March 14, 2025
SIU’s Morton-Kenney Lecture examines the relationship of religion, politics
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Paul A. Djupe, a political science professor and chair of data for political research at Denison University, will present the spring 2025 Morton-Kenney Public Affairs Lecture on Thursday, March 20, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Djupe will discuss the complex relationship of religion and politics at 6 p.m. in Student Center Ballroom B. The free, public lecture will also include a Q&A. The lecture is hosted by the political science program in the School of Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology within the College of Liberal Arts and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. A reception is planned from 5 to 6 p.m. Registration to attend the lecture is not required but is recommended.
Djupe’s work explores the intersection of religion and politics in the United States, with a focus on political participation, clergy influence and social networks. He has authored and co-authored numerous books and articles on these topics and is a frequent contributor to national discussions on religion’s role in democracy.
“Dr. Djupe is among the most innovative scholars studying the connection between religion and politics in the United States,” said Darren Sherkat, a professor in sociology at SIU Carbondale. “His research goes beyond the simple descriptions and associations that populate the burgeoning field of Christian nationalism.”
Djupe has been at Denison University since 1999. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from Washington University in St. Louis and his bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Gustavus Adolphus College.
“Dr. Djupe’s work stands out because of his attention to the ground-level commitments linked to Christian nationalism,” Sherkat said. “His use of novel questionnaires allows him to operationalize specific commitments to Christian dominion over politics, culture, education and other realms of social life. Dr. Djupe is also studious of the theological and institutional foundations of Christian nationalism.”
The Morton-Kenney Public Affairs Lecture Series “is one of the signature lecture series organized by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute,” John Shaw, institute director, said.
“We take great pride in bringing leading scholars, journalists and practitioners to SIU Carbondale for consequential and timely lectures and policy discussions. These lectures are essential elements in our spring and fall programs,” he said.
The late Jerome Mileur, an SIU alumnus, established the series in 1995 in honor of two of his political science professors who inspired him as a student — Ward Morton and David Kenney. Originally from Murphysboro, Mileur was a professor emeritus in political science at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
For more information, contact the School of Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology at sapss@siu.edu or 618-453-3166.