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Our first Faculty Convivium of the spring semester features Dr. Jonathan Caulkins (H. Guyford Stever University Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy at CMU)!
In November 2016 Pope Francis condemned drug addiction as a form of modern slavery, along with human trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and organ trafficking. He asked the Pontifical Academy for the Sciences to host a two-day "Workshop on Narcotics: Problems and Solutions of this Global Issue” that I had the privilege of attending. Even before but particularly since then I have wondered how to think about addiction from a Christian perspective.
What does God think about addiction above and beyond its being a predictor of other bad behaviors? Is God fine with addiction that produces no other harms? If a hermit becomes addicted to drugs that he or she makes at home, is that sinful? If so, why? Does God distinguish between addiction to drugs and addiction to gambling? Or shopping? From a theological perspective, is there a qualitative difference between addiction as recognized by the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic manuals and mere bad habits? Or might Jesus have told the crowd prepared to kill a drug addict, “Let any of you who is without bad habits throw the first stone?”
The Christian Faculty Convivium creates a space for faculty to meet, collaborate, and foster intellectual friendships. Twice a semester, Beatrice Institute Faculty Fellows host an evening of refreshments and a short talk. Consonant with Beatrice Institute's mission, these gatherings are animated by intellectual friendship and allow area faculty to explore interdisciplinary collaborations and enjoy the company of those who pursue the Beautiful, the Good, and the True.
Spouses and significant others are welcome! Childcare and pizza will be available for little ones in an adjacent room.
This is an open event, so feel free to pass this information along to any local faculty member who might be interested in attending or learning more about Beatrice Institute.