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Wisdom Conversations Presented by Cornerstone University

Previous Wisdom Conversations

Christianity and Its Global Impact:
Commission or Colonialism?

The global landscape is volatile and uncertain. On March 14, Wisdom Conversations featured four distinguished global influencers who explored how to bring Christianity to the table, where social, political, and religious conflicts are destabilizing nations and displacing over 100 million people. How might American churches offer a pure, redemptive message from the gospel as a way to help unify a global force for God’s purpose?

Cornerstone University hosted its signature series Wisdom Conversations on March 14, 2024, to address these vital questions through the topic:

Christianity and Its Global Impact: Commission or Colonialism?
March 14, 2024, at 7 p.m.

Moderated by Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, president of Cornerstone University, global ministry leaders exchanged perspectives from the frontlines of global volatility about the human physical and spiritual toll that ensues amid chaos. They engaged over the vital connection of the gospel, Christianity and American churches to the whole world. And they considered what’s at stake to civilization without the piercing light of a pure gospel of hope and reconciliation to God’s vision for the world. Cornerstone University welcomed:

  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali, research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and founder of the AHA Foundation.
  • Edward Graham, chief operating officer for Samaritan’s Purse.
  • Georges Houssney, founder and president of global missions organization Horizons International.
  • Dr. Matthew Lucas, president and CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries.

Register Here

Distinguished Guest Bios

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and founder of the AHA Foundation. She served as a Member of the Dutch Parliament from 2003 to 2006. While in Parliament, she focused on furthering the integration of non-Western immigrants into Dutch society and on defending the rights of Muslim women. She has written several books, including “Infidel” (2007), “Nomad: From Islam to America, a Personal Journey through the Clash of Civilizations” (2010), “Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now” (2015), “The Challenge of Dawa” (2017), and “Prey” (2021). Prior to joining the Hoover Institution, she was a fellow at the Belfer Center’s Future of Diplomacy Project at Harvard University and a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.

Edward Graham is the chief operating officer for Samaritan’s Purse. The youngest son of Franklin Graham, Edward graduated from the United States Military Academy and went on to serve 16 years in the U.S. Army. After multiple combat deployments within the Special Operations Community and working in various leadership and command positions, he felt called to return home and began serving in the ministry in 2019.

 

Georges Houssney is the founder and president of Horizons International, a 34 year-old global missions organization dedicated to proclaiming the gospel, discipling the nations and equipping the church. Georges is a teacher and the author of the widely acclaimed book “Engaging Islam.” He is also featured in the DVD series “Battle for the Hearts,” the Engage Course, “Engaging Islam,” “Cubs to Lions” and many TV programs on Sat7 and other channels. His Lebanese upbringing; his background in psychology, linguistics, and intercultural studies; and his travels to 103 countries in his 45 years of experience in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting have all contributed to the success of his training programs, including the popular Engaging Islam for church members and missionaries, and Cubs to Lions for converts from Islam.

Dr. Matthew Lucas is the president and CEO of Our Daily Bread Ministries, a Christian ministry with 36 locations around the world serving over 130 countries with resources in 58 languages. Prior to taking this role in March 2022, Dr. Lucas served in Christian higher education, leading in various senior executive roles at Corban University and most recently as Chancellor at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is an accomplished speaker and is active in church and community service. He writes regularly for the Our Daily Bread devotional and other publications.

Who Should Attend?

Everyone! Over 1,000 regional community guests attended in 2023. Events are free and open to all. High school and college students are especially encouraged to attend as future bold influencers for Jesus Christ.

About Wisdom Conversations

Hosted and moderated by Cornerstone University, Wisdom Conversations is West Michigan’s premier event for Christian thought leadership about urgent issues facing communities, the nation and the world. National guests are leaders, public intellectuals and experts. These distinguished men and women engage over today’s most challenging social, political, economic, cultural and moral conflicts. The exchange of various viewpoints and positive potential solutions for the greater good is vigorous and thought-provoking.

The Bible is the ultimate source of truth and knowledge, and its wisdom when applied leads the world to the good, the true and the beautiful through Jesus Christ. Together, we can create a beautiful community that honors God and influences the world for His purposes.

Register Today

The next Wisdom Conversations, Christianity and American Democracy: Living as a Faithful Christian and a Good Citizen, will take place on October 3 at 7 p.m. Advance registration is now open for the free event. Sign up today!


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