November 11, 2020

Press Release

Cornel West, Robert P. George to model civil discourse, explore ‘Honesty and Courage in a Time of Polarization’ at Museum of the Bible Nov. 18

WASHINGTON — Museum of the Bible will host “On Honesty and Courage in a Time of Polarization,” a discussion between Cornel West, Ph.D., and Robert P. George, Ph.D., on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST to demonstrate how the power of discussion transcends political and social differences.

By drawing upon moral and ethical teachings of the biblical tradition, West, George and a panel of distinguished respondents will model civil discourse. Panelists include Cheryl Sanders, Th.D., senior pastor at Third Street Church of God in Washington, D.C., and professor of Christian ethics at Howard University, and Mark Tooley, president of The Institute on Religion & Democracy, who will reflect on West and George’s conversation.

“Cornel West and Robert George are some of the sharpest minds in America. While they disagree politically, their rich conversation will demonstrate to us all that we can participate in civil discourse even when we disagree—especially when we disagree,” said Harry Hargrave, CEO of Museum of the Bible.

West is a Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and professor emeritus at Princeton University. He has authored 20 books and edited 13, and his most recent book, “Black Prophetic Fire,” examines 19th- and 20th-century African American leaders and their legacies. West frequently appears on CNN, C-Span, the Bill Maher Show and Democracy Now.

George is McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton. He has served as chairman of the U.S. Commission on International and Religious Freedom and as a presidential appointee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. George has written 13 books and his articles and review essays have appeared in numerous prestigious publications.

The event will be hosted both on Zoom and in person. West and George will participate virtually and Sanders and Tooley will be speaking from Museum of the Bible.

Due to high demand, a limited number of additional free tickets to attend virtually via Zoom are available here. In-person tickets have sold out.