The Future of Religion in American Politics seems to be a hot topic these days. Well, Pat Robertson’s School of Government at Regent University explored the issue last Friday, February 2nd in the Second Annual Reagan Symposium. I have been lucky enough to attend the first two years of this symposium and the school does a great job of putting together an excellent lineup of top-notch conservative intellectuals to discuss these perennial concerns. ISI Faculty Associate Charles Dunn is to be commended for organizing this forum and putting it together.
This year’s speakers included Hadley Arkes, Michael Novak, Darryl Hart, Michael Barone, Michael Cromartie, Daniel Dreisbach, Jean Bethe Elshtain, and Marvin Olasky. They all gave their take and by the end of the day one could certainly agree with historian Philip Jenkins who has said that America is the story of a Christian nation becoming an even more Christian nation. However, also in that story is the fact that some secularists are trying to wipe religion and its symbols (i.e. Wren Cross at W&M) from the public square.
I’ve almost reached the point where I’m tired of this debate and I remember back to the times when Christians simply persisted as “remnants” and carried on the traditions despite persecution. Whether or not our religion is in the public square, allowed in the public square, or is banished from the public square, what is much more important is that we seek to follow Christ in our hearts and be witnesses to Him where we can. But, it is still great to see these discussions taking place in such a civil, academic environment. That is rare in these times, and Regent University is one of the few places in this country where that discussion can still take place.