Wesley Lecture Series 

The Wesley Lecture Series brings thought-provoking speakers to Reinhardt each year. Envisioned in 2003 by Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, it seeks to present speakers who will engage the College community with challenging perspectives on faith.  

2011 Wesley Lecture

 “Activism: Using Non-Violence to Transform the World”  by Dr. Elizabeth Corrie - Oct. 20, 2011
2 p.m. - Concert Hall of the Falany Performing Arts Center

On Oct. 20,  Dr. Elizabeth Corrie, the director of the Youth Theological Initiative and an assistant professor in the practice of youth education and peacebuilding at Emory’s Candler School of Theology, will present “Activism: Using Non-Violence to Transform the World”  at 2 p.m. in the Falany Performing Arts Center Concert Hall.  As Reinhardt’s annual Wesley Lecture, her talk will seek to engage the University and the community with challenging perspectives on faith.

Reinhardt Chaplain the Rev. Leigh Martin said Corrie draws on her commitment to peace with justice and to the education of young people as a foundation for her work in developing teaching and ministry practices that empower young people for global citizenship.  Corrie’s research interests include theories and practices of nonviolent strategies for social change, the religious roots of violence and nonviolence, youth ministry and character education.

Martin sees activism as a particularly relevant topic for study because of the ongoing changes in the Middle East, as well as events closer to home, like the Occupy Wall Street protests.  “It’s easy for us to grow complacent, as if these protests are irrelevant to us,” said Reinhardt Chaplain the Rev. Leigh Martin. “Some have more impact than others, but the evolution of social change should not be underestimated. Activism has created the world we experience today and will continue to shape the world of tomorrow. What will it take for us to stand up for what we believe?  What will propel us from apathy to activism?”

Martin sees Corrie as the perfect speaker to bring to Reinhardt.  “Dr. Corrie has devoted her life to social justice issues.  She is an activist for many causes, at home and around the world.  She is particularly interested in how non-violent strategies can bring about significant change.  She brings an awareness of the world and its interconnectedness.  She is a woman of deep faith and her faith drives her activism.”

For more on Reinhardt’s Wesley Lecture Series, please contact Chaplain Martin at 770-720-5634 or lsw@reinhardt.edu. 

 Previous Wesley Lecture speakers include:

• Dr. James T. Laney, former ambassador to South Korea, former Emory University president, and former Candler School of Theology dean;
• Bishop William H. Willimon, an internationally known theologian, pastor and author; 
• Abraham Yel Nhial, a Lost Boy of Sudan and co-author of "Lost Boy No More";
• the Rev. Sandra Olewine, a United Methodist minister who worked in the Middle East advocating peace between Israelis and Palestinians; and
• the Rev. Dr. Luther Felder, Assistant General Secretary for the Campus Ministry section of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry;
• Margaret Feinberg, author
• Georgia Shaffer, Psychologist and life coach  
• Ron Greer:  “INTEGRITY: Making Decisions that Fit YOU” - Greer is a pastoral counselor, United Methodist minister, and author of If You Know Who You Are… You’ll Know What To Do