The Wabash Center's Dialogue On Teaching

Students are asking questions about the pandemic, the messages of the Bible, and faith during crisis. What does it mean to teach the Bible in ways that recognize contemporary crisis and opportunity?  Dr. Mitzi Smith (Columbia Theological Seminary) and Dr. Roger Nam (Portland Seminary) discuss their creative approaches to teaching biblical literature and interpretation during this pandemic.

What would it mean to face failures in education which are being laid bare in this moment of crisis? Risking the perilous questions could lead to prophetic imagination and moral renewal of church and society. Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Dr. Katherine Turpin (Iliff School of Theology). 

In this time of liminality, listen for student needs and student requests about their own learning, curiosity and unique family situations. Consult with colleagues about teaching in ways previously unexplored. Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Rolf Jacobson (Luther Seminary). 

Creating worthwhile experiences for students using a digital platform can provide new, interesting and creative options in teaching. Cultivating the digital imagination will help teaching into the future. Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Kwok Pui Lan (Candler School of Theology - Emory University). 

The theo-poetic is the root from which all theology grows; discussion on the importance of rituals and rites of passage during crisis and the poetry which assists in survival and “thrival.” Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Dr. Heather Murray Elkins (Drew Theological School). 

Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Dr. Emilie Townes (Vanderbilt University - The Divinity School) and Dr. Valerie Bridgeman (Methodist Theological School in Ohio).  In crisis times, the creative voice speaks to the soul. The scholarly voice does not have to eclipse the creative voice. As published poets and scholars, these womanists will talk about their creative process and its influence upon their scholarship. They will also read original works.

Do not confuse online teaching with crisis teaching – we are in crisis! Rather than fighting to maintain normal, consider ways of survival, ways of being realistic, and humane while teaching during the pandemic. Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Dr. Almeda Wright (Yale Divinity School). 

This moment of crisis has rendered most of us speechless, unable to articulate or reflect upon the unfolding crisis. What other kinds of knowledge will assist us with grappling with this kind of suffering, isolation and grief? What metaphors, similes, sounds, body postures/movements, or ways of knowing will aid us? Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Dr. Carolyn Medine (University of Georgia).

The barage of sustained crisis is weighing heavily.   Even while enduring crisis, moments of clarity about issues of vocation, identity, and spiritual awareness are possible. What are questions of discernment which comfort, guide, and stabilize us during this time of flux.  Dr. Nancy Lynne Westfield hosts Dr. Su Yon Pak, Senior Director and Associate Professor of Integrative & Field Based Education at Union Theological Seminary.

Practical and heartfelt ways to bring closure to the semester, be in quarantine with your family and loved ones, and not succumb to unrealistic expectations during the pandemic.  What is the least you will require from your self and from others?  Dr. Angella Son (Drew Theological School) discusses.