Young Writers Workshop Intern

This lecture series focused on the roots of Christianity in America and how history has evolved over time on a religiously fluid landscape. One of the slogans for this wonderful lecture series was this quote by George Washington from his Farewell Address to the nation: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.".

The reason I was thrilled to attend this event was due to my own passion in religious freedom and law as a Theology & Religious Studies major. The United States of America continues to be a unique experiment on democracy, religious freedom, and the inalienable rights of people based upon their distinct human dignity. Throughout this lecture series, I encountered intimate conversations with people from all walks of life: an attorney who facilitated the Dow and DuPont merger, a pastor from a church that voted out of the Methodist Church, a retired dentist who sponsors a girl's orphanage in Ukraine, a Jewish English teacher, and a Reformer curious about the Catholic perspective on Jesus. These conversations showcase how important interfaith dialogue is in America and how blessed we are as a country to freely discuss.

America's religious history rooted in a Christian tradition impacted our founding, laws, and First Amendment. Speakers at this week's Center for Constructive Alternatives seminars proposed that Christianity is crucial for the ethical foundation and survival of the American republic. A variety of topics were discussed during this event by nationally recognized theologians, authors, and historians:

Glenn Ellmers, author of "The Soul of Politics: Harry v. Jaffa and the fight for America", spoke on the theological-political problem and the American Founding. George M. Marsden, author of "Jonathan Edwards: A Life", lectured on Jonathan Edwards and Christianity in Colonial America. Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach discussed Christianity and the American Political Tradition. Thomas S. Kidd, author of "America's Religious History: Faith, Politics, and the Shaping of a Nation", spoke on The Second Great Awakening. Dr. Darryl G. Hart deliberated on The Social Gospel Movement and the Rise of Secularism. John Daniel Davidson, author of "Pagan America: The Decline of Christianity and the Dark Age to Come", closed with a talk on Christianity in a Post-Liberal world.

I close my thoughts on America's revolutionizing frontier of freedom with a passage from Dignitaries Humanae promulgated by Pope Paul IV: "The care of the right to religious freedom devolves upon the whole citizenry, upon social groups, upon government, and upon the Church and other religious communities, in virtue of the duty of all toward the common welfare, and in the manner proper to each." This allowed me to grow not only within my personal interest in the history of Christianity in America and was able to converse with those of distinct religions.

 

Intentional interfaith discourse can help us strengthen our beliefs, recognize our diversity, and contribute to global peace. Interfaith dialogue is crucial for  leaders to have foster respect, mutual comprehension, and collaboration which was only enforced within my own experience at this event. Among various faith communities, permitting leaders to confront social issues, encourage peace, and build bridges across diverse faiths, is crucial for leaders. It enables leaders to successfully negotiate complex religious landscapes by establishing transparent interaction and shared values across different beliefs. This was one of my most important learnings when forming my own leadership mindset.