Marshaling Political Authority: Why Politicians Cite the Bible

October 18, 2016
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Gilmore Hall, 3rd floor

University of Iowa Religious Studies alumni Frances Flannery and Rodney A. Werline presented, "Marshaling Political Authority: Why Politicians Cite the Bible" from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Gilmore Hall 3rd floor. The lecture was part of the Public Policy Center's Run Up to the 2016 Election series.

The general public has become accustomed to politicians citing the Bible to justify their policy positions. It happens on the local, state and federal levels of government alike, despite the separation of church and state that the U.S. Constitution establishes. Oftentimes the passages cited are cherry-picked and out of context. As biblical scholars, Flannery and Werline will take a look at the passages that have been featured in the debates on immigration and climate change to see what the Bible says, if anything, on these issues. They will then explore the reasons why politicians use the Bible in this way, and whether this is a responsible approach to determining public policy. 

Flannery and Werline are editors of The Bible In Political Debate: What Does the Bible Really Say? (Bloomsbury, T&T Clark, 2016).

The Forkenbrock Series provides a forum for dialogue about policy areas from applied, academic, and interdisciplinary perspectives. The series was established in honor of David Forkenbrock, a nationally recognized transportation researcher. Dr. Forkenbrock established the Public Policy Center at the University of Iowa in 1987 and directed the Center until 2007. His vision was to enable public and private sector decision makers to work with faculty, staff, and student researchers to explore solutions to complex problems related to the public interest.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Dragana Petic at dragana-petic@uiowa.edu.