Respect First: How Political Science Major Patrick Humphrey Navigates Today’s Political Landscape
Patrick Humphrey
Hometown: Owasso, Oklahoma
Major: Political Science
The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (O.I.L.) is a student-run mock government
that replicates all three branches of Oklahoma’s government. Last year, for the first
time, political science major Patrick Humphrey traveled to the state capital as a
member of ORU’s O.I.L. team. For Patrick, it was a life-changing experience.
“O.I.L. is faithful to what state legislators do in the Oklahoma capital,” Patrick said, “and the legislative process is an opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people. When I went, I met college students from all over Oklahoma who care about issues in society and who want to see change. And though we didn’t agree on all the issues, I loved engaging with the other delegates.”
Faith that Can Stand Up to Scrutiny
When it comes to politics—and the disagreements that arise therefrom—Patrick says the answers aren’t always as simple as right or wrong. His faith influences his viewpoint, but at the same time, he says politics requires reflection and meditating on Scripture. He also says that respect is important to any political discussion, which means listening without judgment or anger.
“When people choose something,” Patrick said, “I want to know why. I want to see how my beliefs stack up in a good discussion. A person might be wildly on the other side of an issue, but I respect them more if they can explain what’s important to them. My faith can stand up to any scrutiny, and one challenging discussion isn’t going to change my beliefs.”
As a political science major, ORU is training Patrick to think about important issues, not shy away from them. He points to his professor, Dr. Curtis Ellis, Dean of the College of Arts and Cultural Studies and a professor of political science himself, as being instrumental in how he approaches politics. This approach acknowledges that today’s issues—many of them complex—need deep prayer and deep thinking. And while these issues don’t always fit neatly into a box, approaching them requires a moral viewpoint.
“Dr. Ellis reminds us,” Patrick said, “the only prescriptions for governments that we can be sure of, biblically speaking, are to promote good and deter evil. In this regard, the answers are always black and white. But on other things, our poli-sci faculty really want to hear the opinions of their students, and if you’re not a talker, they're going to draw those opinions out of you.”
"A person might be wildly on the other side of an issue, but I respect them more if they can explain what’s important to them. My faith can stand up to any scrutiny, and one challenging discussion isn’t going to change my beliefs.”
The Truth Will Set You Free
After grad school, Patrick plans on teaching political science at the university level. This choice, he says, was motivated by the ORU faculty … professors who have inspired him to think about ideas and issues. When thinking about these issues, Patrick believes love should eclipse anger; he also believes that faith is important for any worldview, regardless of political affiliation.
“At ORU,” Patrick said, “we have a College Republicans club and College Democrats club. They draw different conclusions, but Christianity informs both of their viewpoints. At O.I.L., I wanted my legislation to force people to think. I even titled one of my bills the ‘John 8:32 Act,’ wanting my secular fellow delegates to have to ask me what it meant. It’s a tiny effort, I know, but I’d be satisfied if, for only a moment, I caused someone to reflect a little and have to think seriously about his or her philosophy. That process always brings me closer to Jesus. I’d love for everyone to know the truth and be set free by it.”
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