Every winter, Central Seminary conducts the MacDonald Lecture Series in Bible and Theology. This academic lecture series was created in memory of Charles MacDonald, Th.D. (1903–1971), beloved professor of pastoral theology at Central Seminary.

Our next installment of the MacDonald Lecture Series is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026 with Dr. Brett Williams delivering four lectures on “What in the World is a Worldview? The Importance of Metaphysics for Theology.”

From school curricula to conferences to popular podcasts, “worldview” is the topic of the day. While the concept of worldview has permeated modern evangelicalism, most people have little understanding of its meaning and significance.

What is a worldview, and why is it essential for Christianity? Our 2026 MacDonald Lectures will challenge current definitions of worldview and chart a new path for understanding and application, suggesting that your worldview matters not in the ways you think.

SCHEDULE: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

8:00 Registration

8:30 Session I: Why We Love “Worldview”: Examining the Evangelical Obsession

9:20 Break (Coffee & Refreshments)

9:35 Session 2: Explanations: What Is and Isn’t a Worldview

10:25 Break

10:40 Session 3: Examples of Reframing the Question

11:30 Break

11:45 Session 4: The Reality of a Social Metaphysic for Christian Theology

12:35 PM Catered Lunch (Fellowship Hall)

About Dr. MacDonald

Academically, Dr. Charles MacDonald received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University, the Th.B., B.D. and Th.D. degrees from Northern Seminary, and a D.D. degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis, where he taught the last four years of his life. From 1936 to 1939 he taught on the faculty of Northern Seminary.

Dr. MacDonald served three pastorates, at Elgin, Illinois, then eight years at Mount Morris, Michigan, and eighteen years at Lincoln Park, Michigan.