HARPERS FERRY MINISTERIAL STUDY GROUP SESSION 2005: (November 13-16, 2005)
THEME: “How Can the Religious Left Provide a Moral Vision for a Progressive Social Agenda?”
The 37 of us gathered for these sessions seemed to have an excellent experience together (along with Welton Gaddy, of the Interfaith Alliance, and Meg Riley on Monday). The worship services and camaraderie were powerful, the weather was generally cloudy but very mild (with color still in the WV trees), the site was quite conducive, and our stimulating conversations left us wanting more (always a good sign). The schedule for our 2005 gathering is available for download HERE.
READING FOR PREVIOUS (2005) STUDY GROUP Two books:
Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate
by George Lakoff
and
God's Politics
by Jim Wallis
Six relevant and stimulating short essays:
“Our Challenge Today” by Rev. Welton Gaddy,
(speech at the MLK, Jr. Human Rights Breakfast, Atlanta, GA, Jan. 15, 2005)
“Letter to Rush Limbaugh” by Welton Gaddy, Dec. 22, 2004
(in response to December 13 radio program reference)
“Reflections on President Bush’s 2005 Inaugural Address” by Welton Gaddy,
(Jan. 27, 2005)
Web links:
Links to the above three essays can be located underneath Gaddy’s bio Here!.
“Arrogance is the Opposite of Faith” — a speech by Dr. Robin Meyers, at the Oklahoma University Peace Rally, Nov.14, 2004. Click Here!
"A Divine Campaign? Progressive Christians and Political Activism" by Ellen Ott Marshall, Inaugural Lecture, Draft, Sept. 20, 2004.
From the Claremont School of Theology's e-journal. Click Here!
"Sex & the Clergy" by Frances Kissling, The Nation, Dec. 13, 2004. Click Here!
OPTIONAL READING
"THE FRAMING WARS" by Matt Bai
NY Times Magazine, July 17, 2005
A good overview on the issue of framing and George Lakoff's work in that field, including some criticism. Available from the NYT (by subscription), or contact Judy Welles (jcwelles@earthlink.net) for a personal e-mail copy. "Soul Freedom" by Bill Moyers
AlterNet, posted on September 10, 2005
An article adapted from Moyer's stirring address at Union Theological Seminary in New York, where Judith and Bill Moyers received the seminary's highest award, the Union Medal, for their contributions to faith and reason in America. He tackles the erosion of church and state separation in no uncertain terms.
http://www.alternet.org/story/25274/
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