Given the dangerous rise of political extremism in America, it’s well past time we stopped wagging our fingers and do a bit of soul searching of our own about why our society is producing so many citizens unmoored from the connections that support moderation. 

Many experts point to the epidemic of loneliness or mass loneliness, what Hannah Arendt called “the seedbed of tyranny.” Others believe changes in relationships between men and women in the digital age contributes. We’ll speak especially about our young men on campus and off, who seem especially susceptible to the kind of loneliness that can drive extremism.

Register to join us for this important discussion at our next God Squad program on March 25, noon-1:00 pm at First Baptist Church downtown.

We're delighted to gather in person with God Squad regulars Pastor Gary Shultz of First Baptist Church, Dr. Dan Leshem of FSU Hillel, Father Tim Holeda of St. Thomas More Co-Cathedral, and Pastor Joseph Davis, Jr. of Truth Gatherers Community Church.

An optional lunch is available for advance purchase. Otherwise, the program is free to attend. Please register in advance so we can plan accordingly.

“We can be different and united—the value of the American experiment is contingent on the truth of this proposition.” 

—Theodore Roosevelt Johnson III
 

Dr. Theodore R. Johnson sees both an American Promise “big enough for all of us,” and an existential threat if we cannot somehow find each other to live into it. And at a time when it’s easy to be overwhelmed and confused, he lights a path forward that we might travel together—with a wisdom and clarity that draws us in.

Join us as Dr. Johnson makes an invitation—and a challenge—to all of us, born of lived experience as a black son of the American south and love of this country he took an oath to preserve. Johnson is a military veteran who served as a White House Fellow and speechwriter to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is currently a Senior Fellow and Director of the Fellows Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law. The conversation will be facilitated by Executive Director of Florida Humanities, Dr. Nashid Madyun.

His book is a revelation you will not soon forget.  

Learn more about this digital program and RSVP here.
Learn more about the full series here. 
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"When the Stars Begin to Fall" is part of a multi-year digital series with Florida Humanities called "Unum, Democracy Reignited."