David A. Penner Debates
Thoracic surgeon and Wheaton alumnus Dr. David Penner '51 relished
lively debate and thoughtful deliberation. He loved to thrash out any
and all issues, but especially those to which he could relate his personal
Christian faith. And he firmly believed that the rigors of exposing
one's position to challenge—whether in casual conversation or
formal debate—would lead to a more examined, stronger faith and
life.
At the dinner table or on family outings with his five children, Dr.
Penner would frequently use reason and invigorating discussions to teach
and to guide them. On a casual evening, he would often, with a twinkle
in his eye, ask his children, "What controversial subject can we
discuss tonight?" After his death in 1988, his family decided that
establishing an annual debate series would be a meaningful way to honor
his memory.
The Penner Debate at Wheaton College is a forum that allows speakers
to tackle controversial ethical issues that have an impact on the Christian
community, and in doing so perpetuates Dr. Penner's trademark concern
that reflection on difficult issues should be encouraged rather than
avoided. Using a point-counter-point format, which best represents Dr.
Penner's style, the debates clarify and distill ethical themes and stances.
Unexamined precept positions, blind spots, and hidden prejudices can
be scrutinized and pruned.
The Penner Foundation sustains this legacy of intelligent, robust debate,
which not only enriches the people privileged to attend the forums,
but also strengthens the church and academia at large by contributing
to Christian ethical thought and understanding.
The Foundation sees debate as a fundamental method to challenge, change,
or reinforce convictions regarding ethical issues. We hope that these
debates will spark continuing discussion in dorm rooms, classrooms,
and churches about how one's faith is lived out for the glory of Christ
and the advancement of His kingdom. Furthermore, the Foundation seeks
to clarify ideologies from various perspectives by:
Past Penner Debates
The David A. Penner Debate is administered through the Center for Applied
Christian Ethics at Wheaton College and underwritten by gifts to The
Penner Foundation. Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. surgeon general,
whose hearty willingness to face controversial topics and invite honest
interchange resembles David Penner's style, initiated the debate series
in 1990.
James C. Peterson, Ph.D. Roy A. Hope
Chair in Theology, Ethics and Christian Worldview Professor of Theology
and Ethics McMaster Divinity College, Ontario
C. Christopher Hook M.D. Chair, Non-Malignant Hematology Group, Mayo
Clinic (Rochester, MN)
Dr. S. Craig Bishop, BranchCreek Community Church
Dr. George G. Hunter III, Asbury Theological Seminary
Dr. Stephen Long, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Douglas D. Webster '73, First Presbyterian Church (San Diego, California)
Jim Van Yperen '78, Metanoia Ministries
Michael G. Cartwright, Ph.D., University
of Indianapolis
Keith Pavlischek, Ph.D., Center for Public Justice, Washington, D.C.
Amy Black, Ph.D., Wheaton College
2001—Can
Public Schools Really Strengthen Moral Character?
Michael Novak (American Enterprise
Institute)
Ron Sider (Evangelicals for Social Action)
Michael L. Cromartie (Ethics and Public Policy Center)
1999—The Use of the Human Genome: At What Point Do We Violate
Humanity?
C. Everett Koop (former U.S. Surgeon
General)
Francis S. Collins (U.S. Human Genome Research Institute)
Theodore Peters (Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences)
Raymond G. Bohlin (Probe Ministries)
1997—What Is a College Education for? The Moral Issues
Peter L. DeLuca III (Thomas Aquinas
College)
David Bouchier (National Public Radio)
Shirley H. Showalter (Goshen College)
Glenn E. Heck (National-Louis University)
C. Everett Koop (former U.S. Surgeon General)
1995—Valuing Families: What the Bible Says About the Family
Ruth Tucker (Trinity Evangelical
Divinity School, Calvin College)
John S. Piper (Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis)
1992—The Election of a President
C. Everett Koop (former U.S. Surgeon
General)
Robert MacNeil ("MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour")
Joan Beck (Chicago Tribune)
Donald D. Holt (Fortune magazine)
Wesley G. Pippert (University of Missouri)
1990—Ethical Issues Arising from the AIDS Epidemic
Biography of David Penner
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Dr. David Penner was
a man known for his curious mind and love of discussing controversial
topics. He was an enthusiastic conversationalist who was not afraid
of a challenge. Born and raised in Detroit, David Penner came to
Wheaton College in the late 1940s, pursuing his studies and extracurricular
activities, which included the pre-med club, band, track, and tennis.
Dr. Penner returned to Michigan to earn his M.D. from Wayne State
University. He met his future wife, Ruth, while in medical school.
They married and started their family while he completed his general
surgery residency.
After serving in the U.S. Army two years in Germany, he completed
a residency in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the University
of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He then practiced |
| thoracic surgery in the Detroit area
for 25 years and served on the staffs of several hospitals there.
He was a highly respected lung specialist who appeared on television
and radio talk shows to decry smoking in a culture and country not
yet sensitive to the anti-smoking movement.
His family most remembers his irrepressible sense of humor and
love of stimulating discussion. In addition to being active in
his church and various Christian youth organizations, he was an
avid tennis player and musician.
In 1988, at the age of 59, David Penner suffered a fatal heart
attack. He left a loving family greatly influenced by his life
of integrity: his wife, Ruth, who shared his vision and openness
to people; Randy and Linda Penner Samelson '77; James '77 and
Susan Penner Bowen '78; Jonathan and Terri Brown Penner '84; Michael
and Ann Penner Usey '84; Andrew '91 and Kristine Penner Engel
'91; and 19 grandchildren.
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