Recordings from Academics in the Alps 2023 Conference
We are pleased to share the plenary talks from the Academics in the Alps Conference held in Wilderswil, Switzerland. Each session offers thoughtful insights, biblical encouragement, and practical wisdom from faithful speakers who participated in this special gathering. Our hope is that these talks will encourage your heart, strengthen your faith, and provide meaningful reflection for both personal growth and academic engagement. Click on any talks below to listen to the recordings.
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
Proverbs 1:5
​
#1 Aug 28, 2023
Dr. Teri McCarthy, Every Square Inch: Daniel Principles and the
Classroom Chancel
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
The Dutch Prime Minister, pastor, and theologian Abraham Kuyper declared, "In the total expanse of human life there is not a single square inch of the entire universe of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, ‘That is mine!’” If Kuyper was right, and he was, then how does Christ's sovereign Lordship impact each of us in our work, home life, and daily living? In this session we will look at 12 principles found in Daniel on surrendering to Christ's Lordship in our university classrooms and academic calling to mark our places and to influence institutions, colleagues, and students for God's glory and Christ's honor.
#2 Aug 29, 2023
Bible Study with Dr. Dirk Jongkind, Becoming Wise (Part 1)
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
​In Matthew 13:52, Jesus compares a Kingdom-trained scribe to a home owner who brings his treasures, both new and old, to share. A scribe is a man in first-century Palestine that most closely resembles a modern-day academic: a person who is trained to think well, someone accustomed to life in the intellectual world. But how do academics, having been trained well, also become wise people? How do they become trained in the Kingdom? How are we shaping our minds so that it reflects the mind of God? We will think about this over these three days taking Proverbs 1 as our starting point, thinking about new and old subjects that matter to us as academics. We will start with the beginning of wisdom, then think about safeguards against losing trust in God’s Word, and finally contemplate the pursuit of wisdom.
#3 Aug 29, 2023
Dr. Per Ewert, How Secular Individualism Took Over the West, and How Christian Academics Can Respond
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
This session will look at how Sweden became the world's strongest example of secular individualism, a movement that affects the whole Western world. What are the core principles of this philosophy of autonomy? How are these key elements expressed? How can Christian academics understand and respond to this movement?
#4 Aug 30, 2023
Bible Study with Dr. Dirk Jongkind, Becoming Wise (Part 2)
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
Second part
#5 Aug 30, 2023
Dr. Daryl McCarthy,
Serving Christ in Academia: Is Academic Work Significant and Is It Ministry?
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
In a world which disregards truth and when the Church is often suspicious about believers in higher education, Christian academics can sometimes question their calling and wonder if they are accomplishing anything worthwhile for God’s Kingdom. They ask, “Is my work in the academy significant and can it even be considered as ministry?” Since Christian scholars serve in one of the most strategic institutions in the world, it is imperative that we embrace our work as a calling from God. This talk will make the case that scholarly work is highly significant and it can certainly be a ministry which pleases and honors God.
#6 Aug 31, 2023
Bible Study with Dr. Dirk Jongkind, Becoming Wise (Part 3)
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
Last part
#7 Aug 31, 2023
Dr. Ralf Bergmann,
The Freedom of Society and Its Enemies
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
The public square is governed by moralized debates that frequently culminate in seemingly “moral” calls for compliance with deeply amoral claims. We are now seeing the dominance of ideology and emotion over arguments, a "revolt against reason" as Karl Popper called it. Neither truth nor the argument is evaluated, but rather the person who brings it forward is judged. This talk traces the roots of this attack on free speech that has brought such pressure and polarization in society. As Christians we have the resources to strengthen the freedom and stability of a society, therefore, we do not have to react out of opportunism, greed, fear, or conformity. Being this kind of salt for a whole society requires that we regain intellectual, cultural, and social leadership, both on an individual as well as an institutional level.
#8 Aug 29, 2023
Dr. Ralf Bergmann,
Manipulation and Propaganda: How to Recognize and Deal with It (workshop)
Academics in the Alps Conference, Credo House, Switzerland
What is good reasoning and what is manipulation? How can manipulation be recognized in the private as well as in the public sphere? What is propaganda and how does it work? In this session, we will analyze some basic concepts of manipulation and countermeasures and discuss the main ideas of the Harvard concept of fair and respectful negotiation. We will then look at basic ideas established by the father of modern propaganda, Edward L. Bernays (1891 -1995) and give some illustrative examples. Finally, we will describe the freedom of Christian thinking, how to break self-censorship, overcome conformity, and speak up in public persuasively and effectively.