Selected Topics for University Classrooms

Rusty Wright

1. Unlocking the Secrets of Love and Sex: In today's world of varying views, do the biblical documents have anything of practical value to say on these important subjects? Includes secular research as well.

2. A Christian View of Sex: Is the Bible down on sex? Why wait until marriage? A look at the practicality of a Christian perspective and its implications for a dynamic sex life.

3. A Biblical Therapy for Anxiety: Considers four major causes of anxiety. Examines a biblical solution to determine if it can demonstrate valid therapeutic merit.

4. Above Beyond Freedom and Dignity: An analysis of psychologist B.F. Skinner's view of human nature (as presented in his book, Beyond Freedom and Dignity). Contrasts his perspective with a biblical view of human nature and considers the validity of each.

5. A Biblical View of Human Nature: What is a human being? An insignificant automaton in an infinite universe or a creature of dignity and worth? A Christian concept of this basic issue.

6. A Christian Perspective on Racism: Does Christianity promote racism? Is it a "white person's religion?" This consideration deals with a biblical perspective of these issues.

7. The Psychological Influence of Poverty on the Individual: How does material poverty affect one psychologically? An analytical look at some of the data. Considers solutions to the psychological problems of poverty from a Christian perspective.

8. Is There Life After Death? Philosophers, scientists, theologians, and others have struggled with this question for centuries. This lecture examines evidence for the possibility of life after death and will include an analysis of "out-of-body" and "near-death" experiences.

9. Miracles and Science: Are miracles and the supernatural possible even though science may never have observed them? An objective look at some of the evidence and its implications.

10. Atheism: A Realistic Option? A careful look at the presuppositions of atheism to determine if it is philosophically tenable. Evidence for the theistic view will also be considered.

11. Basic Misconceptions of Christianity: A brief look at some historical, philosophical and scientific misconceptions of the Christian faith that are often raised as objections to its validity.

12. The Uniqueness of the Bible: An investigation of the composition, continuity, circulation, survival, and message of the Bible to determine what makes it unique among literature. Emphasis will be given to factual credentials.

13. Are the New Testament Documents Reliable? Is the New Testament that we have today worthy of consideration as accurate history by the intelligent observer? A look at the bibliographic, internal, and external evidence, using accepted methods of historical analysis.

14. The Quest for the Historical Jesus: A historical analysis of some evidences for His true identity, including implications of the significance of these findings.

15. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Fact or Fiction? Is there historical evidence behind the assertion that Jesus Christ rose from the dead?

16. Old Testament Prophesy Fulfilled in the New Testament: A look at some of the prophetic statements in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah and their fulfillment in the New Testament. Could they have come true by chance?

17. The Theology of the Born Again Movement: A survey of this movement's general beliefs.

18. The Difference Between Christianity and Religion: Is Christianity "just another religion" or is there something unique that sets it apart from all others?

19. The Born Again Movement as a Modern Phenomenon: An examination of some of the distinctives of this movement: basic beliefs, behavior, and socio-cultural characteristics.

20. Characteristics of a Successful Leader: What are some of the factors that bring about strong leadership? This presentation examines these and considers the contribution that faith can make to leadership.

21. Secrets of Successful Humor: How to use humor effectively in public speaking. Why do people laugh? How can you tell humorous stories with a punch? What do you do when it bombs? This lecture, by the author of the book, Secrets of Successful Humor, covers these topics and also deals with a crucial ingredient to effective humor (and all public speaking)...a healthy self-concept.

22. Is Christianity Relevant? Is it a worn-out belief system, no longer useful for intelligent, educated people? Does Christian faith have anything of value to contribute to psychological, social, or personal needs and problems in the 21st century?

23. Persuasive Speech: A speech from a Christian perspective in persuasive style.

Note: Each presentation on this list is designed to last 30-35 minutes plus 15-20 additional minutes (or more, if available) for questions and answers.