A Weekly Forum Seeking Renewal in Society and Politics, Spring 2017

This series has been organized by the Dean for Research and Scholarship under the Provost's Faith and Citizenship Initiative.

What does it mean for Christians to think deeply and act justly in this time of political uncertainty? How will the Church maintain its gospel witness if truth itself has given way to fake news and false political promises? How can religious citizens – in the US and elsewhere – promote actions that will bring renewal into people’s lives across the globe? If we want to answer these questions, we will have to transcend the divisions that separate political parties. We will have to find common cause in our calling to be image bearers of God and peacemakers amidst all strife. To paraphrase 1st Thessalonians, we will have to “test everything, hold onto what is good, and resist every form of evil.”

The issues of our day are complex, numerous, and rapidly evolving. No one person can stay fully informed about them all. And yet, as Christians who seek the flourishing of all people, we bear responsibility for paying attention to political realities at home and abroad. Social systems and policies may bring benefits only to some while neglecting the wellbeing of others. We must remain watchful. In order to keep an eye on all of the issues, we will have to rely on each other. We will have to talk to each other, to seek and share expert knowledge on various issues, and to think and deliberate and pray together about the possible courses of action that we might take within our churches and communities.

Such are the aims of Just Citizenship, a weekly series of events to be held at Calvin College during the Spring semester of 2017. Each Monday (see the schedule below), Calvin faculty and special guests will speak on a theme or issue of particular relevance for today’s world. While Calvin students, staff, and faculty will be one primary audience, guests from nearby churches, schools, and the wider community are welcome to attend; these events are free and open to all. Audiences can expect to come away from these events with the following:

  1. An appreciation for respectful dialogue. Faculty panelists, guest speakers, and audience members will be asked to approach all issues with grace and to engage with due charity when challenged by opposing ideas.
  2. An understanding of each issue in its context. Speakers will describe the issues, suggest ways of making sense of them in their historical context, and offer advice on what to expect in the future.
  3. Ideas for how to get involved. To the extent possible, speakers will give guidance on how people take constructive action and to make a positive difference in today’s society.
  4. Tools for discernment. These events will equip audience members with specific skills that will help them engage with future issues. Examples: principles for identifying fake news; steps to finding more information and what to watch out for; instructions on how to contact government offices and legislators; training for “in the moment” activism, especially anti-racism.

Join us each Monday at 3:30 in the Chapel for a time of learning and thoughtful discussion. Video recordings of these events will also be available online shortly after each event. Links to those videos will be posted here as they become available.

 

Event Schedule

All events will be held Mondays at 3:30 in the Chapel. Find out more about each event and the featured speaker(s) by clicking on its title.

While we don't have any upcoming events to show at this time, we welcome you to take a look at some of our recently passed events. And remember to check this space in the future for coming events.