Instructor: Marilyn McEntyre, PhD *

At this gathering we’ll be reflecting together on the importance of the language we use with ourselves and others to articulate faith, spirituality, values, and moral commitments. We’ll talk about “loaded language,” “trigger words,” and what lively conversation, both within circles of trust and across lines of division, might look like. Time will be reserved for conversation about the conversation!

* Marilyn McEntyre, a longtime professor of literature and medical humanities, teaches for New College and Westmont College, and is on the faculty of Western Seminary’s “Sacred Art of Writing” doctor of ministry program as well as the “Forest Dwelling” program at the Oblate School of Theology. She offers spiritual retreats and writing workshops and continues to write about spirituality, language, healthcare and earth care. She also works as a writing coach. Her recent books include When Poets Pray, Speaking Peace in a Climate of Conflict, and a collection of lenten readings, Where the Eye Alights.