The William E. Phipps Religion & Philosophy Interdisciplinary Lecture will return to the campus of Davis & Elkins College on Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. in Senate Commons. The lecture, titled, “Theology Matters – Even in Secular Societies” will be followed by a brief reception and is open to the campus and greater Elkins communities.

The Davis & Elkins College community is pleased to welcome the evening’s guest lecturer, Douglas F. Ottati. Ottati serves as Craig Family Distinguished Professor of Reformed Theology & Justice at Davidson College.

Ottati has served at Davidson College for the better part of two decades and is the author of eight books, including his most recent work in systematic theology. A graduate of the universities of Pennsylvania and Chicago, he has also spanned a professional career serving as editor and co-editor of the Library of Theological Ethics.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Doug Ottati as our Phipps Lecturer this year,” says Benfield-Vick Chaplain, Franklin Tanner Capps, Th.D. “Not only is Ottati a nationally recognized leader in the world of Christian theology and ethics, but he’s also devoted his career to ensuring that theological discourse remains central to humane learning, especially at Presbyterian-related liberal arts colleges like Davidson and Davis & Elkins College.”

“His lecture will analyze rising authoritarian and totalitarian political movements from a theological perspective, a topic with which many in our local community will be eager to engage. With the generous support of the Phipps family, we’re able to bring in writers and scholars of the highest quality to D&E – and for this, we should all be grateful.”

Echoing Capps’s sentiment, Director of the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy, Brantley Craig, Ph.D., says, “The Phipps Lecture is always a great chance to bring our campus and local communities together for dialogue on religious topics. I am very pleased to have Dr. Ottati this year, whose work as a Reformed theologian helps connect D&E’s current academic life to its Presbyterian history and heritage. As a Religion professor, of course I’m excited for a talk about how theology is continually relevant! I hope it sparks a lot of good conversation.”

“Now, more than ever, it is essential to nurture conversations that encourage critical thinking and foster an appreciation for diverse perspectives,” says Phipps’ daughter Ruth Chapman. “This year holds special significance, as we are joined by Dr. Ottati, a distinguished professor from Davidson College, my father’s beloved alma mater.”