From ZOAR LUTHERAN CHURCH
Zoar Lutheran Church welcomes the community to a public presentation, “Taking Dominion: How Christians Justified Conquering a Continent,” on Sunday, March 8, from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m., at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg.
Led by L. Daniel Hawk, author of “Undoing Manifest Destiny” and professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Ashland Theological Seminary, the presentation will examine how American Christian settlers used religious arguments to justify westward expansion – often at the cost of land theft, violence, and the suppression of Indigenous voices.
The event invites participants to consider the stories America has told about settlement – and what those stories have left out. Rather than focusing on blame, the conversation centers on truth-telling, exploring the roots of what scholars describe as a cultural “myth of innocence,” and taking meaningful first steps toward reconciliation and healing.
“This isn’t about guilt – it’s about learning,” said Patty Slupecki, director of marketing and communications at Zoar Lutheran Church. “We’re creating space for honest reflection, thoughtful questions, and respectful conversation – because understanding our history is part of how we move forward together.”
The presentation is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to come curious, bring a friend, and stay for conversation.
For more information about this event, call the church office at 419-874-4346, or email secretary@zoarlutheran.com.
