Background Information
The idea of The Maryville Symposium arises from the daily discourse 
and experience of two essential qualities embedded in Maryville College’s identity: the spirit of the liberal arts and church-relatedness.
The liberal arts ideal invites critical inquiry into all aspects of life, and it puts no conditions on that pursuit of 
truth. At the same time, the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition of Christianity insists that all reality be held in relation to God, thus finding all academic subject matters worthy of study.
The Maryville Symposium, an annual gathering at Maryville College, will bring together the inquisitive minds and hearts of leading scholars to address the vitally important moral and ethical questions of our day.
Faith & Learning at Maryville College
“Founded by leaders of the Presbyterian/Reformed tradition, Maryville College is related to the Presbyterian Church (USA) in a voluntary covenant. In an atmosphere of freedom and sensitivity, Maryville College bears witness to God’s revelation in Jesus Christ who challenges all human beings to search for truth, to work for justice, to develop wisdom and to become loving persons. Continuing in this vital faith, the College believes that it must listen attentively and humbly to all human voices so that it may hear the call of God no matter how God may speak.”
— from the College’s Statement of Purpose
