The CHASS Department of Religious Studies hosted “Who Are We? Democracy, Social Values, and the American Story” on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom on the McNichols Campus. This was the inaugural Robert and Judith Bruttell Lecture sponsored by the generous gift from Bob and Judy Bruttell. Bob Bruttell is a proud alum of our Master’s Program in Religious Studies.
As the nation prepared for a presidential election, the event featured Dr. Robert P. Jones, President and Founder of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). On Oct. 23, Dr. Jones presented “How America’s Origin Stories are Shaping the 2024 Election.” Jones discussed competing visions of the U.S. as a pluralistic democracy versus a divinely ordained nation. He drew on recent survey data and insights from his New York Times bestselling book, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future. A backed house filled with attendees from across the Detroit metropolitan area engaged in a lively Q&A.
On Oct. 24, Dr. Jones hosted a panel discussion that explored the question, “What is Religion Becoming?” featuring faculty and community leaders. Prof. Todd Hibbard, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, coordinated these events with the support of his department faculty.