A variety of speakers’ perspectives adds diversity to the discussion of sex, marriage and society in the ongoing Town and Gown series April 9-May 7.
Justin Barnard, associate professor of philosophy at Union and associate dean of the Institute for Intellectual Discipleship, said that part of the goal of each Town and Gown series is to present timely topics and “approach it from different disciplinary backgrounds.”
Some of the speakers’ backgrounds include history, theology, psychology, sociology and politics. According to Barnard, the issues of sex, marriage and society are relevant because of the many conversations happening in different spheres of life. Also, the diverse perspectives represented will enhance the series’ discussion of these controversial topics, he said.
“They will provide a visible symbol of the importance that this topic has for the millennial generation,” Barnard said. “They will add two different modes of engagement with this topic.”
Barnard said that Clemmons will approach the issues theologically, and McCuin will address the topic from her experiences.
“Bree McCuin has done some practical, hands-on work with families who are struggling with different kinds of marital issues, and she has seen the effects that those marriage struggles have had on children,” Barnard said.
McCuin has worked for the past four and a half years as a deputy clerk at the Madison County Juvenile Court. She said that issues related to marriage have not only affected her job but her studies in political philosophy as well.
“I know of no one who isn’t being touched in some way by the marriage and sexuality debate raging in the public sphere,” McCuin said. “It is crucial for Christians, especially in this trying time, to be able to engage in cogent and winsome discourse on these hot-button matters.”
Her April 30 lecture will focus on the eradication of marriage in Madison County.
The series will be Thursday evenings from April 9-May 7. McCuin said the series is an invaluable experience for those who attend.
Barnard said he hopes the overall series is beneficial.
“I do hope listeners will come away with the resources to think through these questions in a careful and thoughtful way,” he said.
