Summer Adult Formation - Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies

Banning books. Silencing the press. Persecuting scholars and universities. Defunding social services for the most vulnerable. Threatening the LGBTQIA+ community. Targeting immigrants and foreigners. Consolidating executive power. Hosting military parades. It’s a well-known playbook for oppressive totalitarian regimes, yet happening before our eyes in the Unites States and other countries. Why do so many Christians in the U.S. reject democratic values, democratic practices, and democracy itself as a means of governance? And what might some moral responses be from Christians who believe democracy is worth holding onto? On August 24 from 11:15am to 12:00pm, join the Rev. Wes Smedley in the St. Cecilia Room for some conversation based on the book Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies by Christian ethicist David P. Gushee. You do not need to have the book or have read it to participate, just be encouraged to come as you are able.