Cornerstone University, a Christian institution in Michigan, is organizing an event focusing on anti-communist themes. The event will feature scholars and survivors from oppressive regimes. Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, the university’s president, explained that the theme was selected months ago due to shifting public opinions towards communism and socialism across the nation.
Scheduled for October 1, the event titled “Why Not Communism? A Wisdom Conversation on Freedom, Faith and the Future of America” aims to address these issues. Moreno-Riaño expressed concern over the history of communism and socialism, describing it as dark.
“Frankly, we became alarmed and concerned,” Moreno-Riaño stated. He emphasized the university’s commitment to educating about the moral failings of communism and socialism. The venue is Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County, an area where Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed secured over 61% of the primary votes, adding relevance to the event.
Notable speakers will include Seth Dillon, CEO of Babylon Bee; Dr. Gary Saul Morson, Soviet communism scholar; Xi Van Fleet, a survivor of Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution; and Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector.
Moreno-Riaño pointed out the significance of Park and Van Fleet sharing their experiences in oppressive environments, highlighting similarities between past and present authoritarian regimes. Yeonmi Park is expected to discuss the rise of communism in educational settings where students learn in comfort, contrasting with her experiences in North Korea.
“I had to live through [a] real socialist government every day until I escaped,” Park shared. “Many people think it’s [an] amazing theory, unaware of its impacts in practice.”
Park recounted her escape during North Korea’s famines in the 1990s. Her journey involved crossing into China, enduring human trafficking, and eventually finding freedom in South Korea with help from Christian activist networks.
While in the U.S., Park encountered students ignorant of her history due to her Asian identity, even labeling her as “White-passing.” She stressed that many students underestimate global authoritarian realities, referring to data from the Varieties of Democracy Institute that estimates 74% live under autocracies.
“Having freedom is a special thing,” Park emphasized. She warned against complacency, stating, “If America falls, we do not have a place to escape.”
Moreno-Riaño linked freedom defense to Cornerstone University’s Christian values, emphasizing liberty as foundational to Christian faith. He believes the principle of liberty is essential for human flourishing.
Ultimately, Moreno-Riaño aspires to inspire students and the community to be active participants in preserving their country’s liberties. He emphasized the importance of involvement beyond mere observation.
“As people of faith, Christians here at Cornerstone University, we want our students to be involved,” Moreno-Riaño stated. He aims for them to model their faith and citizenship through active engagement.