Exploring Faith and Reason: Dr. Max Baker-Hytch Speaks at DBU’s Gallup Lecture Series

Each year, Dallas Baptist University hosts the George H. Gallup, Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series, bringing influential scholars and leaders to campus to engage students and faculty in thought-provoking discussions. This year's event featured Dr. Max Baker-Hytch, a renowned philosopher and senior tutor at the University of Oxford's Wycliffe Hall, specializing in apologetics, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion.

"It was a joy to welcome Dr. Max Baker-Hytch to DBU as part of the annual George H. Gallup, Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series. His remarks were a timely and powerful reminder that our Christian worldview can stand firm amidst the ever-present challenges of our day, offering hope and conviction grounded in the truth of Scripture", stated Dr. Adam C. Wright, President of Dallas Baptist University.

Dr. Baker-Hytch addressed DBU faculty, staff, and students in a compelling lecture focused on the intersection of faith and reason. His presentation explored how belief in God is intellectually viable and deeply rational in light of contemporary philosophical discourse.

In his lecture, Dr. Baker-Hytch emphasized that Christianity provides a coherent and compelling explanation of the world, countering common objections from secular perspectives. He argued that faith and reason are not opposing forces but work together to form a well-grounded belief in God.

A significant portion of his lecture focused on the problem of evil—one of the most frequently cited arguments against the existence of an all-loving, all-powerful God. Dr. Baker-Hytch provided a nuanced perspective, explaining that while suffering is a reality, it does not negate the existence of God. Instead, he posited that suffering can have a redemptive purpose, aligning with the biblical narrative of God bringing good out of human trials.

Dr. Baker-Hytch also discussed the challenges posed by contemporary skepticism, particularly in academic and scientific communities. He encouraged attendees to engage with their faith intellectually, urging them to explore apologetics as a means of strengthening their beliefs and engaging in meaningful discussions with those who hold differing worldviews.

Concluding his lecture, Dr. Baker-Hytch challenged the audience to deepen their understanding of their faith and to approach conversations about God with humility, confidence, and intellectual diligence. "Christians should not fear engaging with difficult questions," he remarked. "The truth is robust and can withstand scrutiny."

Following his lecture, attendees participated in a Q&A session where students and faculty had the opportunity to ask Dr. Baker-Hytch about various aspects of faith, apologetics, and philosophical study.

Dr. Max Baker-Hytch is a distinguished scholar and educator. He currently serves as a tutor in philosophy at the University of Oxford, a lecturer in philosophy at Wycliffe Hall, a permanent private hall of the university. In addition to his academic roles within the university, Dr. Baker-Hytch also serves as the academic advisor at the Oxford Center for Christian Apologetics, where he contributes to the intellectual and spiritual formation of emerging Christian leaders from around the world.

He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from the University of Oxford in 2014 and then he was awarded two highly competitive postdoctoral research fellowships from Oxford and the University of Notre Dame. He has also authored more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles and book chapters making meaningful contributions in the academic arena.