Cornerstone Welcomes Dr. John G. West for 2025 Faculty and Staff Retreat: Christ-Centered Higher Education in Our Age of Upheaval

When navigating the cultural and moral challenges of our time, Dr. John G. West offers a compelling reminder: Biblical truth must remain central to how we teach, think, and lead.

West, vice president of the Discovery Institute in Seattle and a nationally respected Christian scholar, author, and cultural commentator, will serve as the featured speaker at Cornerstone University’s annual Faculty and Staff Retreat on August 19-20, 2025. A former professor and department chair, West brings decades of experience at the crossroads of faith, science, public policy, and cultural renewal.

“Dr. West’s scholarship reflects a deep conviction that Christ is not only the source of truth, but also the foundation for renewing culture,” said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University. “His message aligns with Cornerstone’s commitment to an education that is Biblically rooted with a sophisticated Christian worldview for the preparation of tomorrow’s influencers for Jesus Christ.”

This year’s retreat, titled “Christ-Centered Higher Education in Our Age of Upheaval,” comes at a time when worldviews are colliding across every institution — educational, political, cultural, and the church. Through focused presentations, the retreat will offer faculty and staff a meaningful opportunity to renew their calling, deepen their commitment to Biblical truth, sharpen their Christian worldview knowledge and application, and reflect on their role in shaping Christ-centered leaders amid today’s challenges.

West is also the managing director of the Center for Science and Culture, which he co-founded in 1996. Formerly the chair of the Department of Political Science and Geography at Seattle Pacific University, he holds a Doctor of Philosophy in government from Claremont Graduate University.

West has written or edited 13 books and directed a dozen documentaries. His current research examines the impact of science and “scientism” on public policy and culture. His expertise spans constitutional law, American government and institutions, and the intersection of religion and politics. His books include “Stockholm Syndrome Christianity: How America’s Christian Leaders Are Failing—and What We Can Do About It”; “The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis on Science, Scientism, and Society”; “Darwin Day in America: How Our Politics and Culture Have Been Dehumanized in the Name of Science”; and “The Politics of Revelation and Reason: Religion and Civic Life in the New Nation.” His documentaries include Human Zoos: America’s Forgotten History of Scientific Racism.

He has been interviewed by Time, Newsweek, USA Today, The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, Fox News, and C-SPAN. Drawing on intellectual influences such as C.S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, and American constitutional principles, West equips Christian educators to think Biblically, communicate clearly, and lead faithfully in their spheres of influence.

This year’s retreat topics also align with Cornerstone’s theme for the academic year: “Jesus — The Way, The Truth, and The Life” (John 14:6).

Rooted in the words of Christ, the theme reflects the university’s gospel-centered mission and The Cornerstone Advantage™ — our distinctive approach to applying Biblical foundations to career, life, and a culture in need of Christ-centered truth, beauty, and goodness.

To learn more about Cornerstone’s academic programs and Christ-centered mission, visit cornerstone.edu or call 616.949.5300.