Otago University Christian Scholars network
The Christian Scholars Network (CSN) is an interdisciplinary network of academics and scholars who research and teach at the University of Otago, New Zealand. The CSN currently includes academics from diverse fields such as management, computer science, anatomy, history, pharmacy, law, bioethics, theology, information science, surveying and geology.
The CSN was founded in 1999 by Rex Ahdar and Graham Elkin, two academics at the University of Otago, Dunedin. The CSN is intended to be a forum for Christian academics to meet, enjoy fellowship and discuss how the Christian faith intersects with and creatively infuses the academic life and scholarship. The CSN has no specific articles of faith and its members represent a wide spectrum of Christian theological and doctrinal positions and confessions. The CSN meets together, usually at lunchtimes, to discuss topical issues and research in progress. We have about four or five such meetings annually. An Otago academic usually leads the discussion, though sometimes we are fortunate to host visiting scholars. Dr Brian Walsh from Toronto (co-author of The Transforming Vision: Shaping a Christian World View, IVP, 1984) was one such guest speaker in June 2001 similarly Dr John Patrick (Augustine College, Ottawa) and Professor Janel Curry (Calvin College) spoke to us in March and April 2007 respectively.
Upcoming meetings
Friday 3 April 2009 at 12:00—Dr Hugh Morrison (College of Education): "Kiwis abroad, broadening the gaze: Protestant missionaries and NZ history" (10th Floor, Richardson Building).
Friday 22 May 2009 at 12:00—Prof Liam McIvanney (Scottish Studies) (10th Floor Richardson Building)
Contact Us
If you research or teach at the University of Otago you are most welcome to join us. Occasional guests are most welcome to come to meetings as well. For more information see the Christian Scholars Network website and the contact people below.
Prof. Rex Ahdar
Faculty of Law
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin
Phone: (03) 479 8842
Fax: (03) 479 8855
Email: rex [dot] ahdar [at] stonebow [dot] otago [dot] ac [dot] nz
A/Prof. Graham Elkin
Department of Management
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin
Phone: (03) 479 8189
Fax: (03) 479 8173
Email: gelkin [at] business [dot] otago [dot] ac [dot] nz
A/Prof. Michelle Thompson-Fawcett
Department of Geography
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin
Phone: (03) 479 8762
Fax: (03) 479 9037
Email: mtf [at] geography [dot] otago [dot] ac [dot] nz
