Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Religion and Politics

www.calvin.edu/henry ~ ~ ~ 616.526.6870 ~ ~ ~ email: [email protected] The Changing Role of Clergy in American Public Life If we agree that America‟s shed their political Southern Baptist Conven- churches are its “first politi- quiescence in order to tion, and the Christian cal institutions,” as Alexis engage in efforts “to restore Reformed Church—given Inside this issue: de Tocqueville claimed, then morality to American the CRC‟s association with Protestant clergy are a society and politics.” the National Association of Upcoming Henry 3 political “elite” worth study- Over the past decade, the Evangelicals), with the re- Institute Lectures ing. Certainly the role clergy Henry Institute has been maining four denominations The Life of 4 has played within American engaged in research on in the mainline Protestant Paul B. Henry public life has long been a clergy as a means to assess denominations category. focus of scholarly study. changes in the nature of their The data reveal that some Annual Henry 6 Historians have examined involvement in public life important changes have Lecture featuring the public pronouncements over time. Building upon an occurred among American Michael Gerson of ministers during the earlier effort in 1989 when a Protestant clergy over the Survey Research 8 American Revolutionary number of scholars surveyed past two decades. For Workshop War, their involvement in randomly selected pastors example, the growing the abolitionist movement of across seven denominations, “feminization of the clergy” Symposium on 9 the mid-1800s, and, more the Henry Institute coordi- is clearly revealed in the Religion and recently, the public role of nated efforts to survey growing proportion of Politics Scheduled clergy in the civil rights era randomly selected ministers survey respondents who are for Spring, 2011 of the 1960s. Social scien- across 18 Protestant denomi- female pastors—particularly tists, on the other hand, nations in 2001 and again so among mainline Protes- God and Race in 10 began studying the theologi- across 10 Protestant tant denominations. Table 1 American Politics cal beliefs and political denominations in 2009. demonstrates that the Remembering 11 engagement of clergy Many of the theological and percentage of female clergy James Penning beginning in the late 1960s, political questions contained within the four mainline largely with the advent of in these Henry Institute Protestant denominations survey research that allowed surveys were identical to jumped from 6.0 percent in them to gather information questions that had been 1989 up to 19.3 percent in about the subjects under posed in 1989. As a result, 2009. And, while the study. we now are able to assess percentage of females Over the last half century, how clergy have changed among evangelical clergy the involvement of clergy in religiously and politically has also increased some- public life has waxed and over the past two decades what, it has done so only waned. In the late l960s and for the original seven marginally (at least in the Summer early 1970s many clergy denominations surveyed: the three particular denomina- were involved in various Assemblies of God; the tions surveyed). Another 2010, No. 11 civil rights and antiwar Christian Reformed Church; trend evident from the data efforts. Dubbed the New the Disciples of Christ; the is the growing theological Breed of clergy, these Presbyterian Church U.S.A.; education evident among The Paul B. Henry “liberal” pastors were on the the Reformed Church in evangelical pastors, as the Institute for front lines of national America; the Southern Bap- percentage of evangelical the Study of controversies. But, in the tist Convention; and the clergy who are seminary late 1970s and early 1980s, United Methodist Church. graduates has consistently Religion and Politics it was evangelical clergy For purposes of analysis increased over time (from 1810 E. Beltline SE who seemingly exhibited a here, three denominations 59.3 percent to 65.4 per- Grand Rapids, MI 49546 rising level of political are classified as evangelical cent)—despite the fact that activism, as they appeared to (Assemblies of God, continued on page 2 Changing Role of Clergy (continued from Page 1) Page 2 neither the Assemblies of God nor the while there has been no real change pastors engaging in certain kinds of Southern Baptist Convention require evident among evangelical ministers political activities. In Table 2, two their clergy to be seminary trained. on these two theological questions over such activities are analyzed— Mainline Protestant clergy, on the the past twenty years, there has been a namely, clergy publicly taking a other hand, are much more likely to be growing level of agreement with both stand on a political issue and pastors seminary graduates than are evangeli- statements among mainline Protestant publicly supporting a political candi- cal Protestant clergy, but the pastors. By 2009, nearly two-thirds of date when both actions are done off percentage of seminary graduates mainline Protestant clergy asserted that the pulpit. Several patterns are among mainline Protestant clergy has the devil actually exists, and nearly evident. First, pastors are much more actually declined slightly over the past three-quarters concurred that Jesus was prone to approve taking public two decades (from 92.1 percent to 89.4 born of a virgin. stands on issues of the day than they percent). Clergy were also read a series of are to approve clergy publicly The surveys also included some statements to assess their approval for supporting political candidates. Second, over the past two decades, there has been a decline in the level Table 1 The Changing Nature of of approval for each of the actions among evangelical and mainline Evangelical and Mainline Protestant Clergy Evangelical Mainline Protestant clergy. Third, for both Socio-demographic Characteristics evangelical and mainline Protestant Percentage of Female Clergy clergy, the greatest decline in 1989 1.5% 6.0% approval levels occurred between 2001 2.8% 17.9% 1989 and 2001. And finally, evan- 2009 2.4% 19.3% gelical Protestant clergy today are

Percentage of Seminary Graduates more likely than mainline Protestant 1989 59.3% 92.1% ministers to approve of pastors 2001 61.7% 91.6% engaging in both activities. 2009 65.4% 89.4% Of course, it is one thing to

Theological Beliefs approve of an activity, and quite Agree: Jesus Was Born of a Virgin another to publicly take a political 1989 96.3% 59.9% stand or publicly support a political 2001 96.9% 65.3% candidate. Consequently, Table 3 2009 99.6% 73.1% examines whether clergy actually

Agree: The Devil Actually Exists reported engaging in either of these 1989 97.8% 56.8% two activities. Once again, several 2001 96.8% 60.4% different patterns emerge. First, 2009 98.6% 66.1% continued on page 3 theological queries over the twenty-year span of time, with some questions Table 2 tapping historical tenets of the Christian The Changing Norms faith and others asking about theological of Evangelical and Mainline Protestant Clergy perspectives (e.g. liberation theology, Evangelical Mainline Approve publicly (not preaching) feminist theology). Table 1 also presents taking a stand on a political issue responses to two theological questions— 1989 90.9% 91.8% whether Jesus was actually born of a 2001 82.1% 78.6% virgin and whether the devil actually 2009 85.8% 79.1% exists. Though a majority of mainline Protestant clergy agreed with both Approve publicly (not preaching) statements in 1989, their level of supporting a political candidate concurrence with these two assertions 1989 73.2% 65.6% was far less substantial than that found 2001 58.6% 44.8% 2009 61.3% 44.5% among evangelical Protestant clergy—as nearly all evangelical pastors reported agreement with both statements. And, Changing Role of Clergy (continued from Page 2) Page 3

not surprisingly, the percentage of Table 3 evangelical and mainline Protestant The Changing Political Behavior clergy who reported having actually of Evangelical and Mainline Protestant Clergy taken a public stand on some issue or Evangelical Mainline publicly supported a political Took a public stand on some political candidate in the past year was issue in past year substantially less than the percentage 1989 62.5% 66.2% reporting approval of such activity. 2001 48.3% 38.9% 2009 65.3% 56.4% Second, for both groups, there was a decline in actual activity between Publicly supported a political candidate 1989 and 2001, followed by a in past year general increase in such actions 1989 42.2% 40.1% between 2001 and 2009. Third, while 2001 36.2% 25.9% the percentage differences between 2009 44.4% 40.4% the two groups were rather small in 1989, the difference was signifi- over the past year. analysis of the data will be con- cantly more pronounced in 2009, This report provides a brief ducted—examining, in part, how with evangelicals substantially more glimpse of some of the patterns of changes in theological orientations likely than mainline Protestant continuity and change that are may be related to changes in political ministers to report having taken a evident in the survey data. Over the behavior among clergy within these public stand on some political issue next few months, more thorough seven denominations. ~

