Speaking Peace in a Climate of Conflict with Marilyn McEntyre

This workshop, hosted by New College Berkeley, will invite practical reflection on the problem of how to engage in fruitful conversation in the midst of political slogans, ad campaigns, calculated imprecisions, and incessant irony. Based on Marilyn McEntyre’s book of the same title, the class will consider how various writers have navigated the choppy waters of contemporary public discourse.

Short exercises in both writing and shared reflection will be designed to serve as “seedlings” for continuing participation in conversations we need to be having in churches, educational institutions, families, and the public square.  Questions for each chapter provided at the end of the book will serve as discussion guides, although there will be plenty of room for pertinent digressions.  All are expected to engage the book during the sessions, and reading chapters ahead of time is recommended to enhance participation in the conversation.