WINONA LAKE – The role of religion in American society remains a topic of much discussion and debate.
For many Americans, personal views on current religious and political issues are shaped by what they believe about America’s foundations.
Was America founded as a Christian nation? Is it a secular nation? Or was it established with both secular and religious influences?
Historian and author Dr. John Fea will probe these questions in a public lecture at Grace College in commemoration of Constitution Day. The event will take place on the Grace College campus at Westminster Hall Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
Fea, chair of the Department of History at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., is a respected historian of colonial and revolutionary America and has a long list of publications on Christian faith and its role in American life. He speaks to numerous audiences and has been spotlighted on talk radio and C-SPAN’s Book TV.
According to Jared Burkholder, assistant professor of American and world history at Grace College, “Fea’s treatment of religion and America’s founding is balanced, nuanced, and based on thorough research; the September address at Grace will no doubt be an engaging and enlightening event.”
This lecture will be part of the Lyceum Series on Faith and the Academy, a lecture series that draws inspiration from the history of both the college and Winona Lake.
Lectures and presentations were a part of Winona Lake’s Chautauqua tradition since the late 19th century, attracting notable figures during the Progressive Era who brought “culture” to small town America.
Looking for continuity with this heritage, Grace College established the American Lyceum Lecture Series in the 1990s, which showcased such figures as Allan Keyes and Michael Reagan. Recently renamed, the lectures series currently reflects both Winona Lake’s tradition of cultural engagement as well as Grace College’s commitment to participate in issues related to Christian faith and academia.
Fea’s lecture is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Burkholder at Grace College, burkhojs@grace.edu or 800-544-7223, Ext. 6006.