Upcoming Henry Institute Lectures

October 13, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. September 16, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. The Causes and Consequences of Religious Politics in the Reigns of Saul Minority Repression in Muslim Countries and David Ani Sarkissian Paul Abramson Asst. Professor of Political Professor of Political Science, Science, Michigan Michigan State University State University Commons Lecture Hall Meeter Center Lecture in Commons Annex Hall in Hekman Library Building

November 3, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. The Rule of Law in Russia: Problems and November 17, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. Perspectives Diminished or Diverse? An Examination of the Andrey Shirin Political Voice of Churches in Democratic Adjunct Professor, John Leland Center for South Africa Theological Studies Tracy Kuperus Meeter Center Lecture Professor of International Hall in Hekman Development Studies, Library Building Calvin College Meeter Center Lecture Hall in Hekman Library Building Reflections on the Life, Thought and Public Service of Paul Henry Page 4 In the fall of 2009, Henry Institute during his graduate school years, and for political action by discussing Director Corwin Smidt spoke to the he also pursued his interest in the Christian humility and the need for Grand Rapids Historical Society about relationship between Christian faith mature Christian social and political Paul Henry’s legacy. The following and politics in his studies. In 1970, ethics, which includes the ability to article is a synopsis of his remarks. Paul received his Ph.D. from Duke compromise. Henry firmly believed University. that there is an enormous need, and a Paul B. Henry was born July 9, 1942 From 1970 to 1978, Henry served as definite call, for Christians to be in- in Chicago. His early years were spent a professor of political science at volved in the political arena, and he in Illinois and California; he graduated Calvin College, teaching a variety of affirmed the Reformed tradition from Pasadena High School and then courses reflecting his dual interests in calling Christians to transform the attended Wheaton College in Chicago. the theory and practice of politics. world around us. He believed strongly While an undergraduate, Henry During his years at Calvin, he wrote a in our two-party worked as an aide for Congressman number of articles and books in John B. Anderson of Illinois, leading to which he outlined some of his a long and lasting friendship between “Politics is not a basic Christian perspectives on the two men. Also during his time at simple battle politics. Wheaton College, Paul met his future between good or In 1974, Henry was asked to wife, Karen Borthistle. evil, or virtuous serve as the new chairperson of When he graduated from Wheaton in men and evil men, the Kent County Republican 1963 with a degree in political science, but rather it is Party. The following year, he was Henry joined the Peace Corps, working about the give- appointed to the Michigan State in Liberia and Ethiopia. He returned and-take among Board of Education, where he home in 1965, and Paul and Karen competing served until 1978 when he was were married. Shortly thereafter, Paul interests and elected to the Michigan State enrolled in the Ph.D. program in politi- House of Representatives. In competing cal science as a Lilly Foundation 1982, he moved on to the strategies for Fellow in Christianity and Politics at Michigan State Senate and then was system, and that achieving a Duke University. He again worked for elected to Congress in 1984. Paul within such a particular end.” Congressman John B. Anderson served in the House of Representa- system, politi- tives until his death in 1993. cians (including In his book, Politics for Evangelicals, Two weeks before Election Day in Christians) were called to be Paul Henry outlined six principles for 1992, Henry was diagnosed with a pragmatic and principled and to Christian political engagement. brain tumor. He underwent surgery a exhibit honesty and charity in the few days before he was re-elected to search to reach their goals and make Principle #1: his fifth term in Congress and appropriate decisions for the good of The Need for Christian Humility regained sufficient strength to attend their constituents and the country. his swearing-in ceremony to the 103rd Throughout his public service, Paul Principle #2: Congress. He died in Grand Rapids on Henry was known and admired for The Need for a Mature Christian Social July 31, 1993, at the age of 51, practicing political honesty and and Political Ethic following a nine-month battle with Christian charity, for his ability to find common ground, and for his wide Principle #3: brain cancer. In 1997, Calvin College established ranging concerns for justice, fairness, The Need for Christian Political the Paul B. Henry Institute for the the environment, and people. In part, Engagement Study of Christianity and Politics to what distinguished him from many of Principle #4: continue Henry‟s work of seeking to his colleagues was his ability to rise The Prudence of Working Within the integrate Christian faith with political above partisan standards. While Two-Party System thought and action. generally loyal to his party, he was In 1974, Paul authored his best not highly partisan. Henry deviated Principle #5: known book, Politics for Evangeli- from party positions when he felt the Political Pragmatism cals. The volume encompasses six issue called for a different stand, general principles, which outline though he sought to work within the Principle #6: Henry‟s political standards for politics party when he was able. He was not Practice Political Honesty and Charity and faith. He outlines his foundation obstinate or closed-minded about

Continued on Page 5 Page 5 Reflections on Paul Henry (continued from Page 4) positions which he adopted, but was recycling. “In assuming our political willing to learn and change positions Won the “Bulldog of the Treasury when the evidence appeared to war- responsibilities—both constitutional Award” for his efforts against and religious in character—we must rant it. wasteful government spending. During his time in Congress, Henry avoid the danger of simplistically served on the Education and Labor Was a founding member of the wedding the label of Christian to Committee, the Science and Technol- Grace Caucus, seeking to implement our own special interests. We much ogy Committee, and the Select the Presidential Task Force report on acknowledge our own finitude. We Committee on Aging. His actions and waste in government spending. must be mindful of the principles of accomplishments are many and Paul Henry‟s untimely death cut civility, tolerance, and civil rights, include: short what might have been an even which God ordains to be enjoyed by more notable political career. Yet, even all.” Proposed legislation to restructure with his limited years in the Michigan the Commerce Department to be- legislature and Congress, there is much Serving the Claims of Justice by come the U.S. Department of to honor about Paul‟s public service. Manufacturing and Commerce, in Douglas Koopman (published in 2001) According to Smidt. “Paul was a provides more information about Paul order to forge a functioning rela- humble, very capable and knowledge- tionship between government and Henry‟s political ideology as well as able public servant. Given his theologi- timely and thought- the struggling manufacturing sector. cal perspectives, he was able to respect ful contributions Opposed across-the-board drug and work with individuals with whom about how to testing of all public employees. he disagreed politically. Just as integrate deep Initiated a College Savings Bond importantly, I believe that Paul‟s religious faith and Program. constituents honored and respected him the difficulties of as a public servant—even when they political life. Pressed for improvements in air, did not necessarily agree with a Copies are water, and solid waste laws. particular policy position he adopted. available from Worked to establish a national Through his life and service, Paul the Henry Institute beverage deposit law to increase brought dignity and honor to West for $7, plus a $2 Michigan politics.” ~ shipping fee.

