Now What?: Finding Purpose in Chaotic Times
Disoriented. Disconnected. Discouraged (to say the least). In 2024-2025 we have witnessed fundamental shifts in the cultural fabric and social landscape, both nationally and internationally, along with significant threats to the lives and livelihoods of many of the world’s most vulnerable people. Questions of what to do about all this – and how to cultivate wisdom and endurance for the long haul – aren’t just strategic, but also – many suggest – inescapably spiritual as well.
This course invites us to explore humanity’s sources of strength & hope, resilience & common purpose in times of uncertainty, oppression, and violence – to seek solid ground that can inspire and sustain lives oriented toward justice and transformation. Our central question will be: what nourishes lives of meaning, purpose, belonging, or advocacy ? We'll explore philosophical, psychological, ecological, communal, and even some political dimensions, and we'll join in dialogue with a variety of people for whom spirituality is a meaningfully relevant aspect of their work and their lives. If you’re wondering what to do now, or next, or curious about how people striving for justice keep their momentum, this is a course for you.
Course texts will likely include Alastair McIntosh's Spiritual Activism, Parker Palmer’s Let Your Life Speak, Sherri Mitchell’s Sacred Instructions, and Joanna Macy’s Active Hope, along with shorter articles, podcasts, and / or videos relevant to the course. My perspective is that the work ahead will be difficult and generational – and I’m eager to explore with you what might make it possible for justice-oriented people to “keep on keepin’ on.”
In addition to robust class discussions marked by curiosity and respect, and regularly-assigned readings of both primary and secondary sources, students can anticipate bi-weekly reflective writing assignments (1-2 pages) along with a final project / paper. As this is an introductory course, no prerequisites are required. Field trips to various faith-based institutions may be offered. Students of all faith traditions and perspectives are welcome – including students who do not identify with any particular tradition.