Christopher Watkin, a senior lecturer in French studies at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, will give the 2025 Stob Lecture on Nov. 18. Watkin’s research examines how people make sense of the world and interact with ideas and positions different from their own. His latest book, Biblical Critical Theory: How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture (Zondervan, 2022), evaluates through the lens of the biblical story the often-hidden assumptions and concepts that shape late modern society.
Established in 1985, the Stob Lecture Series—originally named the Stob Lectureship—is a joint initiative between Calvin Theological Seminary and Calvin University created to honor professor Henry Stob’s legacy of Reformed Christian scholarship. The lectureship was founded to bring distinguished or emerging scholars in philosophical theology, ethics, and apologetics to campus each year, fostering intellectual engagement with faculty, staff, students, and the broader community.
“The lecture series honors Stob’s work, a ‘bridge’ to show that faith and the journey of understanding should and can go together,” Seminary president Jul Medenblik said.
Lecturers are selected based on their academic excellence, alignment with Reformed and Christian perspectives, and ability to speak meaningfully and effectively to a wide audience. For more than three decades these lectures have served as a significant platform for exploring issues at the intersection of faith and reason.
In 2017, the Stob Lectures were incorporated into Calvin University’s January Series to more effectively serve a diverse and growing audience. The current structure includes a public lecture tailored to undergraduates, alumni, seminary students, and community members, as well as a closed evening colloquium organized by Calvin’s philosophy and theology faculty. Select students are invited for more intimate academic dialogue.
While its subjects vary, the series maintains a focus on topics including ethics, apologetics, and philosophical theology, Medenblik said, continuing its mission of thought-provoking and accessible Christian scholarship. Past lecturers include Lydia Dugdale, Jeremy Begbie, Esau McCaulley, Sarah Coakley, and John Swinton.
“If you review the speaker list and topics,” Medenblik said, “you will find a rich variety but also a singular focus to understand the world that God so made and God so loves by helping us see connections and challenges that we are called to face as Christians.”
Calvin Theological Seminary invites the public to Watkin’s lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Calvin Theological Seminary. For additional information, visit calvinseminary.edu/events.
About the Author
Leah Jolly, Calvin Theological Seminary