What is the Good News for a society driven by the promises of productivity and digital technologies? What must soul formation and Christian discipleship involve when situated within a twenty-first-century, digitally-saturated society? This seminar, directed by Felicia Wu Song, provides a sociological and theological foundation for thinking critically about what it feels like to be a human being in an increasingly technological world. We will explore how digital devices and platforms mediate our relationships, communities, and identities. We will also examine how artificial intelligence and surveillance capitalism exacerbate social inequalities in the workplace, education, health care, and public life. Together, we will consider the benefits of viewing digital practice as liturgy and engage in mini-experiments of praxis that point to how spiritual formation today can be rooted in a journey out of bondage toward freedom in relation to technology, to ourselves, and to God.
Our weekly rhythm will include morning classroom time, afternoon break time for rest and reflection, group meals, and a public evening lecture. The seminar involves extensive conversation, personal reflection, and hands-on activities. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of Felicia Wu Song’s book Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age.
This seminar will be offered at no cost to selected participants. Space is limited. All meals and lodging will be provided. Course readings will be sent to participants in advance of the seminar week. Participants are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the seminar.
Applications for this seminar are due on March 15, 2025. Participants will be notified of their selection by April 11, 2025.
Applicants must fill out an application form and provide:
A 300-word essay about why you are interested in participating in the seminar
Your résumé/CV
Contact information for one reference
Schedule Overview
Sunday, July 20
Afternoon/evening – Arrive in Grand Rapids
6:00 p.m. – Informal dinner for participants who have arrived
Monday, July 21–Thursday, July 24
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Classroom time
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Rest, reflection, and conversation
4:00 p.m. – Group discussion, sharing, Q&A
5:30 p.m. – Dinner
Friday, July 25
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – Classroom time
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Seminar ends