The Lyceum Series on Faith and the Academy

The Lyceum Series on Faith and the Academy is a lecture series that draws inspiration both from the history of Grace College and Winona Lake itself. During America’s Progressive Era at the turn of the twentieth century, Winona Lake’s Chatauqua tradition attracted lectures and presentations from high- profile speakers who brought high culture to small-town America. Notable figures included three-time Democratic Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan, humorist Will Rogers, and famous preacher Russell Conwell. Looking for continuity with this valuable heritage, Grace College established the American Lyceum Lecture Series, which showcased conservative voices such as Allan Keyes and Michael Reagan.

Under the newly formed Office of Faith, Learning & Scholarship, the recently renamed Lyceum Series on Faith and the Academy reflects Winona Lake’s tradition of cultural engagement and Grace College’s commitment to vibrant conversation on issues related to the intersection of Christian faith and academics.

Past Speakers

John Fea (Fall 2011)

The role of religion in American society remains a topic of much discussion and debate. For many Americans, personal views on current religious and political issues are shaped by what they believe about America’s foundations. Was America founded as a Christian nation? Is it a secular nation? Or was it established with both secular and religious influences? Historian and author, Dr. John Fea, spoke on these important questions in a public lecture at Grace College in commemoration of Constitution Day on Friday, September 16, 2011.

John Fea, chair of the Department of History at Messiah College in Grantham, PA, is a respected historian of colonial and revolutionary America and has a long list of publications on Christian faith and its role in American life. He speaks to numerous audiences and has been spotlighted on talk radio and C-SPAN’s Book TV.