Cornel West in Bellingham

On Tuesday night I had the privilege to listen to a lecture (of sorts) from Dr. Cornel West hosted by Western Washington University. I had no idea what I was getting into. It's not often these days that we are allowed to hear from a prophet. Yet that is what it felt like to me.

West, in my opinion, explained Christianity and invited others into it, without hardly ever mentioning anything that sounded "religious." He stood before a packed house of professors and students, telling them they need to die to themselves or they will never live. He declared that our professions are not always our vocations, but that we need to seek out a vocation that looks out for the poor and marginalized and victimized in our world. He reminded us that violence and revenge never solve anything. He went back to the fear that enveloped us after 9/11 to state that terrorism is not new to our nation, but just new to the white people. He pointed out the sins of arrogance and structural violence and called for repentance. Like most prophets, the religious folks were just not there to listen, as they continue to bless the status quo, but I believe the folks who were there were changed and challenged in profound ways. In other words, it was freakin awesome. Thank-you Dr West, and WWU.

Peace,

Matt