The Future of Marriage

Peaceful and Flourishing

Sunday, November 15, 2015, 3 PM – 5 PM

New Covenant Church

1 Bunting Lane, Naperville, IL 60565

It is widely recognized that culture has reduced marriage to a superficial form. Today the secondary aspects such as the financial benefits of marriage have become the pillars upon which the institution rests. Tragically, however, the current view of marriage has flattened its depth and texture, and has eviscerated its religious heart, leading us to ask, “What is the future of marriage?”

In response to this question, RR Reno, editor of First Things, will offer a lecture that explores the immortality, presence, and peaceful character of marriage, qualities that reflect its divine author. Following Dr. Reno’s address will be a discussion featuring two additional voices, Dr. Dan Olsen of Loyola University and Mrs. Paige Cunningham of Trinity International University. This second hour will seek to connect the dots from a Godward vision to the homes in which marriages either fail or flourish.

GUEST SPEAKERS

R. R. Reno is Editor and Executive Director of First Things institute. He has been published in numerous academic journals; his essays and opinion pieces on religion, public life, contemporary culture, and current events have appeared in Commentary and the Washington Post, among other popular outlets. Reno has appeared as a guest on CNN’s Crossfire, EWTN’s Faith & Culture, and numerous radio shows.

Paige Cunningham J.D., is Executive Director of The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity at Trinity International University. She graduated from Taylor University and earned her JD from Northwestern University Law School. She is a doctoral student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She lectures on bioethics, public policy, reproductive ethics, and global women’s health. Paige has also published numerous articles, editorials, and book chapters, and has testified before Congress and state committees. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Daniel J. Olsen, Ph.D., is the Assistant Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He was awarded his Ph.D. in Constructive Theology from Loyola University Chicago in 2008, with his research focusing on the pastoral gifts exhibited in the experiences of Christian interchurch families.  Daniel also serves as an adjunct Professor of Religious Studies at St. Xavier University and teaches within the Lay Leadership and Diaconate Formation Programs of the Archdiocese of Chicago.  He lives in Evergreen Park, IL, with his wife, Tracy, and two children, Abigail and Matthew.

Mike McDuffee, Ph.D., Fulbright from Brandeis University is Professor of Theology at  Moody Bible  Institute. Mike a peripatetic theologian, philosopher, and poet who enjoys engaging students over espresso. Mike and Anna Marie live in Lombard,  Illinois.

Join us on in the sanctuary on Sunday, November 15 from  3-5pm for this free lecture and discussion on marriage.