Sowing Good Seeds: Christian Perspectives on Agriculture in Higher Ed

2053-2069 Buford Avenue,Falcon Heights MN 55108

02 June, 2022

Description

This 24-hour symposium will include panel sessions and keynote talks, as well as many informal contexts for networking and fellowship. Symposium OverviewThe cultivation of the earth is one of humanity’s most fundamental tasks. Christians understand that the practice of agriculture allows humans to work with God to create, to promote the flourishing of creation, and to provide for our material needs. However, Christians also see the work of agriculture corrupted by sin. This corruption manifests itself in a variety of ways, including environmental degradation, injustice, hunger, and insecurity, all of which are exacerbated by greed. Many of these harms are normalized by dominant cultural narratives which may put ecological and human health at odds or overemphasize profit and growth to the exclusion of other goods. Christians engaged in agricultural education and research have an important opportunity to contribute to these discussions. How can Christians working in the context of agricultural higher education bring an authentic, faithful perspective to the discussion of agricultural problems, while doing so in ways that are appropriate to the religiously diverse contexts in which much of this work must be done? To address this broad, multifaceted question, Anselm House is convening a symposium “Sowing Good Seeds: Christian Perspectives on Agriculture in Higher Education,” to be held June 2-3, 2022. This 24-hour symposium will include both formal opportunities to engage directly with these questions, including panel sessions and keynote talks, as well as many informal contexts for networking and fellowship. The symposium will include two keynote events with Dr. Gisela Kreglinger, author of The Spirituality of Wine. This event is in partnership with the UMN Institute on the Environment. Costs, Lodging, and MealsSymposium registration is $25 (plus fees) for students, faculty, and university staff, and $50 (plus fees) for all other participants. This cost includes all meals, including Thursday’s dinner and wine appreciation event. Local lodging recommendations will be provided to symposium participants (including possibilities for free lodging with UMN-affiliated students/faculty). We are doing everything we can to keep the cost of the symposium low, but please contact us about scholarships available to reduce the cost of symposium registration and travel. Wine Appreciation Event From 7:00 - 9:00 pm, we will enjoy a wine tasting and appreciation event with Dr. Gisela Kreglinger. More details will be announced soon. Anyone who is interested in attending this event, but not the rest of the symposium, is welcome to join for only $10 (plus fees). Tentative ScheduleJune 2 3:00 - 5:00 pm: Arrival and Check-in for Symposium Participants5:00 - 6:30 pm: Dinner & Welcome7:00 - 9:00 pm: “Savoring Wine as a Spiritual Practice” Event with Dr. Gisela KreglingerJune 3 8:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast9:00 - 11:00 am: Session 111:00 - 11:30 am: Break11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Keynote Luncheon: Dr. Gisela Kreglinger, “The Spirituality of Wine”1:00 - 1:30 pm: Break1:30 - 3:00 pm: Session 23:00 - 3:45 pm: Second Keynote and Closing Comments3:45 pm: DepartureQuestions?If you have any questions, please email [email protected].