Robert and Barbara Tollefson Reformed Theology Lectureship

The Robert and Barbara Tollefson Reformed Theology Lectureship began in 1992 in recognition of their contributions to Buena Vista University. Dr. Tollefson was a long-time professor of philosophy and religion at BVU. He and his wife, Barbara, played an important role in many student's lives during their years at BVU. Through the gift of their children, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Priscilla, and Jeff, the community of Buena Vista University, Prospect Hill Presbytery, many friends joined together in establishing the lecture series in their honor. This lecture is an annual event on Buena Vista University campus and is an opportunity for the community to hear from renowned scholars in the reformed field of study.

2008 Tollefson Lecturer

The 2008 Reformed Theology Lecturer is John S. McClure. He is the Charles G. Finney Professor of Homiletics Chair, Graduate Department of the Religion of Vanderbilt Divinity School.

His lectures include the following:

Listen to the Music: Popular Music and Christian Identity

Popular music, both Christian and secular, communicates powerful religious messages and feelings. People inside and outside of church are listening and learning. Why would a minister or congregation in the Reformed tradition want to listen to the diverse forms of music that are shaping the spiritual life of members, visitors, and outsiders? How might this be done? Toward what ends?

Calvin Speaks to Music Row

Music Row in Nashville is one of the key business, production, and recording hubs for the popular secular music industry, including not just country music, but folk, bluegrass, hip hop, blues, new age, rock, and rhythm and blues. It is also where most Contemporary Christian and Praise and Worship songs are written, produced and recorded. If the great Protestant Reformer, John Calvin, were to walk in and out of these businesses, songwriting sessions, and recording studios what might he have to say?

For additional information about these lectures, please visit the ACES webpage.

Past Distinguished Lectures

2007	Dr. Robert Dykstra, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
2006	Dr. Damayanthi Niles, professor of Systematic Theology, Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO
2005	Dr. Jack Schaffer, Minnesota School of Psychology, St. Paul MN
2004	Dr. Rick Nutt, Professor of Religion, Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio
2002/2003	Lectures cancelled because visa denial by Cuba for Dr. Ofelia Miriam Ortega
2001	Dr. Jane Dempsey Douglas, professor emerita of Princeton Theological Seminary and former President of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
2000	Dr. Stephen Haynes, Prof. Religious Studies, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN
1999	Dr. Donald Luidens, Prof. Of Sociology and Social Work, Hope College in Holland, Michigan
1998	Dr. Isabel Rogers, Professor of Applied Christianity of Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA
1997	Rev John M. Fife, past General Assembly Moderator PC (U.S.A), pastor of Southside Presbyterian Church Tucson, AZ
1996	Dr. Christina E. Blair, Prof of Practical Theology, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
1995	Dr. James Hudnut-Beumler, presently Dean Of The Divinity School And Anne Potter Wilson Distinguished Professor Of American Religious History At Vanderbilt University, formerly Columbia Seminary
1994	Ben and Carol Weir, Presbyterian pastor, Moderator of 198th Genral Assemby and professors of Evangelism and Mission at San Francisco Seminary, hostages of the Islamic Jihad Shiites for 16 months
1993	Dr. Donald McKim, Academic and Reference Editor for Westminster John Knox Press. He has served as Academic Dean and Professor of Theology at Memphis Theological Seminary and as Professor of Theology at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary from Memphis Seminary
1992	Dr. Charles Partee, Professor of Church History, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA