The annual Paul B. Henry Lecture brings a prominent Christian political practitioner to Calvin University to speak about the interplay of religion and politics. The event aims to inspire both the campus and the broader community to integrate a Christian worldview with practical politics and public life.
Over the past eighteen years, the lecture has featured speakers from across the political spectrum — individuals representing both major parties, scholars addressing contemporary political issues, and leaders of non-profit organizations working actively in the public policy arena. Through these gatherings, the series continues to encourage thoughtful engagement at the intersection of faith and civic responsibility.
Submissions from 2019
Faith, Democracy, and the Media, Michael McCurry, Elizabeth Dias, Emma Green, Amy Sullivan, and Ken Woodward
Submissions from 2018
The 'Conscience of the State': Religion's Role as an Independent Check on Governmnet, Melissa Rogers
Submissions from 2017
Before the End of Time: Religion and Politics in this Messy, Broken Age, Ben Sasse
Submissions from 2015
The Future of American Christianity: The Christian Crisis of the 20th Century and Its Implications for the 21st, Ross Douthat
Submissions from 2014
Approaching the Ledge: Why We Must Risk our Faith in Order to Save It, Joshua DuBois
Submissions from 2013
What Does the Lord Require? The Grounds for Christian Civility in Politics, Corwin Smidt
Submissions from 2012
Paul Henry: Reflections on His Life and Services, Beth Bandstra Decker
Submissions from 2011
American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, David Campbell
Submissions from 2010
Tensions at the Crossroads of Religion and Politics, Michael Gerson
Submissions from 2009
No Final Victories, No Final Defeats: Doing Our Duty While Living in Exile, Michael Coromartie
Submissions from 2008
Religious Tolerance: Love your Neighbor, Dean Koldenhoven
Submissions from 2006
Spiritual Public Theology: Advancing Abraham Kuyper's Legacy, Vincent Bacote
Public Virtue, Republican Government, Seperation of Church and State, Michael McConnel
Submissions from 2005
Forging a Faithful Consensus: The Future of Public-Private Partnerships Involving Community-Serving Religious Organizations, John Dilulio
Submissions from 2004
State of the World as Seen Through the Eyes of the Church, Robert Edgar
Freeing God's Children: The Unlikely Alliance for Global Human Rights, Allen Hertzke
Submissions from 2003
Faith & the Public Arena, Tim Goeglein
Real Challenges: Faith in the Public Arena, Tim Goeglein
Submissions from 2002
Myths, Lies, and Soundbites: Reaction to President Bush's Faith-Based Initiative, Stephen Monsma
Submissions from 2001
Faith in Politics, Paul Hillegonds
Submissions from 2000
Struggling Toward the 'Beloved Community' [audio], John Lewis
Struggling Toward the 'Beloved Community' [video], John Lewis
Submissions from 1999
Compassionate Conservatism: Oxymoron or Opportunity [audio], Dan Coats
Compassionate Conservatism: Oxymoron or Opportunity [video], Dan Coats
Submissions from 1998
Christianity and Politics: A Personal Reflection, Paul Simon
Submissions from 1997
Paul B. Henry Institute Inaugural Address, Mark O. Hatfield