Stevens Debates Religion in Politics
Andrew Scagnelli
Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: Campus News
On Wednesday, February 27, Professors Wharton and Dobbins squared off in a debate about "Getting religion out of politics." Although the debate had its ups and downs, both professors were able to make coherent points for and against religion in politics.
Although both Dobbins and Wharton disagreed on spirituality in politics, both were able to come to an agreement that sectarianism in politics should end. Dobbins remarked that politicians have become "self-styled" Christians, and that in the end, "they say what they need to be elected ... the people need to ask questions." Dobbins also used his rebuttal to make short work of Wharton's opening remarks. Wharton had claimed that Europeans had come to America partially to escape religious persecution. Dobbins countered that such a view was blatantly incorrect, and that the driving reason for leaving was the freedom to practice their religion of choice, rather than to escape religion altogether.
However, Wharton was able to strike back at Dobbins when he associated love with religion and spirituality. Wharton questioned where this would leave an atheist leader, and asked rhetorically "Can you really find yourself as a leader... without severing those ties [of love]?"
Ultimately, the two agreed that sectarianism is hurting politics and the level of discourse in politics, especially in the United States.
The debate was well-attended for a Stevens debate, with approximately 25 students and faculty in attendance.
Although both Dobbins and Wharton disagreed on spirituality in politics, both were able to come to an agreement that sectarianism in politics should end. Dobbins remarked that politicians have become "self-styled" Christians, and that in the end, "they say what they need to be elected ... the people need to ask questions." Dobbins also used his rebuttal to make short work of Wharton's opening remarks. Wharton had claimed that Europeans had come to America partially to escape religious persecution. Dobbins countered that such a view was blatantly incorrect, and that the driving reason for leaving was the freedom to practice their religion of choice, rather than to escape religion altogether.
However, Wharton was able to strike back at Dobbins when he associated love with religion and spirituality. Wharton questioned where this would leave an atheist leader, and asked rhetorically "Can you really find yourself as a leader... without severing those ties [of love]?"
Ultimately, the two agreed that sectarianism is hurting politics and the level of discourse in politics, especially in the United States.
The debate was well-attended for a Stevens debate, with approximately 25 students and faculty in attendance.