Biola honored Robert P. George with the ninth annual Charles W. Colson Conviction and Courage Award this spring, recognizing the influential legal scholar for his contributions in the areas of philosophy, law, bioethics and civil liberties.

George, professor of jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program at Princeton University, is widely known for his writing, speaking and public service, including appointments to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, the United States Commission on Civil Rights and the President’s Council on Bioethics.

“As well as having made a significant influence in the study of public morality, natural law, human rights and bioethics, professor George has a steadfast faith that compels him to exercise great thoughtfulness and genuine kindness across religious, social, ethnic and political divides,” Biola President Barry H. Corey said.

During George’s visit to Biola’s campus, he played the banjo in a music session with members of the Biola community, spoke at a faculty lunch, spoke in chapel, and recorded interviews for two of Biola’s podcasts, Think Biblically and Winsome Conviction.

The Colson Award was first established by Biola in 2014 in partnership with the family of the late Charles W. Colson, the founder of Prison Fellowship and the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. The award honors Colson’s legacy by recognizing individuals who exemplify a life of commitment to a biblical worldview and a willingness to act on biblical convictions, however risky or challenging. Past recipients include civil rights leader John M. Perkins, humanitarian Maggie Gobran and disability rights advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, among others.