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Public Intellectuals, the Public Square and the Pursuit of the Common Good

We are at a crossroads in the US on many fronts, including the intersection of sound logic with pressing concerns. Throughout our history we have had men and women with tremendous influence speak into contemporary issues through their thought, whether manifest in writing or speaking. We are navigating an era in which many have tried to discard the law of noncontradiction. The very humanities basis for life’s important questions is considered suspect as educational institutions are under pressure. We indeed can learn from the steps of public intellectuals with transferable lessons for such a time as this.

Dr. Jerry Pattengale’s recent book, Public Intellectuals and the Common Good, is one glimpse of these lessons, accenting his decade long project and book in progress, Borrowed Intelligence: Learning in the Shadows of Geniuses.


Jerry Pattengale, the founding scholar of Museum of the Bible (DC), has authored dozens of books, including The State of the Evangelical Mind and Public Intellectuals and the Common Good (2021), with others coming out within the next year: Cultivating Mentors, The World’s Greatest Book, and The New Book of Christian Martyrs. He has published in various other venues like WSJ, RNS, WaPo, CT, Chicago Tribune, etc., and was co-author of the six-hour TV series, Inexplicable: The Spread of Christianity to the Ends of the Earth (Telly Award, 2021), and the corresponding book. He is the inaugural University Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, and has received several educational and writing awards, media requests, substantial funding for projects, and holds distinguished posts at Sagamore Institute, Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary, Excelsia College (Australia), Waverley Abbey (UK) & Tyndale House–Cambridge. On February 14, 2020, he spoke at the United Nations on protecting religious spaces, and served as interim president of Religion News Service (2019-20). He serves on boards at Yale (JEC), Christianity Today, Christian Scholar’s Review (assoc. pub.), Africa New Life (Rwanda), Changing Destiny (Asia), and the membership committee of The National Press Club (DC)—receiving its “Vivian Award” in 2021. Via his current role at the museum, Senior Advisor to the President, in 2021 he secured a 180-book deal and established a new ten-year partnership with Tyndale House Publishing. His MA degrees are in Interpersonal Development (Wheaton, IL) and History (Miami, OH), and his PhD is in Ancient History (Miami, OH, under Edwin Yamauchi). In recent years he also helped bring to light key events in the antiquities world, from well-circulated stories at RNS, the “Jesus Wife Hoax” via WSJ, and the NT papyri thefts via Christianity Today. He graduated from high school at 16 and was homeless, a story featured in “Leading the Way out of Poverty” (PBS/WIPB, 2006), and background of his 20-year humorous award-winning news column. The mantra in his pioneering McGraw-Hill books on Purpose-Guided education is “The dream needs to be stronger than the struggle.”

Dr. Jerry Pattengale of Indiana Wesleyan University Awarded Indiana’s Highest Honor by Governor Eric J. Holcomb

December 27, 2024
MARION, IND. (Dec. 23) – Dr. Jerry Pattengale, a distinguished Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) professor and administrator, has been named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb for his lifetime achievements and commitment to the Hoosier state. The award is the highest honor the Governor of Indiana can bestow. It recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in service to the state or the governor and embody Hoosier values such as hospitality, wisdom, and dedication to their community. “We are so proud of Dr. Pattengale and his longtime affiliation with the Indiana Wesleyan University community,” IWU President Jon S. Kulaga said. “This recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to education, faith, and service. We are so happy for him and appreciate all he does for IWU.” The audience of 3,500 echoed these sentiments, rising to their feet in a thunderous standing ovation that celebrated Dr. Pattengale’s remarkable achievements and profound impact. “To be put in the same company as Gus Grissom, presidents, and Willy Nelson was a freeze-frame moment that literally stunned me,” said Pattengale. “My mantra is ‘The dream needs to be stronger than the struggle.’ To be given this award was beyond dreams and there many happy tears. God be praised. Dr. Pattengale is IWU’s inaugural University Professor and was a founding scholar at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. where he still serves as Senior Advisor. His influence extends beyond academia. As a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute, CSR associate publisher, and on the National Press Club’s Membership Committee, he continues to shape thought leadership on history, faith, and culture at the state and global levels. He has authored dozens of books and hundreds of articles and columns, including in prominent publications like The Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal. His recent works, The New Book of Christian Martyrs (Tyndale House, 2023), The Anxious Middle (Baylor University Press, 2023), The World’s Greatest Book (Tyndale House, 2023), and Habits of Hope (IVP, 2024) have received critical acclaim. Hoosiers especially cherish his award-winning “Buck Creek” newsprint series for its engaging and insightful storytelling. His Inexplicable TV series, hosted by Dennis Haysbert, also won three Telly Awards. His forthcoming book releases March 15, 2025, The Bible’s Influence on Western Civilizations, a textbook for schools. Born and raised in Buck Creek, Ind., Dr. Pattengale’s journey from poverty and homelessness at the end of high school to becoming a globally recognized scholar is an inspiration. He even addressed the United Nations and attended meetings at the White House. With the support of Wesleyan Church members and alumni of Marion College (now IWU), he pursued higher education, serving as student body president and graduating at the top of his class. Dr. Pattengale went on to earn a Ph.D. in history from Miami University (Ohio) with perfect marks and establishing himself as a leading voice in his field.  Despite the demands of his international career, he remains deeply rooted in Indiana. He commutes from Marion to Washington, D.C. and other cities multiple times a month.

Eminem on Donald Trump: A Lesson in Logic for Musicians

November 7, 2024
During the late 1970s, I booked or helped present concerts with trailblazers like Larry Norman , Randy Stonehill , Phil Keaggy , the Archers , Found Free, and Honeytree . Their songs were wide-ranging. They were about coming clean, like “ Rattle Me Shake Me ,” nature, such as “ Here Comes the Sun ,” and our eternal destiny. “ I Wish We’d All Been Ready ” had many of us Arminians back at the altar. Every time these musicians arrived, whether in a rattly repurposed school bus or via a driver, there was an official interview of sorts—as a young Christian, I wanted to know if they were authentic in their faith. I suppose nothing has changed with this routine. Most recently, I’ve walked away smiling from time with Shane and Shane , Dylan Thomas, Brooke Ligertwood , Brandon Lake, Cody Carnes, JVKE (the Lawsons), Michael W., and others. From little to lots of time, it’s been uplifting.  Against this backdrop I’ve watched some singers in the secular space make rather bold statements—and was reminded of this public and private scrutiny of musicians’ public statements and lifestyle choices. Let me focus on one, as it highlights this election season.
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