New forum engages academics in faith discussion
By
Kevin Heinrichs
ChristianWeek staff
 HAYDEN JENSEN PHOTO Unlikely location: Calvin Dewitt leads a VeritasForum field trip at the Sifton Botanical Bog. |
LONDON, ON–A forum
on truth from a Christian perspective may sound
like an event typically held at a Bible college.
But the sponsors of a unique project first
initiated at Harvard University in 1992 intend to
bring that forum to Canadian universities, giving
credibility to a faith that is routinely
ridiculed or ignored in the classroom. After similar events at more than 40 universities in the U.S., the Veritas Forum made its first appearance in Canada at the University of Western Ontario in London at the beginning of November. "It’s a beginning, it’s significant," says Mike Veneema, one of the organizers of the conference and Christian Reformed chaplain at UWO. The three-day forum sought to explore the question: "Does belief in Jesus subvert the discussion on truth, power and love?" Its brochure summarizes the aim of the forum: "To explore the truth and relevance of Jesus by responding to hard questions the university, society and the human heart raise." |
The event focused on lectures, seminars and discussion rather than debate. "Debates tend to polarize audiences," says Veneema. "We are trying to engage the university community in a conversation."
Presenters included Ron Sider, author and professor at Eastern Baptist College in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, speaking on "Should Christianity be permitted to die?", Paul Marshall, a leading authority on religious persecution, speaking on religion and human rights; Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen on Christianity and Postmodernism; and Calvin DeWitt on environmental issues.
The three-day event also included a coffeehouse cabaret featuring music, comedy, drama and dance, all performed by local Christians.
Attendance ranged from 125-170 at the four major lectures. "It exceeded our expectations...not wildly, but there was a wonderful representation," says Veneema.
While he says that "the attendance was weighted more heavily towards Christians on campus," he was pleased that there was broad support from key university officials both from administration and student leadership. The event was also supported by ministry organizations and local churches. London mayor Dianne Haskett, an outspoken Christian, appeared at the final presentation, calling the forum "a gift to the city of London."
Clive Waugh, director of the Navigators on campus, chaired the organizing committee. He says that the community seemed not to understand the event, at least initially. However, Waugh says the forum eventually received strong affirmation from the university. "They embraced the concept and affirmed the dialogue," he says, adding that the university waived some costs that are normally required. Waugh notes that Veritas is one of the few university outreach events whose idea "was birthed in a university context."
Since the conference, organizers have received informal inquiries from other universities interested in hosting a similar forum.
