Two Minds Diverged in a Culture

The longer I am in academia, the more I see just how different of a mindset there is between ‘ordinary folks’ and ‘movers and shakers.’ This difference in worldview is there independent of the presence or absence of faith.

Both groups are acutely aware of the difference between them, and both tend to look upon the other disparagingly. The ‘movers and shakers’ (academics, politicians, etc.) are viewed by ‘ordinary folks’ as ‘elitist,’ and ‘out of touch with the real world.’ The ‘ordinary folks’ are viewed as simpletons, hics, seeing in black and white what is really shades of gray, ‘nuanced’ and ‘complex.’

GPA versus Income

A while back, I wrote about an exercise I did with my 2006 freshman chemistry class where I suggested that those who do well in the class “donate” part of their grade to those doing poorly in the class. Well, a student who just graduated from UC Merced actually polled students on camera to see the response, four and a half years after I first proposed it.  The sound quality of the video isn’t great, so turn up the speakers.

Ministry Ideas

Even though it is only June, I am starting to begin to maybe think about what the faculty ministry here will look like in the fall. What will we do? How can we engage ‘lurkers’ in our fellowship who are on our list, but otherwise seem to be ‘silent partners?’ How can we effectively and with sensitivity seek out other faculty who may be interested in fellowship or even in asking questions about issues of faith in a safe environment? How often will we gather? Will we attempt any ‘major’ events? How can we stand up for Christ on campus in a winsome way that seeks reconciliation?

More fundamental questions are: Where and how is God already moving on campus and how is He inviting us to participate? How can we be more faithful and fervent in prayer (one of my greatest weaknesses)?

I am inviting suggestions and comments, preferably from other faculty, both in the States and around the world. What has worked for you and what hasn’t? If you know why, please share that also! Let’s make this post a forum for sharing ideas among the worldwide body of Christian faculty.

SDG