{"id":7771,"date":"2024-05-21T15:35:02","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T15:35:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.luthersem.edu\/story\/?p=7771"},"modified":"2025-08-13T20:31:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T20:31:49","slug":"annual-lecture-series-return-to-campus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.luthersem.edu\/story\/2024\/05\/21\/annual-lecture-series-return-to-campus\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual lecture series return to campus"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two major public lectures returned to Luther Seminary during residential focus sessions this winter and spring.<\/p>\n

In early January, nearly 500 guests gathered in person and online to hear renowned New Testament Scholar Amy- Jill Levine (pictured above) deliver the Fretheim Lecture in Biblical Theology: \u201cThe Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Why Knowledge of Jewish History Matters for Christian Preaching and Teaching.\u201d Prior to the lecture, Levine held a free workshop on campus for area clergy and students.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot think of a more significant speaker and biblical scholar today than Amy-Jill Levine,\u201d said Kathryn <\/strong>Schifferdecker<\/strong>, professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament. \u201cShe was a blessing to our Luther Seminary community, as she visited with faculty, staff, and students, and a gift to the wider Twin Cities community, as many folks came to campus to learn from her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Jill
Jill Levine delivering the Fretheim Lecture in Biblical Theology<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Terence E. and Faith L. Fretheim Lecture in Biblical Theology provides Luther Seminary and surrounding communities with access to biblical-theological scholarship by prominent scholars and theologians.<\/p>\n

In February, ecologist and lay theologian Rick Lindroth visited campus to give the Rutlen Lecture on Faith and Creation: \u201cScience, Truth, and Christian Faith in a Time of Eco-Crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was personally very excited to have Rick Lindroth as our Rutlen lecturer this year,\u201d said Alan<\/strong> Padgett<\/strong>, professor and Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary Chair of Theology. \u201cGood people everywhere need this kind of learning and call to action as we follow our Creator to heal and care for a hurting world.\u201d<\/p>\n