Join us for a captivating two-day exploration of faith as depicted through the cherished narratives of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Dive deep with Donald T. Williams, PhD, a scholar finely poised between the realms of Narnia and Middle Earth, as we explore theological insights and the profound Gospel messages embedded within these literary masterpieces.
The Gospel in Narnia and Middle Earth
Date: Dec. 13-14, 2024
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Kingsport TN
Preregistration Cost: Individual: $35, Family: $60. (Includes lunch.)
Preregister: click here
Featuring Donald T. Williams, PhD. Dr. Williams is Professor Emeritus of Toccoa Falls College, an ordained minister in the Evangelical Free Church of America, and a past president of the International Society of Christian Apologetics. A border dweller, he stays permanently camped out on the borders between theology and literature, serious scholarship and pastoral ministry, Narnia and Middle Earth. He is the author of fifteen books, including Deeper Magic: The Theology behind the Writings of C. S. Lewis (Square Halo Books, 2016), “An Encouraging Thought”: The Christian Worldview in the Writings of J. R. R. Tolkien (Christian Publishing House, 2018), The Young Christian’s Survival Guide: Common Questions Young Christians are Asked about God, the Bible and the Christian Faith Answered (Christian Publishing House, 2019), and Answers from Aslan: The Enduring Apologetics of C. S. Lewis (DeWard, 2023).
Friday Evening:
7:00pm – 8:20pm – The Gospel in Narnia
8:30pm – 9:30pm – Roundtable: The Gospel in Lewis’ Writings
Saturday Morning:
9:00am – 10:20am – The Gospel in Middle Earth
10:30am – 11:50am – Tolkien’s Theology and Contributions
Saturday Afternoon:
1:30pm – 2:50pm – Lewis’ Theology and Contributions
3:00pm – 4:20pm – Roundtable: Was Lewis a Heretic?
Saturday Evening:
7:00pm – 8:30pm Hellbender Herald: Dr. Williams joins the hosts of the Hellbender Herald to discuss the relevance of Lewis’ and Tolkien’s writings to contemporary culture and politics.
Roundtable Participants:
Dean Walker is the Executive Director of the Geneva Institute of Christian Thought. He holds degrees in philosophy of religion (Th.M.) and Christian apologetics (MDiv specialization). When he is not challenging his students with impersonations of various existential philosophers, Mr. Walker enjoys exploring the local mountains and tending the responsibilities of homestead and family.
Steven Warhurst has served in pastoral roles at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Kingsport TN, since 2002. He has been married to his wife Susan since 1992. They have eight children and live on a four-acre homestead. Steven loves to teach the Bible and the Great Books of Western Civilization. He enjoys reading, chopping firewood, and hunting. When he grows up he wants to be a cattle farmer.
David Rives’ field experience in astronomy, paleontology and archaeology has made him an in-demand speaker on creation and evolution topics. His powerful and inspirational delivery makes learning about Bible history and science fun and easy for audiences of all ages. His use of the ministries’ observatory-class telescopes has resulted in breathtaking astrophotography which has been featured in textbooks, scientific literature and shown to audiences around the world. Just as the heavens declare the glory of God, David Rives is proclaiming the manifest presence of God throughout the universe, throughout our world and most especially in the lives of those who know Him.
Dr. Charles Jackson’s education includes a BS in Biology, a MS in Environmental Biology and a MEd in Science Education from George Mason University. He also has a Doctorate of Education in Secondary Science Education from the University of Virginia. He has been teaching high school and college for over forty years in the life and physical sciences. Dr. J, as he is often called, has been speaking on creation science since the mid-1970’s and has spoken and debated on many campuses across the U.S. as well as in Canada, Croatia, Venezuela, Peru and Fiji. Dr. J appeared in the 2017 Christian documentary, “Genesis: Paradise Lost” and figures in a Christian Sci-Fi TV series “Quantum” (pre-production). Dr. J’s knowledge, humor and engaging speaking style holds the attention of both young and old audiences.
Michael Maughon performed in the Le Rêve show in Las Vegas before coming on staff at DRG in order to develop an 
The Institute announces Fall 2021 courses. The list includes OT and NT courses for both 8-10th grades and for DE (dual enrollment), Personal Finance (DE), Algebra I, Introductory Logic, and Worldview and Apologetics.
We have added courses to our Spring officering! The new courses include Basic Economics, and Western History, The Church, and Theology. These courses are added to a list that includes Psychology, Elementary Greek II and Existentialism. Options include dual enrollment for college credit, high school only credit, and adult audit! Please take time to look over these courses and contact me, Dean Walker (919-245-7016) for more information!