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Political Engagement

Promise and the Peril of Faith in the Public Square

When: June 10, 2021, 9:00 am - Thursday

Where: Shamblin Theater

Session 3

Session Abstract

Bill Haslam served as Tennessee’s 49th governor from 2011 to 2019 and now has written a thoughtful book, reflecting on people of faith in public service. Faithful Presence: The Promise and the Peril of Faith in the Public Square, recounts instances when faith and government service interact. Confronted by legislation that would designate the Bible as Tennessee’s official state book and faced with a clemency decision for convicted murderer Cyntoia Brown, Haslam addressed leadership from a pastor’s perspective. His candid and reflective thoughts move beyond politics to contend, “All of us in politics and everywhere else should be careful to make sure we are being used by God, not using God for our own ends.” Governor Haslam will share his thoughts, failures and beliefs in a lively dialogue with Lipscomb University President Randy Lowry.

Speakers

L. Randolph Lowry III, Lipscomb University, Emeritus, Convener

  • L. Randolph Lowry III, Lipscomb University, Emeritus, President
  • Bill Haslam, Governor, State of Tennessee, 2011 - 2019, Participant

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James Cone with conferee at the CSC in 2017

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Pulitzer Prize winner Marilynne Robinson delivering the CSC plenary address

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Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), delivering the CSC plenary address.

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US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith delivering the CSC plenary address

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David Brooks engaging conferees during breakfast at the CSC

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