President of ERLC to Bring Commencement Address

Dr. Russell D. Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, will deliver the Spring Commencement address to OBU's graduates Friday, May 16, at 3 p.m. in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium. The event marks OBU's 100th Spring Commencement. Tickets are required for admission.

Moore earned a Bachelor of Science in history and political science from the University of Southern Mississippi. He also earned a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate in systematic theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

A widely sought cultural commentator, Moore speaks frequently about issues of theology, culture and public policy. He has been quoted or published by many of the nation's leading news agencies and periodicals, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and The Associated Press.

Moore blogs frequently at his "Moore to the Point" website and is the author of five books, including "Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ," "Adopted for Life: The Priority for Christian Families and Churches," and "The Kingdom of Christ: The New Evangelical Perspective." Moore is also the author of several academic articles and essays within the field of systematic theology and Christian ethics. He also serves as senior editor of Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity.

An ordained Southern Baptist minister, Moore has served as pastor for a number of Southern Baptist churches, most recently serving as a preaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church from 2008-12. Moore has also served his denomination at large, as chairman and four-time member of the SBC Resolutions Committee, and as a regular columnist for Baptist Press.

Prior to entering ministry, Moore was an aide to U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor. A native of Mississippi, he and his wife, Maria, are the parents of five boys.