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About this talk

In this lecture, Professor Zahl will argue that the hope offered by Christianity is one of its most powerful and striking assets in a modern world increasingly characterised by despair. The lecture will begin by addressing three common critiques of Christian hope: that it is naive, that it fosters quietism, and that it is concerned only with life after death at the expense of the present world. Professor Zahl will demonstrate that a key reason Christian hope "works"—in contrast to secular alternatives—is that it emerges from a plausible and coherent vision of reality. He will then unpack the theological grammar of Christian hope, which is grounded in convictions about the existence of God, the goodness of Creation, and the nature and work of Jesus Christ, before concluding with a discussion of its implications for contemporary Christian ministry and witness. Throughout the lecture, Professor Zahl will make use of the paintings of Caspar David Friedrich as visual resources for reflection and contemplation on the nature of Christian hope.

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