Vanderbilt University’s College Republicans and Democrats came together Tuesday for an Insight Debate on the intersection of faith and governance, exemplifying the school’s commitment to “dialogue across difference” in pursuit of understanding.
The debate was in the Central Library Community Room in conjunction with Dialogue Vanderbilt’s Civil Discourse Lab and the Vanderbilt Political Review. Dialogue Vanderbilt students junior Scout Halligan and sophomore Jason Vadnos moderated the debate, which drew about 30 students who were eager to engage in a civil exchange of ideas.
The students gathered in a circle with all participants facing each other. Vadnos stood and explained the rules of the conversation:
- The debate is not competitive, it is a collective search for truth
- Say what you believe, including your doubts and questions
- The one rule is to address the chair
Halligan began with the prompt: “What should be the role of religion in politics?” While the discussion was marked by ideological divides, it proceeded with respectful disagreement and intellectual engagement.
The students who favored religion in politics framed religious values as foundational to American civic life, arguing that faith-based perspectives have historically informed ethical governance. “Why can people force climate change on society with their vote but not ideas that come from their religion?” said a student arguing in favor of religion-informed politics. “Where is the line between personal religion and public religion?”
Students in favor of a strong separation of church and state stressed the necessity of secular reasoning in policymaking to ensure equal protection under the law. “When you say my religious views are the way everyone should act, you’ve crossed a dangerous line.”
The key area of disagreement and exploration was at what point religion stopped informing political decisions and itself became politics. Though differences were sharp, the tone remained civil—reflecting Vanderbilt’s mission to foster thoughtful engagement with diverse viewpoints.
Noah Jenkins, president of Vanderbilt College Republicans and one of the debate organizers, praised the students’ preparedness and decorum. “This is what meaningful dialogue looks like—rigorous, principled and forward-thinking,” he said.
The conversation didn’t end with the Insight Debate. Students remained in the space for an additional hour, continuing the dialogue and exploring the different perspectives in the room.
