Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) – The Heart of Christian Nationalism

Did you know the heart of Christian Nationalism is beating in from the bucolic Hillsdale College campus in southern Michigan? Join us IN PERSON as Kate Lynnes leads a discussion of Christian Nationalism and Hillsdale’s outsized role in promoting that particular cause. There is a wealth of background material to sample as you will. Be warned that some of this material may be more palatable with an adult beverage. Here is the link to Hillsdale’s website. This is a link to Hillsdale’s “Freedom Library” – a collection of online videos from various lectures. Here are a number of free online courses offered by the institution. And of course, like everyone these days, Hillsdale has podcasts. Some of you might be interested in the one from November 21, “Scott Jennings Explains the Common Sense of Donald Trump”. Other Christian Nationalism resources include this review of a book by a Hillsdale professor making the case that the pre-Civil War U.S. was a Protestant republic. Here is a release from the Freedom From Religion foundation blasting the Education Department’s partnership with Christian Nationalist groups to develop a history curriculum. Politico has a story about the Trump administration’s partnership with Hillsdale to produce videos for our 250th Independence Day. ProPublica has 14 hours of videos from Project 2025’s Presidential Administration Academy. Finally, the Marshalltown, Iowa Times-Republican takes a look inside Project 2025 and the 7 think tanks reshaping America.

Hope to see you there for what promises to be a fascinating discussion!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.

Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

—

Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/