News and Events
DR. CORNEL WEST ENTHRALLS CAPACITY CROWD AT SEMINARY
Discussion of Race in the Church and Society
St. Davids, PA, Oct. 10, 2008: The Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University hosted Dr. Cornel West on October 9 for a lively discussion of race in the church and American society. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter presented a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia and gave Dr. West a replica of the Liberty Bell, making him an honorary Philadelphian. The Seminary Chapel was filled to capacity with over 500 invited guests, including local church and civic leaders, along with faculty and students. Dr. West, a dynamic and visionary educator and author, was introduced by Dr. Rosemary Cowan, a professor in Eastern’s political science department, who is the author of Cornel West: The Politics of Redemption. Dr. West praised her book as "the best ever written on me" of the six or seven books on his life and work.
Seminary President Dr. Wallace Smith presented questions from the audience and others and Dr. West answered them in a free-ranging style that was both thoughtful and theatrical. With broad gestures and occasional mimicry, Dr. West entertained, enthralled, chided and challenged "all of us who still call ourselves Christians" to face the injustices in our society.
In speaking of Democratice Presidential Candidate Barack Obama, he said "we have come to an end of a political age," with Obama serving as an "alternative example in our culture of celebrities." Defining greatness as "our willingness to serve others," Dr. West acknowledged that Obama has to be on a political tightrope as he balances the quest for truth versus the quest for power. Throughout the evening, Dr. West invoked the name of civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., simply referring to him as "Martin" and saying that leaders like him will make the right choices and serve as sorely needed role models, especially for disenfranchised African American youth.
With a style that was alternately humorous and poetic, Dr. West discussed the tensions among various minority groups "going for the same piece of pie" in society, the growing role of black women in leadership, the identity crisis for many black males, and the vast injustices among the poor. Memorable points were made such as, "justice is what love looks like in public."
Urging American to bring together truth and unconditional love, Dr. West exhorted his appreciative listeners to tell the truth but put love at the center of our language. "Don't ask anyone else's permission to what is your calling!" he told his audience. Dr. West received a standing ovation at the end of this inspiring evening.
Eastern University, a Christian university whose mission is the integration of faith, reason and justice, has vowed to be a place where the conversation about race can take place. It is this mission that led to the invitation to Dr. Cornel West. Through his writing, speaking, teaching, music, and movie collaborations, Dr. West champions racial justice in society and the church. He speaks passionately about the traditions of the black church, progressive politics, and jazz. A graduate of Harvard University, he earned his Ph.D. at Princeton University where he now serves as a professor.
Among his 17 published books, the best seller, Race Matters, has become a contemporary classic with its searing analysis of racism in American democracy. His other books include Prophetic Fragments: Illuminations of the Crisis in American Religion and Culture; Prophesy Deliverance! An African-American Revolutionary Christianity; Keeping Faith: Philosophy and Race in America; and The Covenant with Black America. His newest book, Hope on A Tightrope, is certain to stimulate thoughtful analysis and debate.
Endorsers for this event included the Philadelphia Baptist Association, the Pennsylvania Convention of National Baptists, National Ministries of the American Baptist Churches USA, Kingdom Builders Anabaptist Network, Emergent Village, and the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office.
Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences which enrolls approximately 4000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, professional, urban, Seminary and international programs. Eastern University is located at 1300 Eagle Road in St. Davids, PA. For more information about Eastern University, call 610.341.5930 or visit www.eastern.edu.
Since 1925, Palmer Seminary of Eastern University has equipped men and women for the pastorate and for other professional ministries. Based on its commitment to the whole Gospel, the Seminary seeks to prepare ministers to address people's spiritual, emotional, and material needs. For more information, call 1.800.220.3287 or visit www.palmerseminary.edu.