Henry Institute Grants Undergraduate Research Awards For the third year, the Paul Henry Institute will be providing a number of Undergraduate Research Fellowships, enabling Calvin students to work closely with faculty members in exploring a particular topic or field of study. The grants are intended to provide students with unique opportunities to gain more advanced scholarly research skills, while also encouraging a mentor-student relationship between the faculty member and fellowship recipient. The awards are provided for faculty research endeavors that focus on the interplay between Christian faith and public life. For the 2010-2011 academic year, three Undergraduate Research Grants were awarded.

Dr. Mandy Burrow of the Art and Art History Department will be working with student Tianna Wierenga to produce Voces (“Voices”), a project combining visual arts and social justice to address the issue of mass femicide in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The project will involve ethnographic and historical research, with an end product exhibition of visual art intended to inform the audience about the social and political complications within the state of Chihuahua.

Dr. You-Kyong Ahn, Art and Art History Department, and Calvin student Elliot Spronk will complete a project focusing on preserving the symbolic and visual continuity of the Calvin College campus, as established by the original architect Bill Fyfe and Calvin President William Spoelhof. The original plan was designed to use the architecture and design of the campus and its buildings to represent the symbolic and programmatic integration of faith and learning.

Dr. Gail Zandee of the Calvin Nursing Department will continue her work exploring local disparities in health care in three underserved Grand Rapids neighborhoods. After collecting information to identify neighborhood health concerns and potential solutions, Zandee and the selected Calvin nursing student will work with the area residents to analyze the data and write a strategic heath plan which addresses the concerns of residents and the disparities in health care. Tensions at the Crossroads of Religion and Politics Page 6 On March 18, 2010, Michael Gerson deliv- th dignity. But this was more an ered the 14 annual Henry Lecture. Gerson assertion than an argument, and even “...to care for has served as top aide for President George as the Universal Declaration was W. Bush, and at the time of the lecture was a every human senior research fellow for the Institute for approved in 1945, challenges being would Global Engagement. The following is a mounted. At the U.N., the Soviet seem to require summary of his remarks at the lecture. Union, Saudi Arabia and South Africa refused to sign the Declara- a moral law. Michael Gerson centered his lecture tion, and opposing arguments began And to sacrifice around the religious basis of human to be raised. for the rights of rights, asserting that any consideration of Some authoritarian regimes argued other human the topic must begin with history, more for a cultural exception to universal beings … would specifically with the Holocaust in the human rights, asserting that the seem to require 1930‟s and 1940‟s. According to Gerson, Declaration was simply a tool of a holy law.” this was the most important political Western colonialism and that their reasoning that every event of modern times, and it has served cultural background and history human being is sacred, an essential symbolic purpose: it repre- exempted them from honoring we are left only with the current sents the bottom of every slippery slope, universal human rights. Gerson noted consensus of our culture. the end of every dark hallway. that the problem with their argument All of these objections have The Holocaust entailed events that was that it was fundamentally self- opened a rift at the heart of modern were shocking to the world: racial purity interested; history shows that political liberalism, whose greatest laws, economic indignities, despairing governments asserting this objection achievements have included suicides, liquidation of the disabled, are exclusively those with bad triumphs of human rights. Just as our deportations, ghettos, shootings, emptied human rights records. bloody modern history has made the orphanages, and terrified walks to the gas The second objection to universal idea of human rights indispensable, chambers. Consciences around the world human rights was similar to the philosophic consensus supporting the were appalled that government, propa- cultural argument, but centered idea has weakened. Leaders of ganda, bureaucracy and power had been around alleged religious beliefs. liberal societies everywhere are harnessed to the causes of sadism and Gerson offered, as an example, the being challenged to justify and ex- mass murder. The actions were also a Afrikaner population in South plain concepts they assumed were broad indictment of European society, Africa, who used the Old Testament self-evident. which held the idea that education and to justify their vision of white rule, Why is the good of every human sophistication would serve as breaks on viewing blacks as children of Ham being a goal worth pursuing in its evil, an indictment of other nations who and less than human. These white own right? In fact, it seems to be a did little even after the crimes became Christians protested outsiders mark of human beings to care for obvious, and an indictment of German judging their religious and political self, for family, for community, for Christians who were often indifferent beliefs. Gerson again contends that, clan, for tribe, for nation—but to and sometimes even complicit in the as was true of the first argument, this care for every human being would crimes. assertion that they speak for their seem to require a moral law. And to When World War II ended, the religious tradition only represents sacrifice for the rights of other hu- mood of many was hopeful, as people a distorted version of that faith. Once man beings simply because they are believed that the allies would inaugurate again, the claim of exceptionalism is human beings would seem to require a new world order of justice. This revealed as the tool of a self- a holy law. expectation found strong expression in interested ruling elite. Gerson noted that historian the United Nations Universal Declaration The third source of opposition Michael J. Perry asserts that the at- of Human Rights, which called for comes from the West and arises from tempt to find a firm secular basis for universal dignity and equal and secular thought: it is a denial that the idea of human rights has inalienable individual rights. human beings have natures that can occupied philosophers for years, but In the view of much of the world, the be separated from their cultural cir- none have gained universal assent. In Nazis had not only lost the War, they had cumstances. And, Gerson accedes fact, secular thought is nearly been proven wrong. People believed that that without some standard from impossible to align with ideas that the Nazi vision of nation, race, and outside culture, it is hard to define a every human being has inherent dig- culture would be replaced by a recogni- standard of human rights. Without nity and that we should live our tion of universal human rights and some statement by God or some Continued on page 7 Tension at the Crossroads (continued from page 6) Page 7 lives accordingly. The proclamation of a human right foreign policy. America promotes This secular philosophical question- does not guarantee some public human rights for a realistic foreign ing places the religious justification for policy. It is one thing to say, for policy reason: because brutal nations human rights in an even more impor- example, that the people of Sudan tend to be aggressive nations. But we tant role. Religious contributions to should be rescued from violence. But also promote human rights because this debate are both narrow and essen- those in government have responsi- there are moral, as well as legal, tial, and Christians must understand bilities beyond moral clarity: will wrongs and because some conduct is that most of the important elements of intervention be successful? what simply abnormal and inhuman. religious faith have no political might be its unintended conse- Michael J. Perry writes, “If, as I relevance at all. When most tenets and quences? what other responsibility suspect, there exists no plausible non- beliefs of religion are imposed through would this diversion of resources religious ground for the morality of government action, religion becomes undermine? Even great nations have human rights, then the growing just another interest group. But, says limited power to effect change. marginalization of religious belief in Gerson, there is one element of Serious violations of human rights many societies that have taken human religious teaching that has direct and occur regularly, and there are often rights seriously ... has a profoundly unavoidable public consequences: a several morally advisable courses of worrisome consequence. It may leave Christian anthropology—that is, a action to pursue. But, prudence in those societies bereft of the intellectual belief in human worth, making a choice is also resources to sustain the morality of human nature, and “People of faith have a a virtue. And frankly, human rights.” Gerson asserted that a vast majority human destiny. Why are tremendous responsibility. notes Gerson, the human beings sacred? moral views of Chris- of people who sustain human rights Philosophers have their Their activism has never tians are sometimes activism are likely to be motivated by own theories. Jews and been