Political scientist. Theologian. Author. Philosopher. Dr. James Skillen brought all of these descriptions into play when he spoke to a crowd of students, faculty, staff and community members at Geneva College on Friday, Oct. 10.
Skillen, president of the Center for Public Justice in Washington D.C., spoke at Geneva′s Skye Lounge as part of the 2008 Colloquia Series. The invited guests that comprise the Series each semester are selected to help expose the college and surrounding community to challenging issues and practices that shape the world.
Speaking on the “prestige” of the United States presidency, Skillen challenged the audience to look at America not as the “country on a hill,” but as a nation with good and bad aspects — just like other nations.
He also gave the students present a charge to “get beyond the naïve notions of the presidency and … the role of America … if we want to contribute to justice in the world.”
“Students,” Skillen said, “you need think ahead; look out at a 50 year horizon, not just four or even one year.” He encouraged the audience to think long term like this when voting or not voting, and do what needs to be done to make changes needs to make a better country.
An author or editor of over 100 books, essays or articles, Skillen has received degrees from Duke University, Wheaton College, Westminster Theological Seminary (East) and the Free University of Amsterdam in Holland. Skillen helped establish the Center for Public Justice, a Christian policy think tank, and served as its director for nearly two decades.
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