Faulkner University will address one of the state’s most hotly contested topics—gambling—in its annual high-profile debate. The V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies will host the formal debate on Thursday, October 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Tine-Davis Gymnasium. The topic will be “Resolved: Gambling is Morally Acceptable.” Faulkner Biblical Studies professor David W. Hester will argue against the resolution, while Bill J. Pascrell III, a lobbyist with the Princeton Public Affairs Group, will affirm it. The debate will be live-streamed and recorded.

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

This debate will be a highlight of the 2024 Faulkner Bible Lectureship, taking place October 20-24. The theme for this year’s lectureship is “Grace,” featuring speakers from across the United States discussing this important biblical subject. Keynote speakers include David W. Hester, Faulkner University President Mitch Henry, gospel preacher Jovan Payes, John DeBerry, Senior Advisor to the Governor of Tennessee, and Melvin Otey, a professor at Jones School of Law. For a complete list of speakers, visit 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 10-year campaign to legalize sports betting in the United States, culminating in the 2018 repeal of PASPA by the U.S. Supreme Court. He also spearheaded New Jersey’s first-in-the-nation Online Gaming Act and continues to advise state governments on gaming industry issues. Pascrell continues to advise state governments across the nation on issues involving the gaming industry. Pascrell graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University and later attended Seton Hall Law School and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Pascrell is a member of the bar in Washington D.C., and New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

David W. Hester is a professor of New Testament at the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies and the Kearley Graduate School of Theology at Faulkner. He has been preaching since 1978 and serves as Associate Minister at Elmore Church of Christ. Hester holds a B.A. cum laude in Bible from Freed-Hardeman, an M.A. 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. The Tine Davis Gymnasium is located toward the back of the campus. After entering the main university front entrance, take a right and continue until the stop sign. Make a left; a large paved parking lot is nearby, along with a gravel lot adjacent to the gym.