more important to simplistic—attempting faith. For this reason, people of faith Christians share a critical the welfare of millions. to apply standards of have a tremendous responsibility. answer: men and women individuals to the Their activism has never been more Much about the future of are created equal in practice of the state is a important to the welfare of millions. worth in the image of justice for the world will fundamental misunder- Much about the future of justice for the God. We hold a belief be determined by the standing of the nature world will be determined by the that human nature successes and failures of of government, which successes and failures of the demands human rights. has the powers of life, consciences of Christians. The Christian vision is the consciences of death and coercion that The Holocaust Museum in Washing- important not only Christians.” are denied to individu- ton D.C. preserves artifacts of because it provides a als. These are powers history‟s greatest crime. The quote solid foundation, but because it also that certainly can be abused, but above the entrance to the museum transcends culture; it has the proven these powers can also be used to reads: “We hold these truths to be self ability to stand in judgment of many defend the general welfare. evident, that all men are created equal, cultures, including our own. People of For all its complexity, however, that they are endowed by their Creator faith have a unique ability to stand certain principles of the Christian with certain unalienable rights, that outside the prison of culture and call view of human rights are critical: among these are Life, Liberty and the attention to a set of universal ideals— human beings stand at the center of Pursuit of Happiness.” This quotation in other words, they can represent our concern, so sovereignty of the from the Declaration of Independence values of another Kingdom to the state is not absolute. The purpose of was given this prominence because it is kingdoms of this world. government is to serve people, not the negation of Nazism, a check on This is not an easy task, but a belief the other way around. And universal lawless, willful power, and the reflec- in universal ideals can exist without the claims of human dignity reach across tion of an idealism that makes us presence of cultural arrogance. There borders—human worth is not deter- human. “This declaration would make are reasonable methods for applying mined by rationality, and responsi- little sense without the word universal ideals within different cul- bilities for human dignity are not “Creator”—the God who both grants tural contexts without the baggage of bounded by borders. This belief our rights and calls us to the protect the Western or modernized culture. requires rejection of the simplistic rights of others.” concluded Gerson. ~ Nevertheless, in reality, the task of foreign policy that holds the internal To order a copy of this lecture, contact the Calvin applying universal ideals is not easy conduct of foreign regimes to be Campus Store and request Item V16279. because governing is often not easy. irrelevant to the conduct of American www.store.calvin.edu Workshop on Survey Research and American Page 8 Religion Held at Calvin For a week during early June, 23 individuals partici- 2010 Graduate pated in the seventh annual Student Workshop Henry Institute Graduate Participants Student Workshop. The seminar‟s focus is on David Barry measurement strategies for Western Michigan Univ. the study of religion in Katie Corcoran American public life. During Univ. of Washington the week at Calvin, the David Eagle “Pollsters and Parishioners” Duke University Justin Farrell workshop participants spend University of Notre Dame ten hours each day using Stefanie Gonzalez various statistical databases, Texas Tech University discussing theoretical Karen Guth approaches, examining national surveys, taught their knowledge in this area, University of Virginia measurement tools, and many classes and workshops as well as in the number of Precious Hall working on research on the subject, and written people who are aware of the Georgia State University projects. numerous books and articles workshop,” noted Smidt. Jay Jennings The workshop is led by on the interplay between The response of the Temple University Corwin Smidt (Director of faith and public life. participants was overwhelm- Mark Killian University of Cincinnati the Henry Institute at Calvin A record number of ingly positive. According to Yevgeniya Leontyeva College and Professor of applications were received one, “The assignments given Western Michigan Univ. Political Science), Lyman from graduate and post- were very specific … we Valerie Lykes Kellstedt (Political Science graduate students for the were trained not just in the University of Nevada Reno Professor at Wheaton 2010 Workshop. “The abstract ideas involved in Nicholas Martini College—emeritus), and selection of participants for measuring religion, but also University of Iowa James Guth (Political the week was extremely in the nuts-and-bolts Andrew Pieper Science Professor at Furman difficult due to the many realities.” Another student Kennesaw State University University). The three are qualified and worthy stated, “we were able to Aimee Raile well versed in the study of individuals who applied. learn from one another and Georgetown University Lia Rohr religion and politics, having We have seen a dramatic think about new ideas Southern Illinois University conducted numerous increase in students who are relating to religion and Patrick Schoettmer interested in expanding politics/civic life. It really University of Notre Dame was a great networking Gerald Schoultz opportunity, and refreshing Grand Valley State because we all share a desire University to see the study and place of Lauren Edwards Smith religion increase in our Univ. of South Carolina various fields.” ~ Steven Snell Princeton University Jeremy Thomas Smidt Nominated to be President-Elect of SSSR Purdue University Corwin Smidt was first time someone other than position in the future. Smidt Lori Verspoor recently honored with the a sociologist of religion was was previously elected in Western Michigan Univ. nomination for President- nominated for the office. June of 2008 for a three-year Andrew Whitehead Baylor University Elect of the Society for the Given the SSSR‟s traditional term on the Executive Scientific Study of Religion association with sociologists, Council of the SSSR, filling (SSSR), one of two Smidt doubted he would be a position designated candidates nominated to elected, but considered it an exclusively for someone serve the leading scholarly honor to have been nominated outside the field of sociology organization related to the for the position, perhaps of religion. He continues to sociological study of paving the way for non- serve in this Executive religion. This marked the sociologists to hold the Council role. ~ Disappearing God Gap Volume Published Page 9 After the reelection of George W. through Election Day. At the heart of a panel discussion on the volume as Bush in 2004, the “God gap” became their analysis is a national survey in part of the Governing Ideas series, a hotly debated political issue. Poll- which voters were interviewed in the which is intended to broaden the sters and pundits noted the tendency spring of 2008 and then interviewed discussion of governance issues of those who were highly religious to again after the election. The conclu- through forums on timely and relevant vote Republican and those who were sions reached reveal that the role of books on history, culture, legal norms less so to vote Democratic in the religion in American presidential and practices, values and religion. The American election process. Religious event attracted more than 150 voters were seen as the key to Bush‟s attendees and was moderated by victory, and the Democratic Party Brookings Senior Fellow William began scrambling to reach out to Galston, with Smidt and denDulk them. representing the book‟s authors, and Four years after Bush‟s second Brookings Senior Fellow E.J. Dionne, victory, with the economy in a tailspin Jr. offering his views on what the on Election Day, religion barely 2008 presidential election might seemed to register on commentators‟ reveal about religion‟s role in the radar screens. Following the election, 2010 mid-term elections. there was little discussion of Following the Brookings event, religion—suggesting that religious Corwin Smidt talked with reporters factors had played little, if any, role in from the PBS‟s Religion and Ethics Obama‟s victory. Yet, the campaigns Newsweekly staff about the 2008 themselves were full of religious presidential campaign, the new book, stories. and advice for both parties in advance Corwin Smidt, Kevin denDulk, of the 2012 campaign. He was also Bryan Froehle, James Penning, invited to give lectures related to the Stephen Monsma and Douglas book at the University of Louisville, Koopman test the disappearing “God Georgetown University and George gap” argument as they examine the elections continues to structure vote Mason University. ~ role of religion in the historic 2008 choices, and rather than disappearing, Book available from Oxford University Press: Presidential election in the recently www.oup.com. 800/451-7556 will likely continue to influence elec- released The Disappearing God Gap: toral politics. The authors assert, how- Transcript of the Brookings Event: http://www. Religion in the 2008 Presidential brookings.edu/events/2010/0316_ religion_ ever, that the “God gap” may be slowly politics.aspx Election. changing, but in some important ways. Video of PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly: In the book, the authors place the The book was published in February. