Commentary & DISCUSSION

• Finding my own views
  By Kate Walker, class of 2011 communication major from Bluffton, Ohio
• Learning from basketball
  By John J. Fisher, professor emeritus of English
• Faith and Politics…on Nov. 5
  By Anne Meyer Byler, reference and instruction librarian
• Curbing the inner barbarians
  By Judy Weaver ’81, development and grant writer
• The political sideshow
  By Michael Sherer, director of Information Technology Services.
• Faith as political identity
  By Frank E. Johnson, special assistant to the president.
• Being salt of the earth most important
  By Carl S. Helrich, professor of physics.
• A consistent ethic of respecting life
  By Chris M. Wood, Associate Professor of Nursing
• Liberal arts and politics
  By Ross Peterson-Veatch, associate academic dean and director of curriculum and faculty development for the Center for Intercultural Teaching and Learning
• Small, but significant, differences
  By Joe Liechty, associate professor of peace, justice and conflict studies
• Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes!
  By Malinda Berry, visiting assistant professor of religion
• Should the church take a sabbatical from politics?
  By John D. Roth, professor of history
• Local public service keeps my mind and heart from arguing with each other
  By Allan Kauffman ’71, mayor of the City of Goshen
• Uncomfortable in the majority
  By Everett Thomas ’72, Goshen City Council member and editor of The Mennonite, the official publication of Mennonite Church USA
• Reflections of an alien
  By Tamara Shantz, assistant campus pastor
• My struggle with the flag
  By Paul Keim, professor of Bible, religion and philosophy
• Let’s listen to each other
  By Jesse Shaver, a senior computer science major from Seattle, Wash.
• I used to be apathetic about my country
  By Sara Groff, a senior nursing major from East Earl, Pa.
• I have a moral obligation
  By Vicky Kirkton, associate professor of nursing
• We need redemption
  By Beverly Lapp, associate professor of music
• The Earth should get a vote
  By Jerrell Ross Richer, associate professor of economics
• My 5 most important political convictions
  By Theron F. Schlabach, professor emeritus of history
• My faith impacts my politics, not vice versa
  By Jeff Hochstetler, Admissions Counselor.
• My faith and political views
  By Henry D. Weaver, professor emeritus of chemistry and provost emeritus
• If our president was a servant leader
  By Kathryn Aschliman, professor emerita of education
• A political junkie goes to church
  By Jodi H. Beyeler, news bureau director
• The primacy of faith and the limits of political action
  By Matthew Hill, associate professor of music
• Patriotism and pacifism. Incompatible?
  By Keith Graber Miller, professor of bible, religion & philosophy


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Faith and Politics don’t have to divide us.

That’s the simple premise of this Web site — a forum of respect, truth seeking and grace. Instead of focusing on issues that pull us apart, we are providing a place for people to discuss and disagree, without being disagreeable, and to hopefully find common ground.

Goshen College is a Christ-centered community of passionate learners, compassionate peacemakers, global citizens and servant leaders. So we encourage all to share their opinions on the intersection of faith and politics. Peace and blessings to you!

Catherine Guiles, a reporter for Medill Reports, spent part of the summer and fall traveling across the country to Christian college campuses to talk to students, professors and staff about issues of faith and politics. Her work, which was funded by a grant from the Lilly Foundation, included interviews with Goshen College students and faculty. » Read more

Mennonite first-time voters share views on faith and politics with CNN and Chicago Tribune

A New Faith in Politics:
by Charles Leroux, The Chicago Tribune on May 6, 2008.
The Amish remain non-voters who believe in the strict separation of church and state. However, some Mennonites, especially younger members such as those on the campus of church-founded Goshen College, are seeing an opportunity now to integrate politics into their lives in a way that furthers rather than diminishes their religion.
» Read more

VIDEOS from the CNN roundtable discussion at Goshen College on May 6, 2008:

CNN segment on Mennonites on the election: Mennonite students from GC talk to CNN about issues important to them this election year.
Watch this video

Behind the scenes with CNN at GC: CNN anchor Rick Sanchez talks about his interview with GC students about how their faith impacts how they may vote.
Watch this video:  large  |  medium

PHOTOS from the CNN event:

View all photos from this event

Media coverage from the CNN event:

• CNN forum features first-time voters at Goshen College, Mennonite Weekly Review, 4.18.08
• CNN interviews Goshen College students, The Mennonite, 4.15.08
• Goshen College students describe faith factor to CNN, South Bend Tribune, 4.16.08
• CNN series on first-time voters comes to Goshen College, The Truth, 4.16.08
• Students offer political views, Goshen News, 4.16.08
• Students at Goshen College discuss Decision 2008, WNDU News Center 16, 4.15.08

We welcome students who desire a Christ-centered education shaped around passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant leadership. Do you know someone who would be a good fit at Goshen College? Find out more!

To keep this unique community of faith and learning vital and affordable for students and to continue our efforts to promote greater understanding and peace among all God's people, Goshen College welcomes financial support from you. Won't you consider a donation?