I would tend to disagree with your assessment, grant, though i agree it would be great if Calvin’s reformational worldview could influence President Bush in some way. Somehow, though, I don’t think the interaction will be significant enough to have the kind of effect you’re hoping for.
I think it’s important to distinguish a Commencement speech from a guest lecture. Commencement, it seems to me, is a celebration of identity, not a platform for sharing and debating ideas. As such, I don’t think the President, regardless of the individual filling the position at any given time, is a good choice for speaker.
My primary problem, as outlined in my open letter to Calvin (as if they’d actually read it!), is the symbolic connection of Christianity with empire. I don’t think we take seriously enough the competing allegiances at work here.
laurencer
Apr 27 2005
12:18 pm
I would tend to disagree with your assessment, grant, though i agree it would be great if Calvin’s reformational worldview could influence President Bush in some way. Somehow, though, I don’t think the interaction will be significant enough to have the kind of effect you’re hoping for.
I think it’s important to distinguish a Commencement speech from a guest lecture. Commencement, it seems to me, is a celebration of identity, not a platform for sharing and debating ideas. As such, I don’t think the President, regardless of the individual filling the position at any given time, is a good choice for speaker.
My primary problem, as outlined in my open letter to Calvin (as if they’d actually read it!), is the symbolic connection of Christianity with empire. I don’t think we take seriously enough the competing allegiances at work here.