Annual lecture series invites thought-provoking topic on faith and politics

Hesston College is excited to host Greg Boyd, senior pastor at Woodland Hills Church, for its annual Melva Kauffman Lecture Series where he will present a three part series on “What’s So Bad About Being a Christian Nation?” on January 26 and 27 at Hesston Mennonite Church. The community is invited to attend and explore critical questions about faith, politics and the role of Christianity in governance.

• Sunday, January 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, January 27, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
• Monday, January 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Boyd will challenge long-held assumptions, such as whether the United States should be considered a “Christian nation” and what happens when the church becomes entangled with political power. Drawing from the life and teachings of Jesus, Boyd’s thought-provoking insights offer a fresh perspective on how Christians can remain true to their faith while navigating societal structures.

“At first glance, the idea of being a Christian nation seems like a good thing,” says Michele Hershberger, co-campus pastor and event coordinator, who then explains, “But did Jesus work through the Roman government to bring God’s Kingdom? No, he didn’t. He was killed by that government. Nor did Jesus try to legislate his moral teachings.”

This timely conversation comes on the heels of an election season that saw significant church involvement in politics. Boyd’s presentations will explore whether this kind of power aligns with Jesus’ teachings or mirrors the temptation Jesus faced to control earthly kingdoms.

This annual Melva Kauffman Lecture Series is held in honor of Melva Kauffman, a 1936 graduate of Hesston Academy and a 1939 graduate of Hesston College, who was also an English and education instructor at Hesston College from 1944 to 1977. Following her death in October 2003, her family established this lecture series to continue supporting Kauffman’s lifelong interests in learning and the humanities.

This series is free and open to the public. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of living out faith in today’s complex world.

For more information, contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu.

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