Faulkner Bible lecturer to host high-profile gambling debate

Faulkner University will tackle one of the state’s most hotly contested topics – gambling – in its annual high-profile debate. The VP Black College of Biblical Studies will host the formal debate Thursday, October 24th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Tine Davis High School. The topic is “Solved: Gambling is Morally Acceptable.” David W. Hester, a professor of biblical studies at Faulkner, will argue against the resolution, while Bill J. Pascrell III, a lobbyist for the Princeton Public Affairs Group, will support it. The debate will be livestreamed and recorded.

The event is free and open to the public and coincides with Faulkner’s Homecoming week.

This debate will be a highlight of the 2024 Faulkner Bible Lectureship, October 20-24. The theme of this year’s lecture is “Grace.” Speakers from across the United States discuss this important biblical topic. Keynote speakers include David W. Hester, Faulkner University President Mitch Henry, gospel minister Jovan Payes, Tennessee Governor John DeBerry, Senior Advisor to the Governor of Tennessee, and Jones School of Law Professor Melvin Otey. For a full list of speakers, see Faulkner.edu/2024-Faulkner-Bible-Lectureship.

“The debate during this year’s lectureship is a significant event,” said Dr. David Hester, director of the Faulkner Bible Lectureship. “We encourage everyone to come and bring their families and church communities. We hope to see you there!”

Bill J. Pascrell III led the successful decade-long campaign to legalize sports betting in the United States, culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court’s repeal of PASPA in 2018. He also pioneered the nation’s first online gambling law in New Jersey and continues to advise state governments on gambling industry issues. Pascrell continues to advise state governments across the country on gaming industry issues. Pascrell graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University and later attended Seton Hall Law School and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Pascrell is an attorney in Washington DC and New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.

David W. Hester is Professor of New Testament at the VP Black College of Biblical Studies and the Kearley Graduate School of Theology in Faulkner. He has been preaching since 1978 and is associate pastor of Elmore Church of Christ. Hester holds a BA cum laude in Bible from Freed-Hardeman, an MA summa cum laude in Bible from Amridge University, and a Ph.D. in New Testament summa cum laude from the Turner School of Theology at Amridge. He is the author of four books: Among the Scholars (1994), Tampering With Truth (2007), Does Mark 16:9-20 Belong in the New Testament? (2015) and Jesus Christ: A Thematic Study (2023) and has participated in three public debates.

WHERE: Faulkner University Montgomery Campus, 5345 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109. Tine Davis Gymnasium is located at the rear of campus. After entering the main entrance of the university, turn right and continue walking until the stop sign. Turn left; There is a large paved parking lot nearby as well as a gravel area next to the gym.