Christian ethics and democracy: Dr. David Gushee's visit to Bethel College
Dr. David Gushee and students reflect on his recent visit to Bethel College, discussing the diverse ideas he presented.
Bethel College recently hosted Dr. David Gushee, a Baptist pastor and Christian ethicist, for a series of events discussing democracy and its relationship with Christian values. Just last year, Gushee wrote “Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies” to discuss the complex relationship between politics, religion, governing, and Christian ideology.
During his stay at Bethel, Gushee spoke at the Bethel College Mennonite Church (BCMC) for a sermon, Krehbiel Auditorium for a Convocation, Memorial Hall for a keynote panel, and other events. Throughout each of these events, Gushee offered insights into the nature of our democracy and how we can maintain it—a particularly relevant topic as the 2024 election approaches.
Gushee adapted his rhetoric within each of his events to accomplish a goal which he described as, “...to help the Bethel community think about the relationship between their Christian faith and the challenges facing our democracy in this election year. My goal is always to bear faithful Christian witness and to help guide Christians in their discipleship journey.”
At BCMC, Gushee emphasized the biblical support for a just democracy, reading from different scripture to accentuate that this form of government aligns with Christian values. Specifically, Gushee highlighted the fact that the Bible stresses that governments were created by God not to dominate those under them. Instead, they were created to assist those to live by the laws of God, and Christians ought to give the government what it is due.
Peter Buller, a senior from Inman, who attended the service and enjoyed the sermon, shared, “He was talking about four different passages in the Bible that related to the government and how we should interpret those… I really appreciated the sermon a lot.”
Later, during his stay, Gushee spoke at convocation and addressed the entire Bethel student body. Favoring a more personal speaking style compared to his usual technical and specialized rhetoric, Gushee attempted to create a more approachable and honest convocation.
“I decided to pivot toward a talk ‘as if I were speaking to my own children and grandchildren,’” Gushee explained.
This shift in oratorical technique seemed to resonate with students. Emma Graber, a sophomore from Woodland Park, Colo., found the Convocation thought-provoking, and shared, “It was a great opportunity to learn more about how my religious and political life can interact! I appreciate Gushee for sharing his ideas, and it definitely gave me some things to think about.”
“It was a great opportunity to learn more about how my religious and political life can interact! I appreciate Gushee for sharing his ideas, and it definitely gave me some things to think about.”
Emma Graber
In the Convocation, Gushee underscored the importance of civic engagement amongst the student body and younger generations in general. Taking a direct approach to the topic, Gushee urged students to consider how their individual beliefs and faith ought to interact with their political actions. For most students, this clarity and transparency within a convocation speech was a breath of fresh air.
However, despite the respect Gushee earned from the student body, there were still many points of disagreement between the student body and him.
Buller, a Mennonite, had some hesitations over Gushee’s interweaving of Christianity and American democracy. “I don’t know if I’d go into that civil religion thing… An Anabaptist perspective might be a little more skeptical of putting yourself in a narrative of this country that is so great,” Buller elaborated.
Even so, throughout his time at Bethel College and at the Bethel College Mennonite Church, Gushee left a positive impression in both his presentations and interactions with the community.
Reflecting on his experience here, Gushee said, “I had a fabulous time at Bethel. I found the community warm and welcoming, and I was very impressed by the high attendance and serious engagement at all my events.”
Gushee’s message of Christianity, democracy, and civic engagement resonated, offering the students of Bethel College and the wider North Newton community an opportunity to better understand the intersection of their own faith and political perspectives.
“Take seriously the opportunities that are given you to think deeply about the issues that matter most in life. You are in good hands with very thoughtful university leaders and programs.”
Dr. David Gushee
In his closing remarks to the Collegian and the community, Gushee shared an encouraging statement, “Take seriously the opportunities that are given you to think deeply about the issues that matter most in life. You are in good hands with very thoughtful university leaders and programs.”