Theologian Peter Enns to Speak at Gardner-Webb on Oct. 28 for Mary Washburn Wilson Lecture Series

Open to the Public, Free Sessions Examine the Topic: ‘Reading the Bible Prayerfully with Eyes Open’

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University presents theologian and author, Peter Enns, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Faith Hall, Tucker Student Center. The program, “Reading the Bible Prayerfully and with Eyes Open,” is part of the Mary Washburn Wilson Lecture Series. There is no cost to attend, and lunch is included.

“We look forward to hosting Dr. Peter Enns for the Mary Washburn Wilson lectures,” asserted Interim School of Divinity Dean Dr. Jim McConnell. “Dr. Enns is a biblical scholar known for his insightful reading of scripture, both the Old and New Testaments. Dr. Enns will encourage us to read the Bible with our eyes open to the challenges that these texts present, but also open to the promises of hope found within them.”

Enns earned his Ph.D. at Harvard University and is Abram S. Clemens professor of Biblical Studies at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa. He has written several books including “The Bible Tells Me So,” “The Sin of Certainty,” “How the Bible Actually Works,” and his latest “Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming.”

He is also cohost of the popular podcast “The Bible for Normal People.” The focus of his work centers on understanding the Bible as an ancient text and thinking through what it means to read that ancient text well today.

The Mary Washburn Wilson lectures are supported by the Mary Washburn Wilson Visiting Scholar Endowment, which was established in honor of Mary Leigh Washburn Wilson (1922-2003) through a generous gift by her daughter, the Rev. Tillie Duncan, a member of the GWU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni, along with her husband, Shannon Duncan. The lectureship is designed to expose students to new ideas and to make them aware of ideas not previously thought about in an intentional way.

The schedule follows:

• Session One: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., The Challenge of Reading The Bible In The Modern World
• Lunch: 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
• Session Two: 1 to 2 p.m., Reading The Bible With Open Eyes And Humble Hearts.

For more information, please contact Lisa Hollifield at [email protected].

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.