“Dr. Ramachandra is a theologian and an activist whose work engages with the context of his native Sri Lanka, a country whose long conflict has often been drawn along ethnic and religious lines, and his familiarity with student networks in Asia and across the globe. He gained a bachelors degree and a doctorate from Imperial College, London, in nuclear engineering. For many years he has worked for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students [IFES], presently as Secretary for Dialogue & Social Engagement. He is involved with civil rights movements in Sri Lanka and a number of groups which seek to empower the poor and bring reconciliation to the country . . .” — Introduction to Lecture 1: Engaging the University (Part 1).
Does such a resume automatically make Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra an apt speaker to address Engaging the University? Although Ramachandra is a excellent writer and speaker, I have come to find that degrees, experience, and advancement do not necessarily lead to the ability to articulate what we do and why we do it. Sometimes we may become so immersed in the specifics that we miss the “big picture,” hence the importance not only for such a series as the Mission as Prophetic Engagement to call us to embrace the foundations of our vocation as Christ followers, but also to dialogue with such presentations as part of communities which offer accountability. [Read more…] about A Mission to the University: Part 1 of Engaging the University