On February 4, 2026, the Center for Research on Faith and Human Flourishing at LCC
International University relaunched its Faculty Research Seminar series with a gathering of
faculty and students for interdisciplinary academic conversation. The event marked the
beginning of the Spring 2026 seminar series, which provides a space for presenting
research in progress and receiving feedback from colleagues across disciplines.
The seminar featured a presentation by Dr. Tricia Van Dyk from the Theology Department,
who teaches philosophy at LCC International University. Her talk, titled “Still Resisting:
Reformational Christian Philosophy as a Critique of the Pretended Autonomy of
Theoretical Thought,” explored the relationship between faith and human reason through
the lens of reformational Christian philosophy. The presentation reflected on the continued
relevance of this philosophical tradition and its critique of the idea that theoretical thought
can operate independently from religious presuppositions.
The presentation was followed by responses from Joel Altena, University Chaplain at LCC
International University, and Dr. Job Morales, who teaches Worldview and Ethics at LCC.
Their responses offered additional perspectives on the role of faith commitments in
academic thought and the ongoing dialogue between theology and philosophy.
The seminar concluded with a lively discussion among participants, reflecting the
importance of thoughtful engagement with questions about faith, reason, and the
foundations of academic inquiry.