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/ election in historical context and look And on March 16, the Brookings by-topic/politics/corwin-smidt-continuity-not- at the campaigns from the primaries change-when-it-comes-to-religions-role-in- Institution in Washington D.C. hosted politics/5905/ Symposium on Religion and Politics Scheduled for Spring 2011 From April 21-23, 2011, the sixth participants. Authors present their information about attending the Paul Henry Institute Symposium on findings and conclusions, and the Symposium and directions for Religion and Politics will be held at audience provides feedback and asks submitting a proposal to make a Calvin College. The biennial event questions. A wide range of topics, presentation at the upcoming event provides an opportunity for scholars interests, and religious backgrounds can be found at the Henry Institute studying the interplay between relig- are present at each Symposium, lead- website. ~ ion and politics to come together to ing to excellent discussions, extensive www.calvin.edu/henry/schedule/ present papers related to their current interaction, and lively conversations. symposium/2011Call.htm research, to foster personal and pro- Symposium attendance is open to fessional networks, to facilitate joint anyone interested in the areas of research endeavors, and to learn about discussion, and both scholars and research opportunities in the field. graduate students across different Numerous panels are presented at disciplines of study (for example, the Symposium, with each panel political scientists, sociologists, including several papers on related historians, and more) are invited to topics that have been written by participate as presenters. Additional God and Race in American Politics Page 10 Historian Mark Noll visited Calvin in and laws ensur- Crow Laws. The Republicans were September of 2009 to deliver two lectures. ing that black stronger in the North, but to “God and Race in American Politics” Americans pacify southern states, they backed centered around Noll’s recent book by the remained limited federal government and free same name, and detailed how Christian subordinate to believers have played a large role in the trade. This less powerful central tangled fixation on race in the United whites. Even in government allowed the Democratic States. the North, civil Party and southern states to keep rights were blacks out of politics, while the Noll outlined five distinct episodes only reluctantly northern states benefitted from a in the interplay between race and and partially growing industrial life and powerful politics in the United States, with the provided. business interests. first beginning before the Civil War. Still, black An inherent and important paradox At the time, slavery was an important Americans took accompanied this chapter of develop- aspect of life in the South, and while advantage of their relative freedom to ment: republican principles and the the northern states had abolished create churches of their own. As dis- political system strengthened slavery, there were severe social crimination, Jim Crow Laws, and racial economic prosperity and allowed restrictions on free black Americans. harassment limited participation in local communities to flourish as Religion entered the picture when public life, church life became increas- secure social centers for whites, northern abolitionists began using the ingly central to the offering a good environment for Bible to attack slavery. Southern African American community. Noll church growth and local religious defenders responded with biblical asserted that this growth of church development. Yet, these principles “proof texts,” and argued that, since influence (though barely visible and simultaneously allowed racism to the Bible did not condemn slavery, not recognized by most Americans at flourish, permitted states to stifle those who attacked the practice must the time) was actually the most democracy, equated American be opponents of the Bible. important development after the patriotism with minimal federal As he examined the time period, Civil War. government power, and contributed Noll concluded that the American As soon as the northern army left, the to immoral and racial tyranny. Civil War was actually a fundamen- South implemented harshly repressive Noll‟s fourth act encompassed the tally religious event: the North viewed black codes that all but eliminated Civil Rights Movement. Between itself as God‟s agent in the black civil rights. 1900 and 1950, religion primarily world, fighting oppression Lynching and upheld the status quo, allowing civil and injustice, while the vigilante justice “Racial history in the U.S. is a religion to flourish. World War II was South viewed them as infidel was frequently cast as the defense of Christian aggressors. Both sides used cesspool of iniquity that has practiced and civilization against atheism, and the the authority of the Bible to poisoned the nation’s public widely condoned, subsequent Cold War was seen by chastise opponents, without life since before the nation with almost all many Americans in terms of the threat evaluating and correcting began. … but for those who white churches godless Communism posed to Judeo- their own opinions. Further- accepting Jim Christian values. The actual impetus believe that where sin more, no distinction was Crow segregation for the Civil Rights Movement arose made between slavery in abounds, grace abounds even and assaults on from Soviet propaganda that con- general versus the racially more, we might be able to find justice. In the demned the U.S. call for freedom in specific, black only slavery signs of redeeming hope ...” North, pervasive the world as hypocrisy, since Ameri- being practiced in the U.S. at segregationist cans continued segregation and dis- the time—which would practices made crimination at home. cause tensions and issues blacks second- In response to the Russian accusa- that class citizens, and most northern tion, the 1950‟s brought government remain with us today. churches exhibited indifference to civil action, including desegregation in the Act 2 began when the North won rights. military and in education. Black the war. Lincoln abolished slavery The third historical installment churches emerged as forceful voices and Congress granted civil rights to examined the effects of the Civil War for change, using prophetic language freed slaves, but the abolition of on U.S. politics. In the South, the to condemn racist practices. The Civil slavery did not equate to the abolition Republican Party of Lincoln was Rights Movement incorporated many of racism. The South converted their viewed as the cause of destruction, and factors: biblical roots; Black biblical interpretations into practices the Democratic Party championed Jim Continued on page 11 Remembering James Penning, 1949 to 2010 Page 11 who collaborated with Penning on Penning was a past president of the much of his work. “He approached his Michigan Conference of Political work with enthusiasm and modesty. Scientists and served on the Grand We shared many research interests, Rapids Planning Commission, the and because Jim was such a pleasant Kentwood City Commission, and the person with which to work, we Baxter Community Center board. collaborated together on a substantial Penning had served as the director of number of scholarly endeavors— Calvin‟s Center for Social Research including conference papers, journal since 2008. articles, political surveys, and co- Jim initially studied education as a written books. student at Calvin and planned on “Yet, while a scholar, it was who Jim becoming a high school teacher. But was as a person that struck a respon- he changed his major to political sive chord from other scholars around science and later earned his M.A. With great sadness we mourn the the country. When hearing of his death, and Ph.D. from the University of unexpected death of James Penning those sending emails not only extended Kentucky, graduating in 1975. He on July 13, 2010. Jim was a loved their condolences but frequently at- joined the Calvin faculty the same and respected colleague, and he was tested to how much they appreciated year. very involved in numerous endeavors Jim as a person.” Jim‟s dedicated scholarship and of the Paul Henry Institute. Penning focused his teaching at study, his engaging teaching, as well As an avid investigator at the Calvin on state and local politics, his wonderful sense of humor intersection of politics and religion, urban politics, and public policy. He and sincere Penning was the co-author of five served as the Chair of the Calvin care for books as well as an author and College Department of Political others will be co-author of numerous articles on Science four times and organized two sorely missed. subjects such as the Christian Right, conferences on Christianity and He modeled evangelicalism, and the Christian‟s politics. He was also instrumental in the life that responsibility to the public sphere. developing an extensive program of he taught, His most recent co-authored volume state and local internships and mentor- staying was The Disappearing God Gap: ing opportunities for Calvin‟s political faithful to his Religion in the 2008 Presidential science students. “He was a person in Christian Election. some ways ahead of his time in terms ideals and "Jim was a great colleague and a of experiential education and the value beliefs while dedicated scholar,” noted Corwin those opportunities provide for young also engaged Smidt, Director of the Henry Institute, people,” according to Smidt. in the world.

