This two-session, small-group seminar will focus on a new book by John Bernbaum and Philip Yancey about the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the struggle of its leaders to choose between building a democracy or an authoritarian regime. Christian leaders from the United States (including the authors) were invited to meet with top Soviet leaders, including Mikhail Gorbachev, to explore how Christianity might influence the future of their country. In the early 1990s there was great hope for a democratic future in Russia with active Christian influence. But that hope collapsed, and current events in Ukraine show some of the deadly consequences. This book discussion group is limited to 12 participants. 

Required reading: Philip Yancey and John A. Bernbaum, What Went Wrong? Russia’s Lost Opportunity and the Path to Ukraine (Cascade Books, 2024 - $10) ISBN: 978-1666747973 is available at the Calvin University Campus Store. 

Subject: history 

John Bernbaum is a Christian educator with experience working with educational institutions in Russia and Ukraine from 1990 to the present time. He previously served as president of the Russian American Christian University in Moscow (1995–2014) and as director of the American Studies Program and executive vice-president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (1976–1995). After completing his Ph.D. in European and Russian history at the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, he spent four years at the U.S. Department of State (1972-1976). He currently writes commentaries on the Russian Ukrainian war on Substack and has recently co-authored the book featured in this seminar.