Stewart Kelly, Minot State University professor of philosophy, will present "God, Civil War and Heresy: England in the 17th Century" as part of the Northwest Art Center Lecture Series Wednesday at 7 p.m. in MSU's Aleshire Theater.
Kelly's talk traces the roots of the European Enlightenment in England with an overview of the religious, political, and philosophical transformations that took place in that nation in the 1600s.
"In 1600, traditional Christianity in its Evangelical and Protestant forms dominates British society," Kelly said. "But by the time of the 1690s, traditional Christianity is under attack on numerous fronts."
Kelly will focus on five broad events/eras in England in the 1600s: traditional Christian beliefs at the beginning of the century; the influence of William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury under King Charles I; the English Civil War of mid-century; the rise of Latitudinarianism in the decades following the war; and the writings of philosopher John Locke at the end of the century.
Kelly earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Vanderbilt University; master's degree in philosophy of religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; and a master's degree and doctorate in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. He has books published both on critical thinking and the nature of truth. His research interests are postmodernism, historical Jesus studies, and the roots of the British Enlightenment and the decline of orthodox Christianity in 17th century England.
The lecture is free and open to the public. An informal reception will follow the program. Parking in campus lots is unrestricted after 5 p.m.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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Area students win speech, essay awards
Area students won awards in the Minot Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Contest for high school students and the Patriot's Pen Contest for middle school students.
In the Voice of Democracy contest, Cale Zimmerman, a student at Our Redeemer's Christian School, won first place; Trevor Hoggan, a student at Minot High School-Magic City Campus, won second place; and Alex Schoenberg-Carton, a student at Our Redeemer's, won third place.
Students were asked to write a three- to five-minute speech on the topic "Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?"
In the Patriot's Pen contest, Kourtney Yeager won first place; Kelsi Halvorson, a student at Ryan, won second place and Ethan Feist, a student at Ryan, won third place.
Students were asked to submit a typed essay of 300 to 400 words on the theme "Are You Proud of Your Country?"
Each student winner was presented a monetary award and a certificate of participation. The first place winners in each contest were sent on to the district competition. If they place at the district competition, they will advance to state. State winners have a chance at winning a trip to Washington, D.C., and a $30,000 scholarship.
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Scholarship offer seeks nominations
Kohl's Department Stores will be accepting nominations for outstanding young volunteers beginning next week for the 2012 Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program.
Nominations for kids ages 6 to 18 will be accepted Wednesday through March 15 at (kohlskids.com). Nominators must be 21 years or older. Through the program, Kohl's will award more than 2,200 young volunteers more than $440,000 in scholarships and prizes honoring kids who have made a positive impact on their communities.
Two nominees from each of the more than 1,100 Kohl's stores nationwide will win a $50 Kohl's gift card.
More than 200 of the store winners will win regional scholarships worth $1,000 toward post-secondary education.
Ten national winners will be awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships for post-secondary education and Kohl's will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner's behalf.
The Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program is part of Kohl's Cares, Kohl's philanthropic program focused on improving the lives of children. Since the program began in 2001, Kohl's has recognized more than 15,000 kids with more than $3 million in scholarships and prizes.