Issue 149

Lecture theatre packed out for Theology lecture

20th November 2006

The university's program of public theological lectures continued with Dr Elaine Storkey's visit to Swansea on Monday 6 November to deliver her lecture "Is Christianity Dying in the West?"

The lecture received so much interest, that the proposed venue of The James Callaghan Lecture Theatre was dropped in favor of the larger Faraday Lecture theatre which quickly filled to capacity. The large numbers of the general public in attendance, as well as students from both Swansea and other institutions, indicated how such theological subjects have been of interest to a wide range of people, something emphasized in their engagement throughout the lecture.

Dr. Storkey began the lecture by demonstrating the statistical evidence for the declining interest in church life and Christianity in general. Dr. Storkey concluded with an optimistic outlook that suggested a brighter future for Christianity, particularly through more modern approaches to the spiritual world. Dr. Storkey managed to do so using a combination of books, statistics, academics and even a quote from Rod Stewart. Dr. Storkey also talked about God in cinema, making reference to popular films such as Blade Runner, Bruce Almighty and Fight Club showing a clear interest in popular culture.

Nick Evans, member of the Christian Union said that, " I really wanted to go to the lecture because I thought it would improve my insight into christianity today. It made me realise how important supporting local churches is and how they need to appeal to a new audience in ways they have not before."

The audience was made to feel comfortable enough to ask her questions and put forward ideas which she answered just as professionally as the lecture was given. After the lecture Dr. Storkey seemed surprised by the turnout as she admitted she does not do lectures like this on a regular basis. Dr. Storkey said, "I'm amazed at the turnout, I thought I'd been given the wrong room! It really is an amazing university." She also stated that she hoped that university curriculum would respond to culture and give spirituality a chance.

The next Theology lecture will be Monday 4 December at 7 p.m. and will be presented by the Reverend Professor Francis Young in the James Callaghan Lecture Theatre.

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