CTS Talks: John Green – A Conversation on Radical Hope and Apocalyptic Anxiety

 

As part of the Centennial celebrations marking 100 years since the founding of the Butler School of Religion, which would later evolve into Christian Theological Seminary, CTS Talks is honored to welcome John Green, the New York Times bestselling author, influential digital creator, and tuberculosis advocate. Green’s upcoming CTS Talk on February 6 will invite the CTS community into a conversation that tackles some of the most pressing and existential issues of our time.

Founded in 1924, the Butler School of Religion was dedicated to advancing scholarship and forming leaders who could respond to the challenges of the world. A century later, Christian Theological Seminary continues to foster intellectual curiosity, reflection, and a commitment to justice. The CTS Talks series is a key part of this commitment, offering an opportunity for community members to engage with thought leaders and explore contemporary issues that intersect with theology, culture, and personal formation.

In his CTS Talk, John Green will delve into themes of apocalyptic anxiety, despair, and the potential for radical hope in a world that often feels on the brink of collapse. As a writer, activist, and advocate for mental health awareness, Green will explore what it means to cultivate a hope that can withstand the struggles of our time. He will also consider questions like whether nonhuman animals might be better than humans at experiencing consciousness, why suffering is so unjustly distributed, and what our responsibility is in the face of such inequality.

John Green’s published novels, including Turtles All the Way Down & The Fault in Our Stars (both of which have been adapted into major motion pictures), Looking for Alaska, and Paper Towns, have captivated millions worldwide, tackling complex themes of suffering, identity, and human connection. His writing is known for its deep empathy and its ability to engage readers in difficult, often painful questions about life and death. Green’s CTS Talk will bring these same sensibilities to bear on larger societal issues, offering insights that challenge us to think about the future and the role of hope in navigating our collective struggles. His newly announced book Everything is Tuberculosis, set to release on March 18, 2025, takes a nonfiction turn but follows the fashion of his passion for addressing human issues by raising awareness of scientific background and social history.

Beyond his books, Green’s influence extends into the digital realm. Along with his brother Hank, Green co-founded the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, which has become a global community of “nerdfighters” dedicated to intellectualism and positive social change. Green is also the co-creator of the Crash Course educational YouTube channel, which has taught millions of viewers about subjects ranging from history to science, offering accessible, high-quality learning opportunities for people around the world.

Green’s CTS Talk will reflect his belief in the power of education, storytelling, and community-building to address the complex problems of our time. His talk will invite the audience to consider not just how we face challenges like climate change, inequality, and mental health crises, but how we might find new forms of hope that can sustain us as we work for a better future.

As part of the Centennial celebrations, Green’s talk will offer an opportunity for the CTS community to engage with these vital issues through the lens of faith, learning, and social responsibility. At a time when many people feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, Green’s CTS Talk will ask whether it’s possible to cultivate a kind of hope that is radical enough to address the world’s deepest injustices and personal despair.

The CTS Talks series is designed to bring together scholars, students, and community members in meaningful discussions that explore how our faith and values intersect with the realities of modern life. Green’s participation in this series exemplifies the kind of dynamic conversation that CTS has nurtured for a century—one that challenges us to think critically, to act justly, and to embrace the power of transformation.

Green’s upcoming talk is not just a conversation about despair but also about the possibility of change—of a hope that is grounded in reality, yet radical enough to imagine a world beyond suffering. Join us for an evening with John Green as he reflects on how we can move beyond apocalyptic fears and work toward a future filled with possibility and hope.

This event is a pivotal part of the Centennial celebrations at Christian Theological Seminary, where the legacy of intellectual exploration, community engagement, and social justice continues to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

General registration for CTS Talks: John Green opens to the public on December 17, 2024. A special pre-registration for CTS alumni, students, staff, and faculty is available by promo code until that time.