Village Lutheran Lectures on Christianity & Culture

Past Lectures

Topic: An Anthology of Authors and an Artist 
Speakers: Edward Riojas, Heather Kaufman, and Gene Edward Veith Jr.

September 28, 2024
The presenters were artist and illustrator Edward Riojas; author Heather Kaufman; and author and retired professor Dr. Gene Edward Veith Jr. These three distinct writers discussed different aspects of their genres. Edward Riojas talked about how he has published his art and illustrations in various formats and books. He talked about how he navigates the creative process, how he interacts with authors and publishers. Heather Kaufman brought a wealth of experience in writing novels and fiction with a Christian worldview, working for a publisher, and publishing through multiple channels. It was intriguing to hear how she developed characters, incorporated Christian themes in her fiction, and navigates the publishing industry. Dr. Gene Edward Veith has written prolifically on many issues of faith and culture. It was fascinating to learn how he chooses topics, develops his ideas, interacts with publishers, and manages his writing schedule.
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This lecture took place at Village Lutheran Church. Guests, and the community were invited to attend the free event. Contact Deaconess Patti at [email protected] or call 314-993-1834 with any questions.

Is the Reformation Still Relevant?
 Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller & Rev. Jonathan Fisk​

Beyond the Voting Booth: How Does a Christian Approach Politics?
  Dr. Matthew Harrison & Tim Goeglein​
​Tim Goeglein and Dr. Matthew Harrison speak on the role of the Christian in government. 

A Lawyer's Defense of Christianity
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery
Village Lutheran Church hosted a lecture “A Lawyer’s Defense of Christianity” featuring the renowned Christian apologist and defender of the faith Dr. John Warwick Montgomery. Dr. Montgomery has authored more than 50 books in four languages and has eleven earned degrees including degrees in theology, philosophy, and law. An ordained Lutheran minister and English and French barrister, Dr. Montgomery lives in France where he is the Director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights. He has also served as the Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Thought at Patrick Henry College in Virginia and the Emeritus Professor of Law and Humanities at the University of Bedfordshire, England.

The Dirt on Christianity: Archaeology and the Bible
  Dr. Paul L. Maier
Dr. Maier is The Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History emeritus at Western Michigan University, a four-term Vice-President of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and a much-published author of both scholarly and popular works. His novels include two historical documentaries: Pontius Pilate and The Flames of Rome, as well as a theological thriller that became a # 1 national bestseller in religious fiction: A Skeleton in God's Closet. A sequel, More Than a Skeleton, and the third in the trilogy, The Constantine Codex. 
His non-fiction works include In the Fullness of Time, a book that correlates sacred with secular evidence from the ancient world impinging on Jesus and early Christianity; Josephus--The Essential Works, a new translation/commentary on writings of the first-century Jewish historian; and Eusebius--The Church History, a similar book on the first Christian historian. More than five million Maier books are now in print in twenty languages, as well as nearly 300 scholarly articles and reviews in professional journals.

Christianity Once Turned the World Upside Down: Is It Still True?
​Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt
Village Lutheran Church in Ladue hosted a lecture “Christianity Once Turned the World Upside Down: Is It Still True?” featuring the renowned Christian defender of the Faith, Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt. Dr. Schmidt is the author of 11 books; one received an award from the American Library Association. His book How Christianity Changed the World (2004) is translated in seven foreign languages, including Russian. Another book compares Christianity to Islam; and one compares Joseph Smith (the Mormon) to Muhammad of Islam. Schmidt is a former member of Canada’s renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a Lutheran clergyman and professor emeritus who has taught at Concordia University-Nebraska; Lenoir-Rhyne University; Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne; and Illinois College. He is a “fellow” of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and is frequently interviewed on “Christianity and Culture” and various radio programs, including Issues, Etc.

Tales from the Front―Religious Liberty and the Media
Mollie Ziegler Hemingway
Accomplished journalist, Mollie Ziegler Hemingway, presents the inaugural Village Lutheran Lecture on Christianity and Culture, discussing how the media handles matters of religious liberty.

Christianity for the Academic and Artist
  Craig Parton
Craig Parton is a Christian apologist and trial lawyer in Santa Barbara, California. He is also the United States director of the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. The author of The Defense Never Rests: A Lawyer’s Quest for the Gospel, Richard Whately: A Man for All Seasons, and Religion on Trial, Parton has been published in numerous law reviews and theological journals and is a regular guest on the radio program Issues, Etc.