Chesterton Perspectives presents:
The Politics of Human Dignity
Because humans are made in the image of God, every human life is precious and sacred. But how do we take that truth beyond our individual relationships? How should this theology shape our broader political, social, and economic institutions?
Elizabeth Bruenig, staff writer at The Atlantic, suggests that democratic socialism, while long viewed with great suspicion by many American Christians, offers one possible answer to these questions. Drawing from Scripture and the history of the early church, she envisions a framework that places human dignity at the heart of social and economic decision-making. She distinguishes this vision from the authoritarian and totalitarian regimes many Americans fear, inviting us to challenge our assumptions about wealth, property, and what it means to pursue the common good.
These same convictions about human dignity guide Bruenig’s opposition to capital punishment. If every person bears the image of God, what does this mean for how we treat those responsible for the most serious crimes? Should the government even hold the power to take a human life?
Join us for a conversation with Elizabeth Bruenig as we explore these topics and wrestle with how our political and economic systems ought to reflect the God-given sacredness and dignity of human life.
Monday, November 16th, 2026
7:15pm EST at 111 The Knoll Rd
7:30 pm EST via Zoom
Elizabeth Bruenig; Staff Writer at The Atlantic
Elizabeth Bruenig is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where she covers religion and criminal justice. Prior to The Atlantic, Liz has written for the New Republic, the Washington Post, and The New York Times. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two daughters, and three cats.
