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)

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)

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)

Ruth Tucker (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Calvin College)
John S. Piper (Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis)

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

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.