WELCOME TO THE HARDING LECTURES

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
SUNDAY
6:30 p.m. HARDING CONCERT CHOIR
Kelly Neill, director
Benson Auditorium
Randy Harris
Randy Harris is spiritual director for the College
of Bible and teaches in the department
of Bible, missions and ministry at Abilene
Christian University following 10 years
teaching at Lipscomb University in Nashville,
Tennessee. At Lipscomb, Harris was a recipient
of the Outstanding Teacher Award in 1990. He
holds degrees from Harding University, Harding
School of Theology and Syracuse University,
and his areas of expertise are modern theology
and ethics. He was the preaching minister for
10 years at the Donelson Church of Christ in Nashville and for two years at South
11th and Willis in Abilene, Texas. Harris is the author of God Work, Soul Work, Life
Work and Living Jesus. He was chosen Honors Professor of the Year at ACU for 2001,
Honors Mentor of the Year in 2003 and 2011, Outstanding Faculty Member of the
College of Biblical Studies in 2003, and Outstanding Teacher of the Year for 2011.
Guide to symbols
As you glance through this Lectureship program, you will note that many of the
presentations are marked with one of the symbols below. These are intended to
provide a quick insight into the emphasis and content of each presentation to
aid you in planning your participation.
7 p.m. KEYNOTE LECTURE
The Parable of the Sower: Secrets of the Kingdom
Randy Harris, Benson Auditorium
Rick Castleman, worship leader
8:30 p.m. “PRODIGALS MUSICAL”
Heritage Auditorium
MONDAY
7:30 a.m. BREAKFAST: See page 13 for a list of and more
information about meals offered during this time.
9 a.m. MONDAY CLASSES
(All room assignments subject to change)
Understanding Islam:
Muhammad to Atheism to Christ
Wissam Al-Aethawi, Heritage Auditorium
In April 2011, I left my home country searching for
religious freedom. In January 2014, I went back to
the same community I escaped from for the same
reason — the gospel of Christ. What happened in
between, and how did it all start?
Does Paul Belong in Our Century?
Creating Bibles in Our Own Image
Rick Oster, Cone Chapel
Throughout much of Christian history, the Apostle
Paul was regarded as one of the great heroes of Christian
faith and piety. In recent generations, however,
some have felt embarrassment or even hostility
toward this apostle to the Gentiles. This session will
briefly summarize and evaluate some reasons for this
rejection of Paul.
How to Interpret the Parables, part 1
Allen Black, McInteer 150
These three sessions will provide an introduction to
the parables, an overview of how the parables have
been interpreted, and practical guidelines concerning
how they ought be interpreted.
Matthew 25: Three Parables of the End, part 1
Tommy South, McInteer 233
Jesus told the parables of the 10 virgins, the talents,
and the sheep and goats to prepare his disciples for
the end. They apply just as much to the church
today as when Jesus told them, so it is vital that we
understand them in their context to know what they
do and don’t teach.
4 • Harding Lectureship 2015