A conference designed to examine two questions “Who is Jesus?” and “What is the significance of Jesus for people today?” is set for Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church downtown. Sponsored by several downtown churches, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, First-Centenary United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ and Christ Church Episcopal, the Jesus Conference will feature a panel of six widely recognized Jesus scholars.
According to Dr. James Catanzaro, Chattanooga State president and conference moderator, “Jesus has been savior and companion for millions of Christians worldwide; nevertheless, controversy has surrounded the Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith. The six distinguished panelists will respond to the two foundational questions and to questions of attendees who will be part of one the most important faith events in our community’s history.”
Each panelist will respond to the questions during the morning session from 9 a.m. to noon. From 1-2:30 p.m. there will be an open discussion followed by concluding remarks.
The conference is free and open to the public. CEU credits are available upon request. Reservations are not required, but recommended for those who plan to purchase a box lunch for $10.
All of the Jesus Conference’s panelists are educators with a list of books and publications to their credit. They include Dr. Doug Kennard, professor of Bible, Theology and Philosophy at Bryan College, Dayton, Tenn.; Dr. Rolando Cuellar, assistant professor of Intercultural Studies, Lee University, Cleveland, Tenn.; the Reverend Dr. Christopher Bryan, A.C.K. Benedict Professor of New Testament and Priest Associate, University Chapel, the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee; Dr. Forrest Harris, Sr., president of American Baptist College, director of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies and assistant dean for Black Church Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Nashville; Dr. Gail O’Day, dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs and A.H. Shatford Professor of Preaching and New Testament, Emory University, Atlanta; and Dr. Stephen Patterson, professor of New Testament at Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.
Contact First Baptist Church at (423) 265-2257 to request more information or to register.