Democracy Conference Schedule

Ryan Cowden (Gordon College)
“Desiring Democracy in a Time of Democratic Backsliding”

This paper considers the question of why professionals and concerned citizens alike should desire democratic governance arrangements that require experts to yield some of their authority to the general public. To address this question, I offer a synthesis of the works of John Dewey. Using these texts, I offer epistemic, moral, and generative arguments for democracy before considering how Dewey would respond to clashes between professionals and the public. 
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James Pingel (Concordia University Wisconsin)
“A Great ‘Two for One’: Teaching the American Revolution and God’s Word Through Biblical Devotions”

Religion has long helped shape the ideals and institutions of a democratic republic. In this panel session, Dr. Jim Pingel will present a practical, replicable framework for guiding students (or anyone) to write biblically grounded devotions rooted in historical inquiry. Using the American Revolution as a case study, participants will examine how to integrate historical content with theological examination and reflection.
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Dennis Savill (Southern Nazarene University)
“Logos in the Crucible: Biblical Epistemology and the Contest of Critical Theory in Collegiate Public Debate”

Collegiate policy debate functions as a unique intellectual laboratory in which emerging political and legal theories are refined before diffusing into broader discourse. This article argues that collegiate debate provides a microcosm for examining a deeper epistemological and ontological conflict: whether political theory is grounded in transcendent truth or in socially constructed power analysis. Drawing from the Christian doctrine of the Logos (John 1:1–4), this paper contends that logic, truth, and rational discourse are not merely procedural tools but ontologically grounded realities rooted in the divine nature. Thus, the very argumentative practices of debate presuppose metaphysical commitments often unacknowledged within secular critical frameworks.
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DISCUSSANT:
Timothy Sherratt (Gordon College)