Freedom of religious conscience has been a recurring topic in current events.
The 8th annual Conference on Philosophy and Theology, hosted by the Lincoln University philosophy department, will feature professional academics exploring this dilemma in four sessions from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21.
The half-day conference is free and open to the public.
Past year's conferences have explored science and religion, race and philosophy, and individual philosophers, professor Bruce Ballard said.
"This has come up in our popular culture and the news," Ballard said.
Organizers have developed a multi-disciplined approach, drawing from Lincoln's history department and St. Louis University's law school. Each speaker and commentator was selected specifically by the organizers, he said.
Each session will be 50 minutes, including the speaker's paper on the topic, the commentator's thoughts and time for questions from the audience.
Papers from this year's speakers, as well as those in past years, will be available on the philosophy department's website.
"What we hope for is perspective from academics on subjects of general interest outside Lincoln University," Ballard said.
Although the speakers target their delivery toward a student level, the professors enjoy the opportunity to learn, too, he said.
At 10 a.m., history professor Marshall Crossnoe will discuss "Liberty in things doubtful or indifferent: Sources and Expressions of Anglican Toleration in the American Colonies."
At 11 a.m., philosophy professor Jeffrey Freeling will discuss "Religious liberty laws, religious practices and discrimination."
Chad Flander, St. Louis University professor, will speak at 1 p.m. about "Can we find middle ground on religious liberty?"
At 2 p.m., John Morris, philosophy professor at Rockhurst University, will present "Compromise or quit medical practice: Is there another option for Catholic health care professionals?"
Ballard suggested the two afternoon sessions featuring Catholic intellectuals might be of particular interest to community members.
He has invited both Helias High School and the city parishes.
The programs should be of interest to "everyone who cares about public life," he said.
Although the topics are often of an activist nature in today's culture, this conference is of an informative design, he stressed.
"Perhaps we can bring some light to the controversy," he said.
For more information, visit www.lincolnu.edu/web/dept.-of-history-political-science-and-philosophy/philosophy-and-religion.