Cornerstone University Hosts Anti-Communist Event

Cornerstone University, a Christian institution in Michigan, is organizing an event focusing on anti-communist sentiments. This event will host scholars and survivors from oppressive regimes. Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, the president of the university, stated that the theme was selected months in advance due to the rising public opinion in favor of communism and socialism across the nation. The event, scheduled for October 1, is titled, “Why Not Communism? A Wisdom Conversation on Freedom, Faith and the Future of America.”

Moreno-Riaño expressed concern over this trend. “The history of communism, socialism is a dark one,” he remarked in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Special guests include North Korean defector Yeonmi Park, who will speak on the dangers of communism. Park warned that if America succumbs to such ideologies, the world could face dire consequences.

“We thought we need to step up as a university committed to educating men and women for our country and inform the community about the moral bankruptcy of communism and socialism,” Moreno-Riaño stated.

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cornerstone University sits in a region where Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed received over 61% of the primary votes. El-Sayed campaigned alongside Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, known for his support of socialism.

Event speakers include Seth Dillon, CEO of Babylon Bee, Dr. Gary Saul Morson, a Soviet communism scholar, and Xi Van Fleet, a survivor of the Cultural Revolution in China.

Moreno-Riaño highlighted the importance of hearing firsthand experiences from individuals like Yeonmi Park and Xi Van Fleet. He noted that their experiences in North Korea and China bear similarities to current events in the United States.

Park shared her experiences growing up in North Korea, facing hunger and persecution. At 13, she fled to China, where she was caught in human trafficking. With help from Christian activists, she eventually found asylum in South Korea.

She emphasized that many students learn about socialism in “nice classrooms,” unaware of its harsh realities. Park believes that American students often take their freedoms for granted, lacking understanding of worldwide oppression.

“Most people are not free right now in the world. More than 70% of humanity live under authoritarian governments,” she told Fox News Digital, referencing data from the Varieties of Democracy Institute.

For Moreno-Riaño, defending freedom aligns with the university’s Christian beliefs. He explained that liberty is closely tied to the Christian faith.

“We believe that the gospel sets us free. Liberty and freedom are at the core of our Christian faith,” he stated.

Moreno-Riaño’s goal is to motivate students to become active participants, rather than bystanders, illustrating their faith and citizenship.

Rachel Wolf reports on media and culture for Fox News Digital.