Theologian To Lead Course On Questions Raised By 9/11

I can't tell which side of the fence he is sitting based on this article. When I saw the title, I thought DRG was teaching a course on 9/11. Obviously not. Anywho, if the 9/11 Truth stores out there that can afford to send him a copy of the "David Ray Griffin 9/11 Truth Collection", I think it would be a good idea. - Jon

Theologian to lead course on questions raised by 9/11

Source: coloradoan.com

By KELLI LACKETT

KelliLackett@coloradoan.com

When David Deane arrived in Fort Collins in 2005, one of the first things he noticed was that there's a church on practically every corner.

"There are more churches than pubs. I'm not used to that coming from Ireland," he said.

Deane noted that the Fort Collins-Loveland area also has a higher percentage of college graduates than most cities. It's the seventh smartest city in the nation, according to Forbes.

Deane came to the states to take a job as the associate theologian in residence at Blessed John XXIII University Center. His wife Jennifer is American, and the two have a 2-month-old daughter, Sophia.

"This area is tremendously well educated and also tremendously interested in religion," Deane said. "There may be no place in the world where a theologian is so well placed."

Deane will be teaching an eight-week ecumenical course for the community exploring theological questions raised by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the response to it. The course begins Monday.

"Sept. 11 is the defining event of our time, not just here but all over the world," he said. "People knew straight away that we were living in a different world."

A lecture and discussion covering the same material will be held three times a week at three local churches - John XXIII, Trinity Lutheran Church and First United Methodist Church. Deane said several evangelical Christians will attend.

"What I'm looking for is a broad perspective on Christian thought."

It's a rare opportunity for lay people to delve deeply into theology outside of a seminary, said David W. Reid, editor and publisher of "Vital Theology." Vital Theology is co-sponsoring the course.

"Very few churches can afford to bring in a theologian. The idea of having a theologian facilitate a community-wide conversation for eight weeks is an idea that doesn't exist in many places."

Deane said the participants will discuss whether a Christian can wage war and if so under what circumstances.

"The hawks will be heard. The doves will be heard," he said. "We'll bring various traditions to bear on it. ... All will be put to the test of how they work in light of the Gospels."