Jesus tells his followers to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). But what do these calls mean for Americans in 2021? How do Christians resist both cynicism and triumphalism, preserve their public witness in a democratic society, and work for solutions to complex social problems?

Vincent E. Bacote, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College will explore these questions as the inaugural speaker for the Geneva Forum at Upper House, this year offered virtually. Drawing on the Reformed tradition, Dr. Bacote will outline a public theology that calls the church to transcend the deep polarization in our world, seek the common good, and pursue justice for all.

About the Geneva Forum at Upper House

The Geneva Forum at Upper House is an annual lectureship that elevates deep Christian thinking and the life of the mind, hosted in partnership by Geneva Campus Church and Upper House.

Forum Speaker

Vincent E. Bacote is Professor of Theology and Director of Wheaton College’s Center for Applied Christian Ethics in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of numerous books including The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life (Zondervan, 2015) and The Spirit in Public Theology: Appropriating the Legacy of Abraham Kuyper (Baker, 2005). He is also a regular contributor to Comment and writes widely on public theology and ethics from a Reformed Christian perspective. Vincent is the inaugural speaker for the Geneva Forum at Upper House.