Southeast Missouri State University student publication

BSC to host annual lecture series

Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Baptist Student Center at Southeast Missouri State University will host its annual lecture series beginning April 2 through 5 with Dr. David May, professor of New

Testament and Director of Online Curriculum Design at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, lecturing.

“Jesus and Politics - first century style” will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 4, the third day of the lecture series at BSC Chapel and will cover these talking points . May explained his lecture would discuss the misconceptions about Jesus’ role in politics.

“We have an image of Jesus as a teacher of great spiritual wisdom, but we have neglected to understand Jesus as one intimately involved in the politics of his day,” May said.

“Yet, the message of loving one another and being kind to one another doesn't get one crucified at the hands of the Roman imperial government. A political message against Rome and its taxation and exploitation however, will get a person arrested, tried and crucified,” May said.

May said the politics in the days of Jesus were not the same as the politics of today.

“The lecture will also illustrate how Jesus employed three different types of strategies for confronting the political realities of his day: the prophetic, the subversive and the covenantal,” May said.

May poses questions for students when considering why go to this lecture. He also suggests that Jesus’ style of politics is still a viable approach to politics today. His questions are things to consider as a Christian who may leave the lecture understanding religion has a role in politics.

“The question today is how does one engage the political issue and challenges in our contemporary society. Is joining a movement or march effective? Should one run for office? What does one do to bring about change? Jesus' methods, while originating the context of the first-century world, still present viable strategies for how one might approach the thorny political issues of today,” May said.

Dr. Bruce Gentry, professor of political science, philosophy and religion and pastor, coordinator of Southeast’s BSC Baptist Student Center serving all students from all denominations, cultures and religions encourages all students to attend this(ese) relevant and timely lecture(s)as follows,

Following the 6:00 p.m. BSC family meal, “Flipping a Parable”, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2,.

Revelation: The Green Book of the New Testament ,looking at the Revelation through an ecological lens 6:30 p.m., April 3, BSC Chapel

Jesus and Politics first-century style, 6:30 p.m., April 4, BSC Chapel

Kent Library Presents: Roman Coins - Windows onto the World of the New Testament

Noon, April 5, Kent Library (Main Floor)

Dr. May will be delivering the morning message at FBC, First Baptist Church , 1289 Lexington Road, at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 2,.

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