God and Race (continued from Page 10) intellectual development; religious since the Civil War, broadening federal yourself‟ for much too long,” accord- self-sacrifice; and non-violent direct control well past civil rights and deeply ing to Noll. “Racial history in the U.S. action. Black leaders preached into other parts of society. Other groups is a cesspool of iniquity that has eloquently, and many were stimulated (such as women and homosexuals) poisoned the nation‟s public life since to action, but the innovations of began to use civil rights tactics for their before the nation began. But for those pacifism and non-violence were as causes. Political allegiances and party who believe that where sin abounds, disturbing to many white Americans stances changed as well. grace abounds even more; that God is as the biblical religious references Noll concluded his lecture by noting Lord of history from beginning to were familiar. that for many years, white Christians end; we might be able to find signs of In what he called the final chapter failed in the history of civil rights, redeeming hope in our national past of this examination, Noll explored the allowing abuses to continue without and possible hope in what is yet to complications that followed civil strongly objecting to the injustice. come.” ~ rights reform. First, extending civil “The self interest and sinful pride of To order a copy of this lecture, contact the Calvin rights across solidified racial barriers American white believers was allowed Campus Store and request Item A16019. required the most comprehensive to triumph over Christian altruism and www.store.calvin.edu extension of government authority the mandate to „love your neighbor as Participation in Catholic-Evangelical Colloquium Page 12 Catholic-Evangelical On February 20, 2010, the evangelicals from across the and doctrines have Colloquium Henry Institute sponsored a United States who have met significant common ground Participants: regional colloquium on over the past several years to that warrants further public policy issues that in- facilitate discussions. conversations. From Calvin College: vited both evangelical and Stephen Monsma of the “This was an extremely John Bolt Roman Catholic scholars. Henry Institute and Cathleen valuable dialogue and one Systematic Theology Participants included dele- Kaveny of Notre Dame Law that hopefully will lead to (Calvin Seminary) gates from Calvin College, School, who are both part of additional discussions,” Todd Cioffi Wheaton College, and Notre the national group, organized noted Steve Monsma, Senior Congregational & Dame University. Much of the day in order to explore Research Fellow of the Ministry Studies the discussion centered on further the nature, extent, Henry Institute. “The George Monsma Lewis Daly‟s recent book and limits of common evangelical and Catholic Economics—Emeritus Stephen Monsma God's Economy: Faith- ground between the Catholic traditions share agreement Henry Institute Based Initiatives and the and evangelical traditions in on many basic values and Kurt Schaeffer Caring State, and Mr. Daly terms of approaches to beliefs that underlie a Economics also attended to participate public policy issues. Those Christian approach to Corwin Smidt in the conversations. attending the event agreed today‟s public policy issues. Henry Institute The colloquium was the that the Kuyperian perspec- This colloquium was an outgrowth of a group of tive of the Reformed important step toward further From Notre Dame: Roman Catholics and tradition and Catholic beliefs work together in this area.” ~ Michael Baxter Theology Kathleen Cummings Overseas Lectures by Institute Director American Studies Richard W. Garnett Over the past academic Lectures delivered at the Spiritual Institute of the Law School year, Henry Institute Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow: M. Cathleen Kaveny Director Dr. Corwin Smidt Secularization and American Religious Life Law School traveled to the Netherlands The Christian Faith and Public Life from a Reformed Perspective Mary Ellen Konieczny and to Russia where he was Sociology invited to present his Religion, Social Capital, and Civic Life Rev. William M. Lies Religion and Public Life Center for Social research and deliver a Concerns number of talks. In October Lloyd Mayer of 2009, Smidt went to newly formed Spiritual Insti- “How Religion Can Law School Amsterdam to offer a paper tute of the Russian Orthodox Strengthen Russian Public John Nagle at a conference commemo- Church in Moscow. The Life.” Law School rating four centuries of Institute was established in “The formation of this Mark Noll Dutch-American relations. March of 2009 by Patriarch Institute and the invitations History The event was co-organized Kirill, the head of the given to scholars from the Margaret Pfeil by the Roosevelt Study Russian Orthodox Church, West to speak at the Institute Theology Center in Middleburg, with the goal of equipping are signs that the Russian From Wheaton: Virginia and the Vrije the Church with high quality, Orthodox Church is chang- Vincent E. Bacote University of Amsterdam. professionally trained ing,” according to Smidt. “It Biblical & Theological Portions of his presentation, bishops, administrators, and is seeking to understand the Studies along with quotations from diplomats. Smidt also spoke thought and empirical reali- Amy E. Black interviews conducted during to students and faculty at the ties related to the interplay of Politics & Intl. Relations Smidt‟s stay were subse- Russian-American Institute church and public life as it Larycia A. Hawkins quently published in two where his lecture was titled: continued on page 13 Politics & Intl. Relations major daily newspapers in Bryan McGraw the Netherlands following Politics & Intl. Relations the conference. From Demos: In April of 2010, Professor Lew Daly Smidt traveled to Russia, Senior Fellow where he had been invited to deliver four lectures on relig- ion and public life at the Smidt (4th from left) with representatives of the Spiritual Institute of the Russian Orthodox Church during his lecture visit in the spring of 2010. Calvin Students and Institute Director in Washington D.C. Page 13 The Henry Semester in first science Washington D.C. Washington D.C. Program major Semester provides an opportunity for participated 2010 Participants Calvin students to live and in the work in the nation‟s capitol, program, as Megan Ambrose experiencing first-hand the one bio- Community Family Life Services interplay between religion chemistry and public life. Throughout student Katherine Baker the 10 years that the program joined the Heritage Foundation has been in existence, more group. than 140 young people have Each year, Rachael Bright participated in the spring while evaluating their a Calvin College professor Federalist Society semester program. experiences through the lens accompanies the students and Melissa Chrisman The students work four days of Christian faith and action. teaches the courses in So Others May Eat each week in an internship During the fall term prior Washington. During 2010, position for a wide variety of to their time in Washington Henry Institute Executive Emily Daher organizations, businesses, and D.C., the participants take a Director Corwin Smidt led ONE government offices or agen- class where they learn to the D.C. Program. He has Branden Graf cies. Some of the participants develop resumes and cover accompanied the program Republican National fulfill the practicum require- letters, hone job interviewing participants several times and Committee ment for their social work skills, and also obtain has always been impressed degree through these place- additional information about with the caliber of the Kelsey Kok ments. Valuable employment the city, cultural sites and students and the value of the Isaiah House experience, mentors, reliable living in the nation‟s capitol. semester. He noted, “The Susanna Lynch references, and sometimes During the 2010 Semester, sixteen students in this year‟s Stimson Center even job offers are gained students experienced several group were unanimous in through their internships. “firsts.” Washington D.C., a believing it was a very Stephanie Markle One day each week is spent city which normally does not positive experience that Lutheran Social Services, visiting cultural sites or meet- see much snowfall, was shut taught them much and helped Adoption & Foster Care ing individuals who work at down for nearly a week due equip them to pursue a Kayla Paramore religious organizations that to extensive storms, variety of House Foreign Affairs are actively involved in the delaying the start of endeavors Committee political realm. These student internships. after opportunities provide the In addition to the graduation.” Christopher Postema experiential foundation of the weather anomaly, the Democratic National “Integrating Faith and Public diversity in the fields of Committee Life” class, giving students study for participating Ellen Richardson extensive opportunities to students has become Institute for Global absorb the unique sites and more pronounced. For Engagement culture of Washington D.C. example, in 2010, the Paul Schrampfer Moscow Lectures (continued from page 12) PublicSquare.net exists within contexts Russian people. However, thinking is still unclear; it may Kayla Sulzer where there is a more de- the purpose of this engage- relate to some projected time in National Republican fined separation of church ment with Western which the Russian Orthodox Congressional Committee and state than exists in Church experiences a new Leah Van Schouwen Russia. The Russian relationship with the state, or it Court Services and

