The Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought
The Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought is an annual series building off the Capps Lectures that brings eminent speakers to the University to deliver public lectures exploring the breadth of Christian expression in the arenas of scholarship, science and medicine, the arts, and culture. The series is generously funded by Nancy and Stephen Scoper, M.D., through their gift to the University of Virginia, designated to Theological Horizons.
Watch the keynote address of the 2025 Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought, “Open, Honest and Free: A Celebration of Theological Inquiry Across the University” featuring Charles Marsh, PhD, Commonwealth Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Project on Lived Theology at the University of Virginia. The lecture was a deeply personal account of how moments of generous and generative intellectual, emotional, and civic encounter stand as an antidote to “closed society” experiences - and hold promise for the building a healthier university, democracy, civic and emotional life. The event took place on March 29, 2025 in the Dome Room of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia.
The 2025 Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought continued with a “A Virtual Conversation: Theological Inquiry Across the University: Where Do We Go From Here?” Thursday, April 24, 2025. This virtual panel was moderated by Karen Marsh, and featured 3 expert panelists:
Felicia Wu Song, PhD
cultural sociologist of digital technologies and author of Restless Devices
Brandon Harris, MDiv, DMin
higher education professional & minister Forum for Theological Exploration
John Kiess, PhD
associate professor of theology Loyola University Maryland
Check back here soon for the video of the livestream.
New York Times commentator and best-selling author David Brooks delivered the 3rd annual Scoper Lecture in Christian Thought in Old Cabell Hall on April 21, 2024 at the University of Virginia: the anchor event of an in person and livestreamed community-wide, intergenerational experience.
Following his lecture, “Know Better: Deepening the Bonds of Communal Life,” Brooks was joined onstage for a conversation with Melody Barnes, executive director of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy. Music by Porter’s Gate. A Charlottesville Welcome Table reception for all lecture guests followed: a special event in the UVA Amphitheater.
Scroll down to get our custom discussion guide to “How To Know A Person” by David Brooks, and much more!
AND THERE’S SO MUCH MORE!
Learn, explore, and join us… At Theological Horizons, all are welcome. Always.