Gustavus Adolphus College will host a debate titled “Can We Be Good Without God?” Sunday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m in Alumni Hall, located in the O.J. Johnson Student Union. Dan Barker, co-president of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, and Christian Apologist Jon Kaus of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) will argue two sides of the question.
The debate is intended to begin a discussion on the origins of human morality, particularly whether our shared concept of morals come from God or can it be accounted for by nature?
Barker is a former Pentecostal minister turned atheist. He preached for 19 years in various churches, and maintained an ongoing touring musical ministry, including eight years of full-time, cross-country evangelism. He received a degree in Religion from Azusa Pacific University and was ordained to the ministry by the Standard Community Church, California, in 1975.
Following years of reading outside of Christian authors, Barker eventually outgrew his faith. He announced his atheism publicly in January of 1984. He now regularly travels the country and the world giving lectures, performing concerts, and participating in debates with theists, many at college and university campuses.
Kaus is a graudate of St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., and currently resides in Mankato, Minn. He is the FCA area Director for Southwest Minnesota and currently is working toward a Masters in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary in Charlotte, N.C. He has debated August Berkshire, president of the Minneosta Atheists, as well as evolutionist Steve Johnson in the past.
The debate will follow a standard debate format with an opportunity for audience members to ask questions at the end. Gustavus Assistant Professor of Political Science Kate Knutson will moderate the debate. This event is free and open to the public.
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