Cornerstone University Hosts Anti-Communist Event

Cornerstone University, a Christian institution located in Michigan, is organizing an event focused on anti-communism, featuring voices from scholars and individuals who have escaped oppressive regimes.

The event, scheduled for October 1, is titled “Why Not Communism? A Wisdom Conversation on Freedom, Faith, and the Future of America.” Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, the university’s president, mentioned that the theme was decided months ago due to a noticeable shift in public sentiment toward communism and socialism. He expressed concern about this trend, stating, “The history of communism and socialism is dark.”

Moreno-Riaño emphasized the university’s commitment to educating the community about what he sees as the moral failings of these ideologies. “It’s essential for us to inform and educate not just our students, but the broader community about these issues,” he noted.

Located in Grand Rapids, a city where Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed garnered over 61% of the primary vote, the event seems quite timely. El-Sayed previously aligned with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who controversially referred to communism as the “honorable end goal” of socialism, potentially lending more significance to the discussion.

Speakers at the event include Seth Dillon, the CEO of Babylon Bee; Dr. Gary Saul Morson, a scholar on Soviet communism; Xi Van Fleet, a survivor of Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution; and North Korean defector Yeonmi Park. Moreno-Riaño highlighted how the experiences of these speakers provide critical perspectives. He remarked, “What they witnessed is essential, as there are parallels between the oppression they faced and what we may be experiencing here.”

Yeonmi Park has shared her personal story of escaping North Korea, contrasting her reality with the way students in the U.S. learn about communism in comfortable settings. “Many people believe communism is great in theory, but they have no idea what it’s really like in practice,” she explained.

Park recounted the harrowing experiences of her youth, growing up during severe famines, escaping to China, and facing human trafficking. She reflected on her traumatic past and expressed concern for American students, who often lack an awareness of the grim realities of oppression. “Most people don’t understand that over 70% of humanity lives under authoritarian regimes,” she pointed out, casting a spotlight on the dire global situation.

She urged students to recognize the privilege of living in a free society, warning against taking it for granted. “If America falls, where will we go?” Park posed, stressing the importance of protecting freedom.

Dr. Moreno-Riaño believes that supporting freedom is integral to the university’s Christian mission. He stated that the principle of liberty underpins the Christian faith, noting, “We believe that the gospel sets us free.” He emphasized the idea that true flourishing requires freedom, which aligns with the university’s mission.

Ultimately, the president hopes the event will inspire students to engage actively in civic matters rather than remain passive observers. He expressed a desire for them to model their faith and citizenship, contributing positively not only to the university but to the larger community.