During the recent Theology for Everyone Weekend hosted by Bethlehem College and Seminary (April 17-18, 2026), Chancellor and noted author Dr. John Piper shared a profound reflection on the terminal diagnosis of former U.S. Senator and University of Florida President Dr. Ben Sasse.
Piper described himself as being in "awe" of Sasse's spiritual resolve as the former senator faces stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Specifically, Piper pointed to a recent interview between Sasse and The New York Times' Ross Douthat, titled "How Ben Sasse Is Living Now That He Is Dying.
"In the interview, Sasse addressed the question of divine "unfairness" with a perspective that Piper likened to the authority of Jesus' words in the Gospel of John. When asked if he felt anger toward God, Sasse replied that he would not want a sovereign God who simply functioned as a "genie" to fulfill his own limited desires, noting that he is not omniscient and trusts in God's greater plan.
"Ben Sasse is modeling what it looks like to die well," Piper told the conference attendees. "He is showing us that the Gospel is not just for our living, but is the bedrock of our dying."Sasse, who was diagnosed in late 2025, has used his final months to speak openly about his "calling to die."
Despite the visible physical toll of the disease, Sasse has maintained a public testimony of gratitude and hope in the Resurrection, stating that the diagnosis has brought a "merciful clarity" to his life.The full interview between Dr. Ben Sasse and Ross Douthat is available via The New York Times' "Interesting Times" series on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
