Prompt 1: Jan. 1, 2021
Two years ago, Ethan and I sat down to our first class on Politics of Appearance, a course in the Women and Gender Studies department of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. We knew we were walking into the lion’s den as two cisgendered, heterosexual, white, STEM studying, christian priviledged males. However, we did not expect to be yelled at on the first day for asking innocent questions about the goals of the course– our mistake. What we experienced over the course of the semester, was that many of the women, including our professor, had a much softer demeanor when we spoke privately. Though we continually challenged the dehumanizing views of their postmodern ideology, we managed to make a few friends when talking with some of our classmates between classes.
I believe the hostility we experienced was a performative tool and not a true expression of people’s feelings toward ideological opposition.
We face an increasingly hostile environment to free and open dialogue. Whether it is social media, work relationships, communities, classrooms, or family gatherings, there are invisible, repulsive forces that are dividing people into teams. With the increasing tension, is a growing list of untouchable subjects, arguments, opinions, and even facts. The phenomenon may just be a symptom of the current political instability in America, but it is a dangerous position to settle into as we are a society that values discourse.
Christians have always adapted their evangelic techniques according to the culture they live in; they affirm what is truly good and representative of our createdness, and they rebuke the fallen customs that defy God and our humanity. I want to explore avenues that we, individually, and the church as a whole, can use to fill the gaps in our communities to restore (provide) reason, civility, and respect. Additionally, we need to strategize how to extend the discussions started in this group. I want us to think through how we can properly discuss and share the Christian worldview around controversial subjects. My guess is that there are intentional [economic] forces stirring up division for power, so I want to recreate the disruption of the “Christian Nuisance” of ancient Rome, when the Church was causing “problems” by sneaking into the landfills to save illegitimate children who were thrown away.
So let’s come up with ways we can create peace with people who have enmity for us based on our identity. Let’s set forth recipes for healthy discourse. Let’s create some cultural antidotes to division. Let’s set examples of how to love our enemies.
The thread is open. Create boldly, and may the Spirit guide us all.
Advisor’s Comments
When I read the prompt, I was moved to pick up and read my copy of Cicero’s “On Friendship.” If the group struggles to identify a direction in which to move with this prompt, then you might consider the theme of friendship as a possible starting point.
-Kevin Lee