I think it will require the kind of hard soul-searching few in these institutions seem willing to do. The parents, grandparents, and donors view these places as theirs, as Dr. Pannell noted; and, since their “siege” mentality is daily reinforced by conservative media and their church, short of some incitement that shakes their foundation I don’t see it changing.
I really appreciate these insights. I had not paid attention to the controversy about Mike Pence, but I do agree it is all interconnected. May God help make it so that this is indeed a last dying gasp.
Increasingly, I'm leaning toward the conclusion that too many of the CCCU institutions have fully embraced Christian nationalism and true racial justice is impossible. My own former graduate institution (Regent University's School of Government) has completely embraced Christian nationalism, literally using it as a rally cry for their culture war orientation. The Dean of the School is a MAGA supporting and election denialist.
These institutions will become whiter and whiter and probably end up looking more like Gov. Desantis' recent college takeover.
I have hope that someday Christians will look at New Testament scriptures with new eyes and see how Jesus included and valued everyone. They will search deep within and see that we are all God’s creation. There is much work to do, but it begins by us truly seeing it, valuing it, acting on it.
I think it will require the kind of hard soul-searching few in these institutions seem willing to do. The parents, grandparents, and donors view these places as theirs, as Dr. Pannell noted; and, since their “siege” mentality is daily reinforced by conservative media and their church, short of some incitement that shakes their foundation I don’t see it changing.
I really appreciate these insights. I had not paid attention to the controversy about Mike Pence, but I do agree it is all interconnected. May God help make it so that this is indeed a last dying gasp.
Increasingly, I'm leaning toward the conclusion that too many of the CCCU institutions have fully embraced Christian nationalism and true racial justice is impossible. My own former graduate institution (Regent University's School of Government) has completely embraced Christian nationalism, literally using it as a rally cry for their culture war orientation. The Dean of the School is a MAGA supporting and election denialist.
These institutions will become whiter and whiter and probably end up looking more like Gov. Desantis' recent college takeover.
I really appreciate Dr. Pannell's insights -- so helpful!
I have hope that someday Christians will look at New Testament scriptures with new eyes and see how Jesus included and valued everyone. They will search deep within and see that we are all God’s creation. There is much work to do, but it begins by us truly seeing it, valuing it, acting on it.