Opinion | Controversial Convocation topics lead to deeper conversation
As seen in volume 113, issue 3 of The Collegian
If you’re familiar with Bethel College and the surrounding community, you have likely heard of convocation. This weekly event, which brings guest speakers to campus, is not only for students, but also for the general public.
Bethel College’s website states that these convocation periods seek to “broaden your horizons and explore basic value issues” through “renowned guest speakers.”
If we look at some of the past speakers at Bethel, it is easy to see that their statements are true. Though not always occurring at scheduled convocation time, over the years, the college has heard from speakers such as Martin Luther King Jr., presenting his “The Future of Integration” speech in 1960.
Bringing big-name speakers results in students at the college getting the opportunity to hear many big ideas. Well-renowned speakers arrive full of big ideas and have the ability to deliver them with confidence and boldness. After all, the best speakers are the ones passionate about their cause.
Now, of course, you can’t speak boldly without having some expectancy of backlash or at least disagreement at times. This brings up the topic of controversy within convocation.
This topic has especially been brought to life after the most recent convocation guest, Dr. David P. Gushee, delivered his speech. Gushee is a Christian ethicist who, over his short stay at Bethel, spoke about the relationship between Christianity and democracy. Another thing Dr. Gushee did was make sure to inform his listeners that he planned to speak boldly, believing it would be the most effective choice.
I agree with this premise. I believe controversial topics at convocations are powerful because they do two things: peak people’s interest and start a conversation.
Convocation is a required course for Bethel students. This means that whether they are interested in listening or not, they must attend most of these lectures. This often results in a large number of students not paying attention to the speaker unless they are given a reason to pay close attention. Controversial topics do just that. Whether you agree or disagree with the presenter, a bold statement will likely grab and maintain your attention.
I believe a majority of speakers in all contexts want their speeches to be talked about, and when students hear something controversial, they love to talk about it. Speakers and their ideas will be talked about if there are multiple opinions on them. I think convocations are successful if they provoke conversation.
After all, as stated on Bethel College’s website, convocation attempts to help you “determine where you stand on national and world issues from a more well-rounded view.” I believe the best way to do this is to listen to speakers that spark conversation. These conversations with students around us are what lead to growth both individually and as a community.