Southwestern College will present “Author Meets Critics,” a panel discussion about Jackson Lashier’s book, “Great Cloud of Witnesses: How the Dead Make a Living Church,” (Fortress Press, 2023) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m. in the Deets Library on the campus of Southwestern College.  There is no admission charge and the public is invited to attend.

The panel will include Dr. Jackson Lashier, professor of religious studies and director of Discipleship at Southwestern; Dr. Stephen Rankin, Chaplain Emeritus at Southern Methodist University; Dr. Cheryl Rude, Emeritus Professor of Leadership Studies and former Chair of the Social Science Division at Southwestern College; and Dr. Brad Elliot Stone, professor of philosophy at Loyola Marymount University.  Jacob Goodson, professor of philosophy and Chair of Social Science Division at Southwestern College will be the moderator. 

In the book, Lashier presents the biblical foundations of the practice of saint veneration and highlights the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead: those who have died in Christ are still living in hope of final resurrection, and in that state, they serve as witnesses (Hebrews 12:1), actively supporting modern Christians as they seek to live faithful lives of discipleship.

Panel Discussion: Great Cloud of Witnesses by Dr. Jackson Lashier

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. | Deets Library

Topic: Critical Responses to Dr. Jackson Lashier's Great Cloud of Witnesses: How the Dead Make a Living Church (Fortress Press, 2023)

Moderator: Dr. Jacob L. Goodson, Professor of Philosophy & Chair of Social Science Division, Southwestern College

Panelists: Dr. Stephen Rankin, Dr. Cheryl Rude, Dr. Brad Elliott Stone

Panelist Bios:

Dr. Jackson Lashier (PhD, Marquette University) is Professor of Religious Studies and the Director of Discipleship at Southwestern College. Formerly, he served as Chair of the Social Science Division at SC. He is the author of Irenaeus on the Trinity (Brill, 2014) and Great Cloud of Witnesses: How the Dead Make a Living Church (Fortress Press, 2023).

Rev. Stephen W. Rankin is Chaplain Emeritus at Southern Methodist University. Since 1995, Steve has worked in higher education, both as professor and chaplain. He is author ofAiming at Maturity: the Goal of the Christian Life and other popular and scholarly articles and book chapters on Wesleyan theology and Christian discipleship. He loves to work in church and academy, linking sound ideas with faithful witness. His scholarly and pastoral interests revolve around young adult spiritual formation and theological education. Steve received his PhD from Northwestern University and is an ordained elder in the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Dr. Cheryl Rude is Emeritus Professor of Leadership Studies and former Chair of the Social Science Division at Southwestern College. Currently, she serves as Director of Campus Programs & Operation for the Institute of Discipleship on SC's campus. She coordinates the Institute’s on-campus programs, including oversight of the Visiting Scholars, Bishops Scholars, Summit, Builders in Ministry, and Bridges to the Future conference. Cheryl also works with the Institute’s Board of Directors, Southwestern College faculty and staff, and supports church relations efforts with the United Methodist Church and its clergy. Cheryl received her PhD from the Union Institute and University.

Dr. Brad Elliott Stone holds a Ph.D. from the University of Memphis. He  serves as Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University. Brad heads the FEAST program (Faith Enrichment and Spiritual Training) at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. As the head of this Christian education program for adults, Brad has instituted the “Six for Supper” program; he leads a Bible study called Bible 101; and he heads up the God Talk Book Club, reading such Christian Classics as Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castles. Brad has been certified by The Right Reverend J. Jon Bruno to preach and does so several times a year.