May Public Meeting: An Atheist Speaker at a Christian High School

Published by Minnesota Atheists on

What’s it like for an atheist to speak at a Christian high school?

Lecturer addressing a group of students.

On March 23, 2011, August Berkshire, then-president of Minnesota Atheists, was invited to a friendly debate with theist Dr. David Clark from Bethel University, in front of all the high school students in an auditorium at Southwest Christian High School (SWCHS) in Chaska, MN. The event went so well that thereafter August was invited back nearly every year to speak directly to individual classes, usually junior- and senior-level philosophy and worldview classes.

Over the years, August has been invited by several different teachers to speak to several different classes at SWCHS. However, most often he was invited by Brian Goldie, Director of Spiritual Formation, Philosophy & Worldview Faculty, to speak to his senior level Philosophy of Religion course.

What effect has meeting an atheist and hearing our point of view had on the Christian teachers and students of SWCHS? What is it like to teach and study at this school and what happens if a teacher or student “loses the faith”?

We are pleased to have Brian Goldie come speak to us about these issues. We have also invited other teachers, as well as students, whose classes August has spoken to, to join Brian as our speakers, or to be part of the audience.

August has always been treated in a very friendly and welcome manner when he has spoken at Southwest Christian High School. Let us extend the same courtesy to our Christian guests and find out what comes from this meeting of opposite worldviews.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Southdale Library
7001 York Ave S
Edina, MN 55435
(There is free underground parking off of University Ave.)

1:00–1:15 p.m.: Social
1:15–1:45 p.m.: Business Meeting
1:45–2:00 p.m.: Break, Presenter Set-Up, Social Time
2:00–3:30 p.m.: Program
3:30–4:00 p.m.: Social Time
4:00 p.m.: Leave for dinner

May Dinner:
Q. Cumbers [Buffet] Restaurant
7465 France Ave. S.
Edina, MN 55435

Categories: Events

Minnesota Atheists

Positive Atheism in Action Since 1991