So much has happened on campus over the last two weeks: a student death, activism related to Israel and Gaza, discussions about the conflict in Gaza, elections, and continued polarization on the national political stage.
Having discussions about difficult topics is even more important than ever before. The goal of the Spring Critical Issues Series — a series of dialogues co-sponsored by the Chaplains’ Office’s Protestant Chaplaincy and Interfaith Council Steering Committee — is to provide a safe space for these kinds of conversations.
The format of the Spring Critical Issues Series was the brainchild of Rebecca Park ’22 and Jay Schroeter ’22. These students hosted a panel of students who would respond to a critical question, and a version of this discussion was held on Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questions discussed by the panelists were often at the intersection of faith and the critical issues of our times, providing an opportunity to explore this intersection and create safe spaces for difficult conversations.
The context for the series is related to the time of year. It’s the end of winter, which is a good opportunity to get out of our safety zones, exercise our bodies and our minds, and shake off the seasonal depression. This time of year is also special for Christians, for it is the season of Lent: the period leading up to Holy Week and Easter. Simple dinners over serious and contemplative topics is one of the traditional activities during this time.
In that spirit, the Chaplain’s Office has partnered with the Interfaith Council Steering Committee to host the event. We are inviting everyone, regardless of faith or lack thereof, and regardless of what views you may hold, to come join us in the conversation over a simple dinner. We start with the meal and promise not to cancel each other, to respect each other, and to really listen to one another. What I have found particularly enriching has been the conversations that happen after the meetings, where we continue thinking about the conversation, long after the evening is over.
When I was in college, I remember participating in similar conversations as a student, which were key parts of my college experience. It was there that other students discovered new ideas as embodied in their peers. My opinions about global issues changed when I met people from other countries, my view of different religions changed when I visited the worship spaces of my friends who were not practicing a Western religion, and my perspective about the economy changed when an economics professor I had in college explained why divesting from holdings in South Africa could help end apartheid. The list goes on.
How sad it would have been if our learning was only so that we could reap some kind of financial and societal rewards. These exchanges of ideas changed us as people and helped us grow beyond our childhood understanding of things. Yes, some of this knowledge was difficult to absorb, but when we did, we grew.
The Spring Critical Issues Series is simply about having these conversations without fear and with the hopes that our education is more than preparation for a future job — but rather for a betterment of our future selves.
Our first two meetings of this series occurred on Feb. 27 and March 5. The Rev. Canon Leyla King spoke at the first meeting about her Palestinian Christian family, explaining how the different parts of the history of Palestinian conflict affected her family over time. The March 5 event featured a workshop by participants of the Braver Angels movement, which works to reduce the polarization between our political parties through conversation. We learned techniques about talking across differences during this workshop. I look forward to our final session on March 12, where filmmaker Jenny Herzog will speak about the prevalence of gun violence in Berkshire County.
We have all been left with many questions, and we hope the conversation will continue. I hope that you will come if you are able.
Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer is Chaplain to the College and the Protestant Chaplain.
Update: On March 6, the author requested that the Record change “occupation” to “conflict.” The change has been reflected on the website.