The Center for Faith Studies is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant community of curious minds eager to delve into the mysteries of God, the universe, and humanity’s place within it. Through dynamic speaker events, engaging classes, intimate small-group discussions, and thought-provoking large-group presentations, we harness the power of comparative religion, theology, the humanities, and the sciences to spark a deep and meaningful exploration of faith and existence. Join us as we embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery and enlightenment.
Now Free to Attend! |
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Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, we are thrilled to announce that next week’s Faith and Democracy event will now be free to attend! This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the important intersection of faith and civic engagement. The Patron Party remains a ticketed event, but we invite everyone to join us for the main program at no cost. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an inspiring and timely conversation! This will be an insightful and powerful event as we explore the vital relationship between faith and democracy and its impact on the upcoming election. Hear from acclaimed speakers Rev. Jim Wallis, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Dr. Samuel L. Perry as they discuss what’s at stake for American Democracy and what happens at the crossroads of church and state. For more information or to purchase Patron Tickets, click here. |
Faith and Democracy 2024: What’s at Stake?
Friday, October 4, 2024│7:00 PM
Saturday, October 5, 2024│9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Countryside Community Church, 13130 Faith Plaza, Omaha, NE 68144
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Join us for “Faith and Democracy: What’s at Stake?”—an urgent and timely conversation about the fusion of faith, politics, and power in today’s America.
- Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, a fierce advocate for justice and inclusion, will expose the dangers of nationalism intertwined with Christian identity. She will call on us to resist ideologies that distort the teachings of love, equality, and compassion that lie at the heart of Christianity.
- Rev. Jim Wallis, author of The False White Gospel, will reveal how white Christian nationalism undermines the core values of faith, promoting racism and power-seeking instead of justice and equality. His message: reject this harmful ideology and fight for inclusion and racial justice.
- Dr. Samuel L. Perry, leading scholar and author of Ties That Divide, will take us deep into the latest research on white Christian nationalism and its dangerous impact on the 2024 election. Understand how this ideology fuels division and what we can do to address it at the local, national, and personal levels.
This is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action. Explore how faith, politics, and identity collide in America, and learn how we can reclaim democracy for all people. Secure your tickets now for an event that promises to challenge, inspire, and equip you for the work ahead.
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Jim Wallis open the event on Friday evening, October 4. On Saturday morning, Dr. Samuel L. Perry will discuss white Christian nationalism in depth. This will be followed by a panel discussion with all three speakers and breakout sessions exploring its impact on Education, Reproductive Rights, Housing, and Climate.
Friday, October 4, 7 PM: Faith and Democracy 2024 Keynotes
Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis is a fierce advocate for justice, inclusion, and radical love. In her keynote, she will emphasize the dangerous fusion of faith with nationalism, particularly when Christian identity is used to promote exclusionary or supremacist ideologies. She warns that this movement distorts the teachings of Jesus, who preached love, justice, and inclusion. Rev. Lewis urges God’s people to resist this toxic blend of religion and power by embodying the true values of Christianity, such as compassion, equality, and the pursuit of justice for all people, regardless of race, background, or belief.
In his most recent book, The False White Gospel, Rev. Jim Wallis exposes white Christian nationalism as a harmful misrepresentation of Christianity that promotes racism and power-seeking under the guise of faith. He argues that this ideology distorts the gospel by blending religious identity with white supremacy, undermining the core Christian values of love, justice, and equality. Wallis urges Christians to reject this false gospel and embrace a faith committed to inclusion, racial justice, and the common good.
Patron Tickets include a meet and greet with speakers Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Jim Wallis after the event.
Saturday, October 5, 8 AM – 12 PM: Faith and Democracy 2024 Keynote, Panel Discussion, and Breakouts
Ties That Divide: Exploring the Impact of Christian Nationalism on American Politics
Dr. Samuel L. Perry will discuss recent research on Christian nationalism and its significance for the 2024 Presidential Election. He will define key concepts and explain how Christian nationalism intersects with identity politics and concerns related to demographic shifts, which have been influential in shaping political views. Understanding how Christian nationalism influences political rhetoric helps explain some current political dynamics and how they may impact different segments of society. The talk will conclude with practical strategies for addressing these issues within faith communities and beyond.
Don’t miss this critical moment—be part of the movement for justice, inclusion, and the true values of faith!