Featured image for post: Allan R. Sharp Religion in Life Series Focuses on 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation on October 30

Allan R. Sharp Religion in Life Series Focuses on 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation on October 30

WILSON, N.C. —October 24, 2017 — Barton College is pleased to welcome Dr. Bill Leonard, the James and Marilyn Dunn Professor of Baptist Studies and Professor of Church History at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, as the featured speaker for the 2017 Allan R. Sharp Religion in Life Series on Monday, Oct. 30, via webcast on campus. In recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Leonard’s presentation will focus on “Luther and the Reformation: Captive to the Word.”

The event will be held at 7 p.m. Enjoy Dr. Leonard’s live webcast in Hardy Alumni Hall presented in high definition with the facility’s newly installed dual screen technology. This program is open to the public at no charge, and the community is invited to attend.

Dr. Leonard received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Wesleyan University, his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Boston University.

His work in church history has especially focused on American religion, Baptist history and issues, and religion in Appalachia. He has either authored or edited more than 20 books, including more recently: “Homebrewed Christianity Guide to Church History: Flaming Heretics and Heavy Drinkers” (Fortress Press, 2017) and “A Sense of the Heart: A History of Christian Religious Experience in the United States” (Abingdon Press, 2014). His edited volume “Christianity in Appalachia: Profiles in Regional Pluralism” (University of Tennessee Press, 1999) brought together a collection of authors who provided important profiles of a variety of denominations in that region.

Established in 1991, the Allan R. Sharp Religion in Life Series brings to campus each fall semester distinguished performers and lecturers who focus on topics of practical Christian significance for the general public relating to contemporary issues. This lecture series was named in honor of Dr. Allan R. Sharp, professor emeritus of religion and philosophy, at the time of his retirement. The late Dr. Sharp served on the Barton College faculty from 1953-1991.

For additional information, contact Dr. Rodney A. Werline, Marie and Leman Barnhill Endowed Chair in Religious Studies at Barton College and Director of the Barton College Center for Religious Studies, at (252) 399-6447 or rawerline@barton.edu.

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