Creating the Future: The Role of the University in Transforming the World
Theologian Greg Boyd to speak at URI Inauguration
President Dooley has invited internationally known theologian Greg Boyd to speak at the inauguration ceremony. Dooley said special remarks from Boyd will address the inaugural theme, "Creating the Future: The Role of the University in Transforming the World," from a unique perspective and will provide the community with a fresh view for our shared future. Rev. Lynn Baker-Dooley will introduce Boyd.
About Greg Boyd
Known for his dynamic, powerful speaking style and thought-provoking perspectives, Greg Boyd is an internationally recognized theologian, preacher, teacher and author. He is the founder and senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minn. Boyd has authored or co-authored 18 books and numerous academic articles, including his best-selling and award-winning Letters From a Skeptic.
In his works, Boyd challenges people to think critically in developing their faith. Ten years ago, in his book God of the Possible, Boyd argued that the future and the outcomes of our lives are not predetermined, but comprised of possibilities. With this, people have the capability to freely determine themselves, and to some extent determine "the way things are" and the flow of world history.
Boyd has written extensively about the challenge to live one's faith in the context of today's politics and social realities. In order to be true to one's faith and to avoid the polarization of society, he believes truly faith-based communities should not be fused with any particular political viewpoint. His perspective has been featured on the front page of The New York Times, The Charlie Rose Show, CNN, National Public Radio, the BBC and numerous other television and radio venues.
In 2000, he founded Christus Victor Ministries, a nonprofit organization to support his writing and speaking ministry. The organization has assisted refugee families with finding stable housing and employment.
Boyd received his doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary, his master of divinity from Yale Divinity School, and his bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota. He was a professor of theology for 16 years at Bethel University, St. Paul, Minn. President Dooley's wife and their two children, Christopher and Samantha, are all Bethel University graduates.
April 2, 2010 -- Read Boyd's commentary about the concerns of some on campus about his participation in the inauguration.
March 29, 2010 -- Read news release.
Transforming the World
"We want to infuse in the entire enterprise at the University of Rhode Island the thrill of discovery, of having the students feel that they are part of an institution where they don't know what's coming next because it hasn't been discovered yet and that they're going to be participating in that thrill of discovery." -- David M. Dooley
Information
Inaugural Events to be Livecast
April 7-8 on URI Live!
Download a high resolution image below:
Click to download high resolution image of Greg Boyd. Image credit: "Marcia Erickson Christus Victor Ministries"
