: In the World – Roy McCloughry
A talk on cultural engagement – listen to the recording!
Counterculturally, this talk was delivered without the aid of powerpoint technology.
Seek the welfare of the University – Donald Hay
Drawing on Jeremiah 29, this talk explored what it means to engage with the secular environment of the contemporary University.