Leading Schools Amidst America’s Contentious Cultural Climate
Practicing Political Prudence
Why, at the end of every year in recent memory, does American society collectively breathe a sigh of relief, thankful that it’s over, and hopeful, yet cynical, that the next year might bring with it less political chaos and cultural division? The turbulence can be exhausting.
It’s not surprising. The societal fragmentation of the country is felt across every aspect of life: in the family, in school, at work, and across friendships and relationships. No one seems to get along anymore: that much is apparent, and while “politics” widely remains the default answer for why, the real reason is found more closely in the social dynamics of our increasingly social media-driven age of technology and information.
Yet, we cannot return to the pre-digital era. And author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt contends, American democracy is now operating outside the bounds of sustainability. So, as leaders, what are we to do?
Join an all-star group from Classical Academic Press and SCL, including Chris Perrin, Brian Williams, Eric Cook, Jesse Hake, Joelle Hodge, and Heads of School Katharine Savage and Travis Koch as we revisit and learn from the past, consider the thorny present, and pave a way forward.
Through lecture, discussion, and case studies, we’ll discuss answers to:
- What does our Christian faith have to say about handling political systems?
- How do we prepare the next generation for democratic citizenship in the new digital age?
- How are we to practically respond to the polarizing politics of today?
- How does our culture’s obsession with identity further cloud our judgment and what do we do about it?
- As leaders, what mindset will help us realistically navigate these turbulent times?
Schedule
- Coffee & Fellowship 8:00 AM
- INTRODUCTORY MEDITATION: HOW TO BE PRUDENTIAL WHEN THE WORLD IS LOSING ITS MIND (Chris) 8:30 AM
Three Modes of Shepherding: Protecting, Healing, Counseling
- INDIVIDUAL AND PAIRED REFLECTION: WHAT KIND OF SHEPHERD ARE YOU? 8:40 AM
- THE PAST: PRUDENTIAL POLITICS IN HISTORY (Chris) 8:45 AM
Jesus and Caesar: How Has the Christian Faith Regarded, Influenced, and Responded to Political Systems?
- PANEL 9:05 AM
Panel: How Does the History of the Church Provide Practical Guidance? What Christian Authors Have Helped You?
- GROUPS DISCUSSION 9:30 AM
Groups Discussion: How Does Your Theology of History / Eschatology Shape Your Shepherding? How Can You Blend Insight from History and Theology to Acquire Greater Prudence? What Are Some Examples of Prudence You Have Witnessed in the Past Year or Two? What Are Some Examples of Imprudence to Avoid?
- BREAK 10:00 AM
- THE PRESENT PART ONE: PRUDENTIAL POLITICS TODAY IN AMERICA (Jesse) 10:15 AM
Christianity, Culture and Secularism: How Are Christians Regarding and Responding to American Politics and Culture Today
- PANEL 10:35 AM
Panel: How Is Secularism Growing in the Church? In What Ways Are We Implicated in Secularizing Tendencies in America? For What Should We Repent?
- CASE STUDY 11:00 AM
Case Study: One or two to be determined and to be discussed in groups
- GROUPS REPORT BACK 11:20 AM
- LUNCH 11:30 AM
- THE PRESENT PART TWO: A SURVEY OF NEW, SECULAR RELIGIONS (Jolie) 1:30 PM
How Emerging ISMs Manifest a Religious Character
- PANEL 1:50 PM
Panel: How Do We Prudently Respond to Emerging Religious but Secular Fervor? How Should We Be Protectors, Healers, and Counselors? What Mistakes Should We Avoid?
- GROUPS DISCUSSION 2:10 PM
Communication Exercise--How Do You Write a "Note from the Head of School" about ______________?
- CASE STUDY WITH REPORT BACK: TBD 2:20 PM
- BREAK 2:45 PM
- THE FUTURE: KNOWING THE TIMES AND KNOWING WHAT TO DO (Conversation between Brian and Chris) 3:00 PM
The Mindset Leaders Must Have and the Moves They Must Make (30 minutes, then round table discussions)
- PANEL 3:30 PM
Continued Discussion with Questions from the Audience
- CASE STUDY: WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN X HAPPENS? 4:00 PM
- GROUPS REPORT BACK 4:30 PM
- WRAP UP: CHRIS AND PANEL 4:45 PM