Dr. Raúl Zegarra to Deliver Keynote on Faith, Hope, and Resistance
The Porterville College Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (CHAP) is pleased to announce a special lecture by Dr. Raúl Zegarra, Assistant Professor of Roman Catholic Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School, on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Dr. Zegarra will present his compelling talk, "Faith, Hope, and Resistance in Times of Crisis."
In his presentation, Dr. Zegarra will tackle the growing unease felt by many scholars and activists who have become disillusioned with the language of democracy and human rights. Their frustration stems from the repeated failures of these systems and organized religion to truly defend the dignity of all people.
However, Dr. Zegarra's work offers a powerful counter-narrative. He will explore why faith, hope, and resistance consistently emerge even in moments of profound crisis. The lecture will pay special attention to contemporary religious and spiritual movements, providing a critique of cynical approaches that suggest pessimism is the only logical response to our current challenges.
Dr. Zegarra's impressive background includes a PhD from The University of Chicago, as well as master's degrees in philosophy and theology. His research focuses on the intricate relationship between faith and politics, and how this dynamic shapes the identity and commitments of marginalized groups. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including the New Scholar Essay Prize for Catholic Studies in the Americas (2023) and the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise (2021).
This event is a unique opportunity to hear from a leading scholar on a topic that is both timely and deeply relevant. We invite the community to join us for an evening of thought-provoking discussion. Admission is free.
The CHAP program at Porterville College is committed to providing enriching and thought-provoking events for the campus community and the wider public. This lecture is free and open to all interested individuals.
For more information on the CHAP program at PC, you can visit the CHAP Web Site at https://www.portervillecollege.edu/about-pc/chap/index.html or contact CHAP Coordinator Leslie Keele at leslie.keele@portervillecollege.edu.
Event Details:
- What: Lecture by Dr. Raúl Zegarra
- Title: "Faith, Hope, and Resistance in Times of Crisis"
- When: Friday, October 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- Where: PC Theater
- Cost: Free and open to the public