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Darwin anniversary headlines 2009-10 Lakeland Lecture Series

Lakeland College will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's "Origin of the Species" this fall, headlining the college's 2009-10 lecture series.

Kenneth Miller, professor of biology and the Royce Family Professor for Teaching Excellence at Brown University, will deliver a lecture entitled titled "Is Evolution 'only a Theory?' Darwin, God, and Design in the 21st century" on September 30 at 7 p.m. at the Bradley Fine Arts Building.

All Lakeland lectures are free and open to the public.

The accomplished author of "Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground between God and Evolution and Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul," Miller will address the scientific standing of evolutionary theory in relation to religious views of nature in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Darwin's much-discussed and debated publication.

Financial advice, bipolar disorder, the annual Great Lakes Writers Festival and a variety of other topics are also included in this year's lineup. With the exception of Miller's lecture, they begin at 11 a.m. in the Bradley Fine Arts Building.

This year's lineup includes:

October 13 - Dr. John Whitcomb, Learning Fiscal Fitness: "Thriving in a Financially Troubled World"

Learning Fiscal Fitness or frugal behavior is a science in and of itself. Natural tendencies are to follow patterns of behavior from our background and culture, and people naturally follow the emotional patterns and instincts taught by their parents. Those can be changed. Whitcomb will walk the audience through the steps it takes to be Fiscally Fit. Learn how to shape yourself and to feel good about it while you are at it.

November 3 - Mission House Lecture: Kathryn Greene-McCreight, "The Light Shines in the Darkness"

Some years ago, Greene-McCreight was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a difficult and agonizing mental illness. She speaks with insight and compassion about how she faced this personal struggle, explaining how the resources of faith and theological reflection combine with medical and psychological assistance to deal with mental disorder. Her concern is helping people interpret and survive mental illness.

November 5 - Great Lakes Writers Festival: Featuring David Lehman and Stacey Harwood

Lakeland's annual two-day celebration will feature readings and workshops by David Lehman, renowned poet and editor of The Best American Poetry series, and Stacey Harwood, a nonfiction writer and a policy analyst for the state of New York.

February 2 - Founder's Day Lecture: Lydia Veliko, "Unity, Identity and Relationship: God's Call for Reconciliation"

Veliko will discuss recent efforts for church unity and what such unity and reconciliation might mean for the world today. In her position as ecumenical officer of the United Church of Christ, she has a unique perspective on both the difficulties and the prospects for reconciliation.

February 16 - Doug Flaherty: Guest Poet, "Reinventing Oneself; The Art of Passion"

Doug Flaherty will speak about how we are all initiated into belief structures as children. Since beliefs and suppositions are based on everyone else's ideas, who is the real you? How do we begin to be our own person?

March 2 - Michael Shermer, "The Science of Good and Evil"

Shermer will discuss the relationship between science and religion and the nature and existence of God. He is the publisher of "Skeptic Magazine," a monthly columnist for "Scientific American," host of the Skeptic Lecture Series and co-host and producer of the 13-hour Fox Family Series, "Exploring the Unknown." He is currently an adjunct instructor in the School of Politics and Economics at Claremont Graduate University.

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