veritas (Latin): Truth, truthfulness, verity; the true or real nature, reality.
The Veritas Forum seeks to create open discussions that explore what is true life, as well as to inspire the shapers of tomorrow’s culture to connect their hardest questions with the person and story of Jesus Christ. This year at the University of Toronto, the Veritas Forum seeks to explore the issue of social justice – Why should we care about social justice? How should we do it as Christians? This year’s special speaker is Professor Mary Poplin, who has experience working with none other than Mother Teresa!
Three events are organized this year:
Social Justice the Right Way? Worldviews and Practice
A Discussion
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 7:00-9:00pm
Sanford Fleming Building, Room 1101, 10 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON
Speakers: Mary Poplin, Professor in the School of Educational Studies, Claremont Graduate University; Steven Koptie, Instructor, Social Services Worker Program, George Brown College
On the surface, the concept of social justice can be defined as helping those who are in need. But what are the fundamental principles guiding this exercise of justice? Do personal worldviews and philosophies have implications for the way in which social justice is conducted? The Veritas Forum will be hosting a discussion featuring members of academia who have been active in the field of social justice. They will be discussing their works, personal worldviews/philosophies, and how those concepts intersect.
Social Justice Beyond Compassion and Politics: Lessons from Mother Teresa
Keynote Lecture
Thursday, March 11th, 2010 7:00-9:00pm
Sanford Fleming Building, Room 1101, 10 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON
Speaker: Mary Poplin, Professor in the School of Educational Studies, Claremont Graduate University
From different worldviews and through different theoretical lenses, social justice is defined differently. Humanism, critical theory and Judeo-Christian thought share deep concerns for justice. However their analyses of the fundamental issues undergirding injustice and their approaches to promoting justice both overlap and diverge. The beliefs, work and life of Mother Teresa and the teachings of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures provide a rich starting point for exploring these differences.
Developing the Christian Mind in the University: Discernment, Integration and Wisdom
Friday, March 12th, 2010 7:00-9:00pm
Sanford Fleming Building, Room 1101, 10 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON
Speaker: Mary Poplin, Professor in the School of Educational Studies, Claremont Graduate University
There are three major worldviews currently taught in the university – naturalism, secular humanism and pantheism. Each of these begins with a metaphysical foundation or faith that is ultimately not provable by science. The intellectual principles of these are only in part shared by Christianity. From a Christian perspective there are principles held by Christianity that are not in these worldviews, as well as principles in each of these worldviews that are not a part of Christianity. These will be explored. As college students, it is important to discern the differences and constantly be aware of the possibilities of true wisdom so that we might redeem the times, better know our callings and live out our life purposes. As educated Christians we have to remember Daniel and his friends who having been taught by God and the Chaldeans were found to be 10 times wiser than anyone else in the Babylonian kingdom. How is this possible?
多伦多大学国语基督徒团契 