Classes without Quizzes – September 30, 2011

Bullying: Ministerial Perspectives and Congregational Action

The Rev. Tanya Linn Bennett, PhD.,
Director of the Chapel and Religious Life, and University Chaplain, Drew University
9:30 am – 12 noon
Seminary Hall, Room 101

Bullying has historically been a well-used tactic for gaining power and popularity. The gift of Internet technology, and its rapidly expanded application as both information service and social network, has brought with it a variety of serious challenges.  One of the major and growing concerns is the opportunity the Internet offers for near-anonymous, faceless and nameless, communication. Cyberbullying, or the use of online networking, to intimidate, abuse, and even threaten, each other has become a rampant trend. This session will offer an open forum to consider how the church might respond to this trend. Whether engaging face-to-face bullying or cyberbullying, our theological approach and direct action in church and beyond may have a critical role in developing sensitive, compassionate behavior in children, youth, and adults.