Campbellsville University will host Distinguished Professor of Theology Emeritus at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. James Leo Garrett Jr. who will speak at the CU Baptist Heritage Lecture Series Monday, March 8.

His address, titled “The Future of Baptist Theology with a Look at Its Past,” is at 6:30 p.m. in the Badgett Academic Support Center Banquet Hall located at 110 University Drive, Campbellsville.

Garrett will autograph his new book, “Baptist Theology: A Four Century Study,” at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9 in the Campbellsville University Barnes & Noble College Bookstore at Davenport Student Commons at 410 N. Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.

“We are very pleased to be hosting Dr. James Leo Garrett for our 2010 Baptist Heritage Series lecture,” John Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, said.

“He is among the most highly respected Baptist theologians of this era of history and has made major contributions to Baptist life across the globe. Dr. Joe Early Jr. has been instrumental in securing Dr. Garrett as a speaker.

Dr. James Leo Garrett Jr.

“Baptist leaders from across the state are invited to join us for Dr. Garrett's presentation.”

Early, who is assistant professor of theology at CU, said, “Dr. Garrett is the greatest living Baptist theologian. He is the very essence of a Baptist scholar and gentlemen. He is respected not only in Baptist life, but in all Protestant and Catholic circles.”

It is the mission of Campbellsville University through the Baptist Heritage Lecture Series to promote the study, discussion and research of Baptist historical events, theological distinctives, traditions and leaders who are unique and essential to understanding who Baptists are.

Garrett has lectured at numerous educational institutions in the United States as well as in Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Romania and the Ukraine.

Garrett has taught at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as at Baylor University. Garrett also spent time at Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary as a visiting professor.

In addition to his teaching, Garrett has been author, co-author, editor or co-editor of more than ten books. A few of his many works include, “Baptist Church Discipline” (Broadman Press, 1962), “Baptists and Roman Catholicism” (Broadman Press, 1965) and “We Baptists” (Providence House, 1999). Garrett has also written hundreds of journal and encyclopedia articles with some contributing to 21 other books.

He has been a pastor or interim pastor at a number of Baptist churches.  Among other involvement, Garrett has served on various boards for Baptist World Alliance including, the chairman of the Commission on Cooperative Christianity, secretary of the Commission of Human Rights and is a co-chairman of the Division of Study and Research. Apart from his work with Baptist World Alliance, Garrett is a former editor of the Southwestern Journal of Theology and former managing editor of the Journal of Church and State.

Garrett obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Baylor University in 1945 and earned a bachelor of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Seminary in 1948. A year later, he completed a master of theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1954, Garrett returned to Southwestern Baptist Seminary and completed a doctor of theology degree. He furthered his education at Harvard University where he graduated in 1966 with a Ph.D.

Garrett has three sons and resides with his wife, Myrta Ann, in Fort Worth.

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 3,006 students who represent 97 Kentucky counties, 30 states and 37 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2010 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South, tied for fifth in “most international students” and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in baccalaureate colleges in the South. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.