Whitworth University Presents the President’s Colloquy on Civil Discourse: A series of three discussions, starting Oct. 19
October 11, 2017
Whitworth University, in an effort to elevate constructive dialogue and healthy discourse on issues that divide us, will host the President’s Colloquy on Civil Discourse, a three-part discussion that will encourage community members to ask tough questions, exchange new ideas with open minds and hearts, and think critically about their own roles in sustaining constructive dialogue within a framework of Christian commitment.
Faculty from the theology, engineering & physics, psychology, philosophy, English, political science and communication studies departments will speak on the following topics:
“So many of us today are disenchanted and discouraged with the state of discourse in our country,” Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor says. “Whitworth wants to chase this issue by providing a forum to discuss how each of us can contribute to a climate that invites constructive, meaningful discussion on issues about which faithful, thoughtful people disagree.”
Topics for the first discussion will include the theological purposes of speech; the interface between community, speech and Christian doctrine; and the difference Christianity makes to all of this. The second discussion will focus on providing the community with a set of tools and techniques conducive to constructive discussions. In the third session, the community will have the opportunity to apply the foundation and tools provided during the first two sessions to a discussion on the matter of free speech. Admission to the discussions is free, and the public is invited to attend.
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.
- “Can we still speak the truth in love? Christian reflections on civil discourse” Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Seeley G. Mudd Chapel
- “Can we disagree without being disagreeable?” Feb. 19, 2018, 7 p.m., Seeley G. Mudd Chapel
- “How free should free speech be?” April 16, 2018, 7 p.m., Seeley G. Mudd Chapel
“So many of us today are disenchanted and discouraged with the state of discourse in our country,” Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor says. “Whitworth wants to chase this issue by providing a forum to discuss how each of us can contribute to a climate that invites constructive, meaningful discussion on issues about which faithful, thoughtful people disagree.”
Topics for the first discussion will include the theological purposes of speech; the interface between community, speech and Christian doctrine; and the difference Christianity makes to all of this. The second discussion will focus on providing the community with a set of tools and techniques conducive to constructive discussions. In the third session, the community will have the opportunity to apply the foundation and tools provided during the first two sessions to a discussion on the matter of free speech. Admission to the discussions is free, and the public is invited to attend.
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.
