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Pepperdine University

Annual Pepperdine Bible Lectures Returns to Malibu Campus for 73rd Year

Pepperdine Magazine is the feature magazine for Pepperdine University and its growing community of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends.

For the 73rd year, thousands of visitors flocked to Pepperdine's Malibu campus to experience the powerful story of Christ's life, death, and resurrection at the Pepperdine Bible Lectures. From May 3 to 6 more than 300 guest speakers from around the world led over 75 inspiring daily sessions and unmatched moments of fellowship as they explored the deeper truths found in scripture.

N. T. Wright, an Anglican bishop and perhaps the leading New Testament scholar in the world, delivered the keynote address, “The Scandal of the Cross.” In his talk, Wright challenged structures and ideas from the Restoration heritage, interrogated some basic understandings of the Gospel entrenched in Protestant Evangelical circles today, and invited all to reimagine biblical concepts like resurrection, justification, and heaven.

Attendees also heard from civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, a passionate advocate for Christian love and forgiveness, who discussed how a steadfast commitment to her faith in times of hatred, injustice, and loss enabled her to love and forgive others.

Additional guest speakers included Greg Boyd, theologian, preacher, and author; Fr. Greg Boyle, founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries; David Kinnaman, president and majority owner of the Barna Group; and recognized trial lawyer Mark Lanier.

The Pepperdine Chamber Choir filled Stauffer Chapel with sacred a cappella music from a variety of styles and time periods, and University staff and administrators presented a rousing performance of “PBL Unplugged Presents an Evening of Storytelling and Music.”