Keeping Sunday Out of Schools
Audience gathered to learn from Dr. Balmer and Dr. Ladner
Eighty-six people gathered in Flinn Hall on April 26th for FUMC Denton’s Church and Society Speakers Series event, “Keeping Sunday Our of Schools”, featuring published authors and experts Dr. Randall Balmer and Dr. Keri Ladner.
Dr. Randall Balmer’s book “America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State” available for sale at the event.
Dr. Balmer, a leading historian and authority on religion in America, Episcopalian priest, and the John Phillips Professor of Religion at Dartmouth College is the author of more than a dozen books, including his most recent New York Times bestseller, America's Best Idea, The Separation of Church and State.
Dr. Keri Ladner is a respected author of multiple publications and books and a leading expert in the rise of Christian nationalism and dominionism. She holds a PhD in divinity from The University of Edinburgh, and her most recent book, American Dominion, The Rise and Radicalization of a New Christendom, published April 15th, is already on backorder.
Both Dr. Balmer and Dr. Ladner presented a riveting historical and theological overview of what Christian nationalism is, the impact on the First Amendment establishment clause and the challenges from current day Christian nationalism influencers. Dr. Balmer walked us through the growth of a new country dating back to the 1600s, and the vast diversity of religions and faiths represented and respected in our country as our founding fathers wrote the Constitution and First Amendment.
Dr. Keri Ladner’s book “American Dominion: The Rise and Radicalization of a New Christendom” available for sale at the event.
Dr. Ladner informed us of how Christian nationalist influencers have developed followings in Texas and the profound impact they’ve wielded, particularly that of David Barton in the DFW metroplex, in politics and on policies. She encouraged the group to get engaged at the local level by attending school board meetings and joining advocacy groups. Dr. Balmer reminded us that truth is a powerful antidote to refute and stand up to the misinformation propagated by Christian nationalism.
A lively Q&A session followed the presentations and Dr. Balmer closed the session with a reminder of the importance of hope, encouraging us to choose hope, and the importance of always clinging to hope.
Audience listening to Dr. Balmer’s presentation
After multiple rousing rounds of applause for our speakers, Deb Hughey asked the group to think about three things they would do after hearing from these two speakers with examples like crafting their own stories of truth based on what they’ve learned, to share with their legislators, State Board of Education members and friends.
A representative from Joe Pachouli’s Book Store in Denton was available to sell copies of Dr. Balmer’s and Dr. Ladner’s books.
Thank you for participating in Keeping Sunday Out of Schools and for your deep care and commitment to our public schools! Please stay tuned for future Church & Society events as we work to learn, unlearn, and advocate for justice together.