Orthodox Church has may be directed toward an effort Offender Supervision realized that the recovery to confront practices that will Agency of church property follow- foster greater religious vitality ing the collapse of the among individuals who consider Carly Williams Soviet Union has not themselves Orthodox Christians Lutheran Social Services, resulted in the recovery of The Russian Orthodox Church‟s within Russian society today.” ~ Refugee and Immigration spiritual vitality among the Cathedral of Christ the Savior Services in Moscow God and Government Page 14 Lewis Daly, a Senior Fellow from The foundation behind the initiative level of household welfare outside Demos, a think tank in New York City, reaches back to the mid-19th century in the marketplace. delivered a lecture in February about the Europe: socialism and the welfare state Catholic subsidiarity was built on federal policy known as the faith-based threatened to destroy the bond between Pope Leo 13th„s concept of freedom initiative, established by George W. Bush the people and the church as govern- of the church which asserted commu- in 2001. According to Daly, the policy finds much of its basis in Catholic and ment assumed control over areas then nal religious autonomy, protecting Dutch Calvinist traditions. under the purview of institutional integrity religious organizations, such and self governance “Kuyperian and The faith-based initiative was as education and social intended to reintegrate religious social welfare. The church began to Catholic teaching … actively challenge laissez providers into the public social service believed that society’s system and to level the playing field faire liberalism and capital- for religious providers of social ism to bring government and growing enslavement services, through inclusion and market forces under moral to capitalism left and democratic control. The additional funding. Totally unique in workers and families presidential history, the faith-based growing specter of poverty initiative sought to reconstruct the among plenty lent credence defenseless against entire public welfare system through to the church‟s accusation destructive economic providing a vision for faith-based that political welfare and power that defied any social provision, greater cooperation private capitalism were of religious groups between church and state, and more marks of a staggering social Christian standard of within the political and cultural decline. order. This independ- religious freedom for faith-based order or common contractors. The Catholic concept of ence and autonomy of justice.” Daly called the faith-based initiative subsidiarity, officially churches was derived an exciting new story about very old formulated in 1931, reaches from the free exercise ideas. For the past twenty years, a rich back to early Christianity‟s bottom-up (or conscience rights) of individual heritage of European religious ideas view of how the parts and the whole persons, rather than from the state about government and society have are related within the state. Dutch assigning the church its sphere of subtly and powerfully impacted Calvinist sphere sovereignty, influence and granting the church championed by Abraham Kuyper, rights of practice. America‟s quest for welfare reform th and an end to poverty. The emergence emerged in the late 19 century in the Gradually, Pope Leo‟s thoughts of these ideas took place within the Netherlands. Both movements focused began to be applied to other social devolution of U.S. welfare policy, as on religious autonomy and its authority institutions, and the argument that responsibility was transferred from the in society. such community institutions, particu- federal level to the states, then to local Kuyperian and Catholic teaching saw larly family and church, are more government, and finally to public/ private economic and public govern- proximate (natural) institutions of private partnerships. ment power as joint threats to social society was argued to infer that the According to Daly, public U.S. autonomy and the natural social state must leave social tasks to them debate in the early 2000‟s was sustaining order of family, church, and while also ensuring their autonomy dominated by ideological interest community. Neither viewed freedom to carry out these tasks. As more groups creating fear about religion‟s of the church simply in terms of proximate institutions, they received involvement in public welfare limiting state purview over religion, unique authority directly from God; provision, but it is precisely the believing that society‟s growing without their survival and nurture, religious ideas behind the faith-based enslavement to capitalism left workers humanity could not survive. Subsidi- initiative policy that may hold the key and families defenseless against arity, in fact, requires the state to to a new war on poverty. Examination destructive economic power that defied support the natural communities of Catholic and Dutch Calvinist any Christian standard of order or (especially the family) in fulfilling theories of the limited state that shaped common justice. This concept led to their God-given tasks and to actually the design of the faith-based initiative, the founding of Christian Democracy, intervene and use state resources to as well as understanding the historical combining faith-based social services support the social institutions if the development of the social welfare and education with autonomy for natural community is threatened. states that arose on these foundations religious organizations and extensive Sphere sovereignty, the unique later, can offer a view for future efforts social transfers (i.e. redistribution of contribution of Dutch Calvinist continued on page 15 in the United States. wealth) in order to ensure a minimum Page 15 God and Government (continued from page 14) political thought, grew out of similar striving for harmony within all the and power of the state‟s control of circumstances and reactions against the sectors of society. The cornerstone service delivery. French Revolution‟s ideas of liberal- ideal is to ensure that families are Bush deviated from the historical ism, including concepts of liberty and able to fulfill their natural capacities roots of the faith-based initiative by equality, popular sovereignty, social and obligations, with the proper role maintaining his unquestioning loyalty contracts, the artificial reconstruction of the caring state being modification to economic liberalism. When first of society—notions which today are of the wage system to guarantee a describing the faith-based initiative as seen as cornerstones of constitutional living family wage. Family allow- the next phase of the war on poverty, law. These liberal concepts were ances, minimum social income, and he failed to recognize the necessity of a believed to remove God as the ultimate unemployment and pension benefits much greater commitment than that of source of authority and judgment in with very high replacement rates the Great Society welfare programs he human institutions. Sphere sovereignty prevent the volatility and instability was rejecting. Many critics continue to asserts that freedom comes into the that lead to problems and families underestimate the faith-based world through the conformity of dissolving. initiative because they see it only human law with a higher moral law— In these two countries, the state is within Bush‟s understanding and namely God‟s order of justice. subsidiary in the sense that it is a intention, failing to comprehend just Abraham Kuyper became the source of help for social structures how deeply the roots and heritage of champion of sphere sovereignty, and natural assignments, but not a the concept actually lie. arguing that God is sovereign over all replacement for them. Economic Sphere sovereignty and subsidiarity created things and has divided life into controls and government-run require independence and neutral unique spheres, with each sphere programs are severely disfavored, funding for even the most religious of having a certain measure of social service providers— power, given by God and with “When the U.S. is compared to European countries where but these principles don‟t no one sphere holding practices similar to Bush’s faith-based initiative have operate in a social vacuum, absolute power. The state‟s actually functioned, those nations are among the least with the primary goal being purpose was to make it impoverished and most equal countries in the world …” simply increasing religious possible for the various social involvement in social spheres to interact appropri- services. To the contrary, ately, keeping each within its proper while cash assistance and social subsidiarity and sphere sovereignty are limit and protecting the individual insurance are generously provided, a means in the service of a broader from the tyranny of the group. The under the assumption that material goal: the good of communities, the proper order of society ensures the aid allows protection of natural good of families, and the good of flourishing of many self-governing societal structures by the state while social structures. spheres exercising their proper not being taken over by government. “Christian Democracy actually authority from God, which then The fundamental mechanism of repudiates charity in favor of the public ensures justice. Christian Democracy is the social transfer of resources, yet embraces According to Daly, the U.S. should transfer of income, not direct inter- religion in the very design of social evaluate these historical ideas and vention in the economy. It seeks to services,” according to Daly. “The assess what the resulting systems of moderate the logic of the imperfect responsibility of the state is limited by Christian Democracy have to say about market by transferring considerable the sovereignty of social structures, but our country. When the U.S. is sums of money to families and other does not stop short of adjusting market compared to European countries where social institutions. outcomes. Finding this balance practices similar to Bush‟s faith-based Daly notes that Bush‟s faith-based between social sovereignty and market initiative have actually functioned, one initiative might be considered a weak control first generated this social finds that these nations are among the version of Christian Democracy, question in 1891, when these concepts least impoverished and most equal elevating certain communal rights started. Going forward, I urge us to countries in the world. against the state but failing to protect look more closely at history as we Both Germany and the Netherlands, those natural structures of society proceed under Obama with continuing for example, uphold social pluralism in from other forces. The faith-based efforts to develop our faith-based their social welfare systems and are initiative follows Christian Democ- initiative in the United States.” ~ examples of the Christian Democratic ratic thought in that it maintains the To order a copy of this lecture, contact the Calvin model of social capitalism, recognizing state‟s financial role (though on a Campus Store and request Item A16278. the autonomy and self governance of much lower level than in Europe) www.store.calvin.edu social groups and organizations, but while reducing the operational reach Reflections on the Life, Thought and God and Race in Public Service of American Politics Paul B. Henry — page 10 — page 4

