The Barnes County Historical Society Lecture Series Season 24 Presents: Gilbert Kuipers (VCSU Prof Emert)  “Origins of Christian Nationalism ” 7 PM Thursday, October 17th at the Barnes County Museum. (315 Central Ave N. Valley City, ND)

The First Continental Congress was meeting in secret 250 years ago to discuss how they should respond to the British government’s failure to recognize their rights as patriotic Protestant British citizens who had done their part in wars against Catholic France and Catholic Spain.  One of their actions was to petition King George expressing their loyalty and explaining their grievances.

The Revolutionary War was in progress when the Second Continental Congress met.  Since they couldn’t win without French support, they gave Benjamin Franklin the job of getting that help.  The Declaration of Independence and Constitution were based on the ideas of the Scientific Enlightenment and the United States was founded without an official religion.  Since the Civil War, there have been multiple failed attempts with a constitutional amendment declaring the U.S. to be a Christian nation.  Modern Christian nationalism is a post-WW II phenomenon.

VCSU Professor Emeritus, Gilbert Kuipers grew up in Georgia and attended college there.  He has been at Valley City State University since 1981.  Although he mainly taught physics, at VCSU he has taught math, chemistry, and computer classes.  He has an active interest in history, current world events, and politics.

The public is cordially invited.

All Lectures are at the Barnes County Historical Society Museum and held in conjunction with Valley City State University.  They are free and open to the public.

For more information contact Wes Anderson at 701-845-0966

Barnes County Historical Society

315 Central Ave N

Valley City, ND 58072