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About the Speaker
Dr. George Yancey is a Professor of Sociology at Baylor University and the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion. He has published numerous articles on a wide range of topics, including institutional racial diversity, racial identity, atheists, cultural progressives, academic bias, and anti-Christian hostility. His books include Beyond Racial Division: A Unifying Alternative to Colorblindness and Antiracism (IVP, 2022), So Many Christians, So Few Lions: Is There Christianophobia in the United States? (Rowman & Littlefield, 2014), and Transcending Racial Barriers: Toward a Mutual Obligations Approach (Oxford University Press, 2011; with Michael Emerson).
Event Schedule
Lecture 1 – Institutional Racism Past and Present
Tuesday, March 5, 7:30 pm
In this lecture, Dr. Yancey will discuss why historical and institutional racism continues to impact people of color today. While overt racism has dramatically decreased in recent decades, racial minorities continue to suffer the long-term effects of racism. Understanding the context of historical and institutional racism is vital for an understanding of the current plight of racial minorities.
Lunchtime Interview and Q&A
Wednesday, March 6, 12:30 pm
Join us in Room 100 at Regent College for this onsite-only event, moderated by Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Jessamin Birdsall.
Lecture 2 – Why the Current Solutions Aren't Enough
Wednesday, March 6, 7:30 pm
Despite the continuing racial alienation in our society, we have struggled to find workable solutions. Faced as we are with the ongoing impact of institutional racism, a colourblind perspective is not useable. But Dr. Yancey will argue that antiracism, a popular alternative linked to identity politics, has not proven to be useful either. This lecture will address problems connected with antiracism and identity politics.
Lecture 3 – Theology and Sociology of Conversation
Thursday, March 7, 7:30 pm
In his final lecture, Dr. Yancey will present the idea that collaborative conversations offer a better approach to addressing racial alienation. Demonstrating that this approach has both empirical backing and scriptural support, Dr. Yancey will conclude by arguing that, of all the available options for addressing the ongoing problem of racism, collaborative conversation is best aligned with the basic tenets of Christianity.
About the Laing Lectures
The Laing Lectures began at Regent College in 1999 in cooperation with Roger and Carol Laing and in honour of their father, William John Laing. The purpose of the lectures is to encourage persons recognized for scholarship, wisdom, and creativity to undertake serious thought and original writing on an issue of significance for the Christian church and to promote the sharing of such thoughts through a series of public lectures. Learn more about the Laing Lectures here.