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Fredrikson Lecture Series

October 11, 2002
University of Sioux Falls

Disappearance of Moral Knowledge Knowledge Academia Lecture Audio

Dallas had the honor of being the featured speaker at the Fredrikson Lecture Series at the University of Sioux Falls in October 2002. Dallas gave three talks, which dealt with the disappearance of moral knowledge, the renewing of the Christian mind, as well as the brilliance of Jesus. Dallas knew Ruth and Roger Fredrikson through their involvement with Renovare. “I'm thankful also for Ruth and for Roger, and what they stand for, and actually I think I want to start out just by saying that you see in them a beautiful illustration of what it is to know what good and evil are, and to be on the side of good, and to be able to stand through the years and just let that move forth from them.”

Resources

1: The Disappearance of Moral Knowledge in the Modern University – And What We Can Do About It

Dallas explores the decline of moral knowledge. He argues that while moral knowledge has not ceased to exist, it has become largely inaccessible to the public. Dallas critiques contemporary ethical theories and the secular definition of knowledge that excludes God and morality, leading to a disconnection from practical moral life. He calls on Christian institutions to take a proactive stance in rehabilitating theology and morality as fields of knowledge, emphasizing the need for practical wisdom and the integration of divine understanding with human endeavors.

2: Renewing the Mind Through Intellect and Worship

Dallas explores the transformative power of renewing the mind through intellect and worship, emphasizing believers' identity as eternal spiritual beings and the importance of discipleship in character formation. He highlights the profound impact of understanding and living out the teachings of Christ in everyday life.

3: Jesus: The Master of Art and Intellect

Dallas delves into the profound intelligence and wisdom of Jesus, exploring his unparalleled mastery over all fields of knowledge. He challenges the academic world's naturalistic assumptions and calls for a reintegration of the knowledge of Christ within scholarly pursuits.

Photograpy Credit: University of Sioux Falls

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The Disappearance of Moral Knowledge in the Modern University – And What We Can Do About It

Highlights:

  • Disappearance of Moral Knowledge: Moral knowledge hasn't ceased to exist, it has become inaccessible to the public, necessitating a revival in educational and cultural discourse.
  • Knowledge and Truth: Knowledge is defined as the ability to represent things as they are on an appropriate basis of thought and experience. Truth is vital for aligning human life with reality.
  • Historical Context of Moral Knowledge: Dallas provides a historical analysis, noting the decline of moral knowledge in universities and its replacement with secular naturalism, which excludes God and morality.
  • Critique of Modern Ethical Theories: Contemporary ethical theories are critiqued for their disconnect from practical moral life. The disconnect is attributed to a misguided definition of knowledge that excludes moral and theological dimensions.
  • Morally Good Person Defined: A morally good person is a person who is intent upon advancing the various goods of human life with which they are effectively in contact, in a manner that respects their relative degree of importance, and the extent to which the actions of that person can actually promote the existence and maintenance of those goods. “The good person is not necessarily someone who sits around dreaming about how to reform the world.” 
  • Call to Christian Institutions: Dallas calls on Christian institutions to rehabilitate theology and morality as fields of knowledge, advocating for a proactive stance in integrating knowledge of God with other fields of study.

Renewing the Mind Through Intellect and Worship

Highlights:

  • Understanding the Book of Acts: The Book of Acts reveals profound transformation, moving from the disciples’ early confusion to the stunning fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant at Pentecost.
  • Abrahamic Covenant and Pentecost: Pentecost continued God’s promise through Abraham, as Paul spread the message and established communities across regions.
  • Living Sacrifice and Transformation: Romans 12:1 calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices. This surrender leads to renewal of the mind and discernment of God’s will.
  • Role of the Body in Spiritual Life: True service involves offering the body to God rather than conforming to worldly obsessions. This surrender fosters renewal and transformation.
  • Identity as Eternal Spiritual Beings: Believers are unceasing spiritual beings with eternal destinies in God’s universe. Recognizing this identity grounds Christian life in eternal perspective.
  • Nature of Death and Eternal Life: Death is not to be feared, for eternal life in Christ makes it a transition rather than an end.
  • The Human Soul and Spiritual Growth: The soul is the deepest part of the self. Growth comes from aligning will, thoughts, and feelings with God’s will through mind renewal.
  • Discipleship and Character Formation: Discipleship produces transformed character. Believers naturally embody Christ’s teachings, including loving enemies and blessing those who curse them.

Jesus: The Master of Art and Intellect

Highlights:

  • Jesus, the Master of Arts and Intellect: Jesus is introduced as the smartest person who ever lived, with unmatched wisdom and intelligence.
  • Role of Universities: Universities arose from faith in Christ, originally dedicated to providing knowledge of complex subjects rooted in Christian understanding.
  • Three Worldview Stories: Three major worldviews—materialism, Nirvana (New Age), and theism—shape academic and cultural perspectives in distinct ways.
  • Shift in Academic Focus: The move of universities from theistic roots to naturalism was a deliberate choice, not a discovery.
  • Jesus and Miracles: Miracles such as walking on water and feeding the multitudes display mastery over natural law, though often dismissed in academic circles.
  • The Four Great Questions: Four essential questions remain: What is reality? Who is well off? Who is a good person? How do you become a good person? Jesus offers unique and profound answers to each.
  • Importance of Trusting Jesus: Trusting Jesus in all of life, including academic pursuits, reveals His mastery as both artist and intellectual.
  • Encouragement for Academic Faith: Academics are encouraged to integrate faith with their professional work. All arts, sciences, and technologies fall under Christ’s wisdom and should reflect His knowledge.