Christian Visions, Imperial Designs:

The Contested Legacy Behind the Mapping of America

with Ángel Gallardo, Assistant Professor of Church History at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

What does latitude have to do with natural rights? How does climate theory impact modern racial hierarchies? In this lecture, Professor Gallardo explores these questions by examining the thought of two controversial yet foundation figures in Western Christian history: the Dominican bishop Bartolomé de Las Casas and the colonialist-explorer Christopher Columbus. 

About Ángel J. Gallardo

Dr. Ángel J. Gallardo joined Austin Seminary in 2022. Previously he served on the faculty of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University as the Associate Director of the Intern Program.  Dr. Gallardo teaches survey courses on the history of Christian thought, race and religion in the Americas, and Methodism, as well as seminars on historical figures such as Bartolomé de Las Casas and Christopher Columbus. Dr. Gallardo is proud to represent Austin Seminary on the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Scholars Program, an organization founded in 1989 that creates Latinx-centered educational experiences for Latinx and non-Latinx students, faculty and staff in theological institutions of higher education.

In addition to his work on campus, Dr. Gallardo is actively involved in various academic societies. He is the co-chair of the Latina/o Religion, Society and Culture program unit in the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature. Dr. Gallardo is also a member of the American Society of Church History and the En Conjunto Association of the Hispanic Theological Initiative at Princeton Theological Seminary.

About UUMC Masterclass

What happens when some of the finest teachers in our congregation bring their compelling lectures beyond the classroom?

UUMC MasterClass invites professors from our church to share their knowledge, passions, and best ideas with the broader public. Every Tuesday, a different lecturer will introduce us to a subject through an engaging and accessible presentation. No academic background is required. This is for anyone who enjoys learning and asking questions. Attend in person or on Zoom for a single lecture or return each week for a new topic and teacher! For a Zoom link, or with any questions, please email Pastor Earl: pastorearl@uumc.org