On behalf of the Church of Ireland Board of Education we are delighted to announce that the 2022 Annual Theological Lecture at Queen’s will be delivered by Professor Alister McGrath (University of Oxford).
Alister McGrath
A renown scholar, theologian, author and communicator, Professor McGrath is the current Andreos Idreous Professor of Science and Religion in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford.
The 64th Theological Lecture will be the second time he has delivered the lecture, having spoken on ‘Rediscovering the Attraction of Christianity’ in 1996.
Author of over 50 books, Professor McGrath will this year lecture on, ‘Theology: Why it matters to the academy and the churches’.
The Lecture
In this lecture, Professor McGrath will explore why theology remains important for both the Christian churches and the secular world, including the academy.
The lecture will discuss the many facets of theology, exploring its relevance for churches, understanding important works of art and literature, and for wider reflection on how we all reflect on life’s deepest questions.
Professor McGrath will reference the insights of his fellow Ulsterman, C.S. Lewis, on some of these questions.
Tickets
Due to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we are able to offer extra tickets for this event.
The lecture will take place on 4th April 2022 at 6pm in the beautiful Isdell Courtyard at Riddell Hall, 185 Stranmillis Road, Belfast.
Tickets are completely free, and can be reserved via the Eventbrite page – link below.
Tea and Coffee from 5.15pm
Tea, coffee and shortbread will be available from 5.15pm on site.
Travel – please note car parking restrictions
Unfortunately, due to ongoing construction work, car parking is currently unavailable on site. Various travel options are available:
Train: The closest train station is Botanic, a 20 minute walk from Riddel Hall.
Bus: Riddell Hall is located on Metro bus route 8A and 8D, on the corridor from Belfast City Centre. The nearest stop is Ridgeway Street, about a minute before passing Riddel Hall’s large black gates.
Bicycle: Bike shelters are available at Riddel Hall. The nearest Belfast Bike dock is located at Stranmillis roundabout, a five minute walk away.
The Annual Theological Lecture at Queen’s
Since 1957, the Church of Ireland Board of Education have sponsored lectures to challenge and stimulate the public discussion of theology amongst students and the general public.
In recent years, guest lecturers have included the Rt Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Atmospheric scientist Prof. Katherine Hayhoe; Historian and scholar Prof. Mark Noll; and theologian and astrophysicist Rev. Prof. David Wilkinson.
You can listen to these and other recent lectures, and read more about the history of the series, on our dedicated page.