This pathway explores the role of Christianity in contemporary U.S. politics and the public policy process. It addresses questions faced by Christians who are troubled by the political polarization and coarseness of today’s American politics, and concerned about public policies that seem to conflict with religious expression. The destination of this pathway is more informed and responsible engagement in politics that is faithful to one’s Christian commitments and that ultimately fosters a healthy religious civil society. Amy Black and Allen Hertzke bring the expertise, research, and experience to offer insights and ways of thinking about the intersection of religion and politics.

Hosted by David Dillman in collaboration with the Jack Pope Fellows Program in ACU’s Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, this pathway took place in ACU’s Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building on Tuesday, September 17, 2019.

Sessions

Can We Talk? Engaging Contentious Issues with Civility and Respect (Amy Black)

It’s hard to talk about politics in today’s divisive political climate. In this session, we consider biblical principles that can frame our approach to politics, talk about the importance of civility, and look for ways to encourage meaningful and civil dialogue about contentious issues.

Christian Dignity and Citizenship Across Time (Allen Hertzke)

Christianity carries a radical message for citizenship: that all people – made in the image and likeness of God – are endowed with surpassing equal worth and dignity. This session shows how Christianity carries this concept of human dignity across time, promoting religious freedom, human rights, civil society, and advances in democracy.

Politics as Christian Witness: Approaching Politics with Sorrow, Hope, and Joy (Amy Black)

The Christian faith offers us tools to guide our political engagement. Here we discuss some practices and principles to help us honor God in our political engagement, exploring ways that sorrow, hope, and joy can shape a politics of Christian witness.

Global Christian Networks for Human Dignity (Allen Hertzke)

Global Christian networks for human dignity – often in the face of persecution and hardship – play an outsized role promoting human rights and religious freedom, fighting injustice, uplifting the poor, and nurturing democratic civil society. Appreciating this global role can help Christians transcend the political polarization and coarseness in American politics today.

Reflections On Beyond Red and Blue (Pathway Presenters)

A panel discussion with participants and ACU faculty member Mel Hailey, moderated by David Dillman. This session was not recorded.

Speakers

AMY BLACK

Amy E. Black is professor of political science at Wheaton College in Illinois. She is a past president of Christians in Political Science and served as an APSA Congressional Fellow in the office of Representative Melissa A. Hart. She lives in Wheaton with her husband, theologian Dan Treier; daughter; and rescue dog.

DAVID DILLMAN

David Dillman has taught in the ACU Department of Political Science for 35 years, teaching public administration, American politics, and public policy. Prior to coming to ACU he taught at New England College in New Hampshire. Dillman is currently director of the Jack Pope Fellows Program and Public Service academic minor.

MEL HAILEY

Mel Hailey completed his undergraduate studies at Abilene Christian University and received a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. He has taught at Abilene Christian University for 45 years in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. Dr. Hailey is the university’s pre-law advisor, and he is active in regional and national pre-law organizations, including past service as president of the Southwest Association of Pre-Law Advisors and chairperson of the Pre-Law Advisors National Council. He was the founding director of the Jack Pope Fellows Program for students pursuing a career in public service, and he currently is a scholar consultant for the Law-Related Education Program of the State Bar of Texas.

ALLEN HERTZKE

Allen D. Hertzke is the David Ross Boyd Professor of Political Science at the University of Oklahoma. Between 2008 and 2010 he served as lead consultant for the John Templeton Foundation to develop strategic recommendations for advancing religious freedom around the globe. An internationally recognized expert on religion and politics, he served as Associate Scholar of Georgetown University’s Religious Freedom Project.