Inaugural Year Symposium
Known for his thoughtful analysis of culture, historical perspective, and deep Christian faith, sociologist James Davison Hunter is the featured speaker for an Inaugural Year Symposium at SPU that will explore the potential influence of the Christian in the late modern world. Included in the day’s events are two public lectures, a faculty panel with faculty-student interaction, and a creative competition for students.
Inaugural Year Symposium
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
"Culture Shifts: Christian Engagement in a Changing World" With James Davison Hunter
About the Speaker
James Davison Hunter is the LaBrosse-Levinson Distinguished Professor of Religion, Culture, and Social Theory at the University of Virginia, and director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture. He is the author of eight books, including the acclaimed To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, & Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World (Oxford University Press, 2010).
In To Change the World, Hunter points to problems he sees in world-change efforts undertaken by Christians, largely due to a flawed understanding of the nature of culture and how it changes. He proposes that Christians pursue a “faithful presence” in the world. This, he says, can bring about human flourishing, fairness, truth, and beauty. Learn more about Hunter.
Public Events
Community Chapel and Lecture: “Human Flourishing”
Hunter proposes Christians pursue “faithful presence” to bring human flourishing.
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Royal Brougham Pavilion, SPU Campus
Guest Speaker: James Davison Hunter
Free
Evening Lecture: “Culture Shifts: Christian Engagement in a Changing World”
In his most recent book, Hunter exposes problems he sees in world-change efforts undertaken in the name of Christian engagement, largely due to a flawed understanding of the nature of culture and how it changes.
7:30–8:30 p.m.
Royal Brougham Pavilion, SPU Campus
Guest Speaker: James Davison Hunter
Free
Faculty Events
Faculty Tea / Hunter Q&A
3–4:30 p.m.
Upper Gwinn Commons, SPU Campus
Student Events and Activities
Faculty Panel: “To Engage the Culture and Change the World”
1–1:50 p.m.
Upper Gwinn Commons, SPU Campus
At this special event for SPU students, faculty panelists will explore the questions: How do faculty understand and align their work with SPU's mission to engage the culture and change the world? How do faculty interpret these two sets of words in their work with students: culture and world; engage and change? Students are invited to interact with faculty in reflecting on these attributes of the SPU mission statement.
Panelists:
Dr. Kevin Neuhouser, Professor of Sociology
Dr. Greg Fritzberg, Professor of Education
Dr. Denise Daniels, Professor of Management
Dr. Kerry Dearborn, Professor of Theology
Moderator: Dr. Margaret Diddams, Director, Center for Scholarship and Faculty Development
Creativity Competition: “Students’ Visions: Engaging the Culture, Changing the World”
SPU students, what does “engaging the culture, changing the world” mean to you? How do you see yourself or Seattle Pacific living out this mission?
As part of the Inaugural Year, President Martin wants to hear your voice on how the University can advance its mission in a world that is rapidly changing. Your ideas and input will be included as we create a University-wide strategic plan for the future.
You are invited to submit your ideas to strengthen SPU’s mission and enhance your education. The best submissions will be acknowledged during this Inaugural Year, with prizes awarded for first ($1,000), second ($750), and third ($500) place.
What to submit?
It’s totally up to you — an essay (500-word minimum), 3–5-minute video, visual communication project, painting, sculpture, or something else. Use whatever appropriate medium you want to get your ideas across!
Who can submit?
Current undergraduate and graduate students may participate. You are welcome to submit an individual work, or get together with your friends and classmates to submit a group entry.
What is the deadline?
Friday, March 1, at 5 p.m. Submit your entry to Sarah Adams (adamss3@spu.edu) in the Office of Student Life.
Who is the contact if I have questions?
Margaret Diddams, Director, Center for Scholarship and Faculty Development, at 206-281-2174 or mdiddams@spu.edu
Student Creativity Competition
As part of the Inaugural Symposium, students are invited to show off their creativity, contribute their ideas about SPU’s mission, and possibly win some prize money!
To Change the World by James Davison Hunter
The book To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, & Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World by James Davison Hunter will be a topic of discussion for SPU’s Inaugural Symposium. Published in 2010 by Oxford University Press, To Change the World presents an analysis of the capacity of Christians to influence culture, and Hunter's view that Christians can best effect change through a “faithful presence.”