On Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m., students gathered in Upper Metzger Hall to discuss the Christian ethics of non-violence. The event was hosted by Bridging Biola, a club that seeks to create spaces on campus for students to engage in respectful dialogue about important issues.
FOSTERING DIALOGUE
For many across the U.S., polarization has become a reality of everyday life. Our political and social disagreements have invaded once-safe spaces like our school communities, grocery stores and even our churches. Students who attend Biola may not even remember a time when this was not the case.
Universities were intended as places where people could gather to collectively pursue truth. Biola’s own mission statement reflects this commitment, stating, “We choose instead to expose our students to a wide range of ideas to allow ourselves the permission to present perspectives in a way that is both civil and intellectual.
Bridging Biola furthers that mission by hosting debates where students, faculty, and staff can have respectful conversations about topics that matter. The club participates in an American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) program that aims to promote ideological diversity and civil discourse on college campuses. The club hosts debates about once a month and implements a parliamentary debate format to foster civil disagreement.
Sierra Vollmar is a junior philosophy major and Torrey Honors student who helps lead Bridging Biola and is excited to see students having such thoughtful conversations.
“The kind of style that we implement is aimed at making it really easy to have conversations with people we disagree with on these very important topics in a really meaningful way,” said Vollmar.
A CALL TO NONVIOLENCE?
The debate on Wednesday centered on the question: Does Christ ask Christians to adopt a principle of nonviolence?
The discussion referenced a myriad of Scripture passages, including Matthew 5 and Isaiah 2:4. Students paid careful attention to the cultural and historical contexts of each passage. They also explored theological concepts like the incarnation of Jesus and ethical scenarios like the defense of innocent children and the vulnerable.
One recurring theme was that of spiritual citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. They wondered about the way that our heavenly citizenship should dictate our approach to our earthly nationalities. In regards to global conflict, one student asked if we can treat other people groups as our enemies if we know that they may consist of fellow heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven.
While some students differed in their conclusions to the question, the discussion progressed in a respectful manner and demonstrated a commendable degree of intellectual humility and openness.
COMMUNITY ENDEAVOR
Vollmar expressed her appreciation for the quality of the discussion afterward.
“They were very exegetically concerned,” Vollmar said. “It was a cohesive discussion and people listened to each other well.”
Bridging Biola is giving students the opportunity to depolarize conversations about topics where they might disagree.
Dr. Tim Milosch, the faculty advisor of the club, emphasized the value of empathy that allows for disagreement while maintaining a loving approach.
“We are finite beings who are trying to understand the world. We’re trying to pursue truth and wisdom and we can’t do that all ourselves — it’s a community endeavor,” Milosch said.