Calvin students in Washington D.C. — page 13 James Penning, 1949-2010 — page 11 Undergraduate Research Awards — page 5

Tensions at the God and Crossroads of Government 2010 Graduate Student Workshop Religion and — page 14 — page 8 Politics — page 6

2009-2010 Lectures Sponsored by the Henry Institute The Paul Henry Institute sponsored World Christianity and American Backwater, Bellwether, Barometer? and co-sponsored a number of public Christianity: What About the Future? Personal Spirituality, Organized lectures over the past academic year. by Mark Noll, Professor of History at Religion and Public Life in the Pacific Highlights of some of these events are Notre Dame University given on Northwest by Patricia O‟Connell included in this newsletter, and audio September 18, 2009 [A16020] Killen, Provost and Professor of recordings of many of the lectures are Religion at Pacific University given on available from the Calvin Campus Transformation in Jesus by Tamrat November 16, 2009 store—www.store.calvin.edu— Layne, former Prime Minister of (reference the number noted after the Ethiopia given on September 30, 2009 The Third Choice: Islam, Dhimmitude lecture when you order). [V15990] and Freedom by Rev. Dr. Mark Durie, Vicar of St. Mary‟s Anglican Church in The Life and Work of Paul B. Henry The Disappearing God Gap? Religion Caulfield, Australia, given on January by Corwin E. Smidt, Director of the and the 2008 Presidential Election 18, 2010 Henry Institute given on September by Corwin E. Smidt, Director of the 10, 2009 [V15980] Summary on Henry Institute given on October 7, God and Government by Lewis Daly, page 4 2009 Senior Fellow at Demos, given on February 19, 2010 [A16278] God and Race in American Politics Perspectives on the Slums of Nairobi, Summary on page 14 by Mark Noll, Professor of History at Kenya: What is the Role of the Notre Dame University given on Churches? by Christine Bodewes, Tensions at the Crossroads of Religion September 17, 2009 [A16019] Office of Human Rights in Kibera, and Politics by Michael Gerson, Senior Summary on page 10 Nairobi given on October 20, 2009 Fellow at the Institute for Global [A16093] Engagement, given on March 18, 2010 [V16279] Summary on page 6