How Should Reformed Christians Respond to an Alternative-Facts Age?

April 24, 2017

How Should Reformed Christians Respond to an Alternative-Facts Age?

A Conversation with Wesley Granberg-Michaelson

After one of the most divisive, contentious political campaigns of the modern era, the United States finds itself an angry society whose president has record-low approval ratings and whose legislature cannot seem to operate past its divisions. In our society, many of the divisions and anxieties are coming out as hatred and persecution for those who are different, a lack of civil discourse, and a dismantling of the supports for the most vulnerable in society.

Wesley Granberg-Michaelson served as General Secretary of the Reformed Church in America for 17 years, from 1994-2011.  Earlier in his career he served as the Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield, and then as the Associate Editor of Sojourners Magazine when it was founded.  He played a leading role in establishing Christian Churches Together in the USA, and is known globally for his ecumenical leadership. His most recent book is From Times Square to Timbuktu: The Post-Christian West Meets the Non-Western Church. He continues to work on ecumenical causes and is a keen observer of the intersections of politics, faith, and society.

On Monday, 24 April, beginning at 4:30 pm, the Reformed Church Center will host a conversation with Wesley Granberg-Michaelson. What are the spiritual challenges presented by Donald Trump’s presidency? Do these times call for a public witness similar to that brought by the “Confessing Church?”  Are there particular gifts which the Reformed tradition has to offer in this regard? After Wes gives some introductory remarks, we will all have conversation over dinner, wrapping up just after 6:00.

There is a suggested donation of $20.00 for dinner—free for NBTS students, faculty, and staff. Please e-mail jbrumm@nbts.edu by Thursday, 20 April, if you plan to attend.