Torch, Spring 2005

18 TORCH / Spring 2005 Prof Featured at International Conference C edarville University Assistant Professor of Political Science Gerson Moreno-Riaño, Ph.D., recently spoke at an international conference that focused on scientific investigation and philosophical consideration of the varieties of religious experience. Held in a 13th century monastery in Switzerland, the Eranos Conference featured distinguished speakers from around the globe who collectively addressed major themes and issues within each of the world’s major religions. “The significance of each lecture and the conference as a whole cannot be overstated,” Moreno-Riaño said. “It was of fundamental importance and intellectual significance since it presented perhaps one of the first 21st century treatments of religion by some of the world’s most eminent authorities in the area of philosophy of religion and religious studies.” He added, “This was extremely timely given the place of religion in today’s social and political milieu.” Moreno-Riaño, a Cedarville University alumnus, served as the conference’s opening speaker. He was chosen to participate because of his research in the areas of natural law and 14th century political thought along with additional research into the thought of the 20th century German-American philosopher Eric Voegelin. The title of his presentation was “Religious Experience and Political Morality: The Thomistic Natural Law Tradition” and will be published in Religionen — Die Religiöse Erfahrung/Religions — The Religious Experience (Eranos — Neue Folge, Nr. 14) this year. As the only American presenter, Moreno-Riaño said he was extremely honored to be part of this exclusive conference, considered to be one of the most prestigious intellectual conferences in Europe. “Only 10 speakers from around the world are selected to give a lecture to an audience of invited guests which includes local government and European Union dignitaries, Nobel Prize winners, faculty from various universities, and doctoral candidates,” he explained. “The speakers selected are considered to be the leading lights in their particular areas of research.” The lectures were delivered in German, Italian, French, or English with translations provided for the audience. First English Literature Conference Sows “Seeds of Discourse” “N othing can grow until we plant.” With that principle in mind, Cedarville University presented its first-ever literary conference, “Seeds of Discourse,” on February 12. The purpose was to encourage scholarly literary dialogue as well as stronger intercollegiate relationships. Undergraduate students from area schools, including Wittenberg, Wright State, Central State, and the University of Dayton, came together to present their scholarly papers and creative writing examples. In addition, attendees heard from 16 th and 17 th British literature specialist Dr. Ronald G. Shafer, a Fulbright Scholar and professor of English at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The conference was sponsored by Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), Cedarville’s chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor Society. Cynthia Wallace, senior English major and co-president of AKD, pointed out that the conference served as “an extension of ourselves to the surrounding schools. This was our attempt to encourage academic and social relationships to develop.” She noted, “We’re excited to begin this tradition at Cedarville, opening a forum for literary scholars and creative writers from all over the Miami Valley to discuss their work. We hope this conference will be the start of discussions that will continue for years to come.” Speak Up with Confidence M any of us want to share Christ with others, but frankly, we’re not that confident in our abilities to articulate the message. That’s where Carol Kent comes in. Kent is the founder and president of Speak Up Speaker Services, a ministry that equips Christian communicators through seminars. She brought her Speak Up with Confidence Seminar to Cedarville University in February as part of the annual Women’s Conference. Kent explained, “The purpose of this workshop is to help you, within the framework of your unique personality and God-given abilities, learn techniques for exalting Christ and communicating His truth in the most effective way.” During her three- day conference, Kent covered a variety of “how-to’s,” including how to find speech topics, gain the audience’s attention, use effective illustrations, use gestures, and develop vocal variety. A member of the National Speakers Association, Kent has spoken at Heritage Keepers and Time Out for Women events and has been a guest on Focus on the Family along with numerous other radio and television programs. She is the author of several inspirational books, including Becoming A Woman Of Influence, Secret Longings of the Heart, Tame Your Fears, and Speak Up with Confidence .