Toward Engaging the Secular: Charles Taylor\u27s Modern Social Imaginaries, Human Flourishing, and Theological Method

Increasing secularization seems to fly in the face of Christian proposals for a Scripture-only principle for theology. The question that this dissertation explores is How will Christian theology tackle the resulting church-society impasse in a way that is both faithful to Scripture and intelligible contemporaneously without appearing to privilege one aspect over the other? That is, What form should theological method take to efficaciously engage the secular? This study suggests that the answer might lie in an innovative fusion of Scripture with borrowed concepts from secular culture. Thus, this dissertation responds to the problem of the need for robust, multidimensional theological methodology that seeks to enhance engagement with secular philosophy and culture. In the wake of cultural shifts and secular dynamics, this dissertation draws from Charles Taylor\u27s articulation of modern social imaginaries and the accompanying theses of secularity. This study shows how, in Taylor\u27s view, secularists have derived their self-understanding and ethos of economic human flourishing by way of continual shifts and interactions in perceptions of philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and theology (PAST). From this perspective, the dissertation demonstrates how the secular identity is entangled in economics (οἰκονόμος)—material aspects of human activity (wealth production). Methodologically, utilizing a four-pronged approach, this dissertation examines these important concepts: first, by reading through lenses of selected genealogical dynamics of modern social imaginaries; secondly, via the contours of Charles Taylor\u27s articulation of secularity; thirdly, via scriptural analyses of social imaginaries and human flourishing; and fourthly, by expanding their horizon of meaning by redeploying lessons, implications, and rereadings derived from applying a Spirit-directed Scripture-principle to propose a sketch of a multidimensional model toward secular engagement. The chapters of this dissertation extend secular considerations beyond a social science perspective to the biblical canon allowing the new biblical lens to broaden the term human flourishing from economics to a more wholistic conception and producing new understandings of PAST and οἰκονόμος. Connecting the conversation about secularity, social imaginaries, and human flourishing with ongoing discussions about theological method, and articulating for rereadings, the dissertation concludes by proposing a three-dimensional model—secular, canonical, and stewardship (οἰκονόμος)—that appears as a potentially powerful response toward secular engagement. These tentative findings enhance the study\u27s contributions: interdisciplinary, explicit multidimensionality, explicit application of human flourishing as key to secular engagement, and an explicitly practical aspect in the form of a reoriented theology of stewardship as one\u27s way of living in the world. By focusing on these complementary dimensions, the study seeks to create a sense of how they work together and how they produce a rich interdisciplinary reservoir which is key to a multidimensional strategy toward secular engagement

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 22 - March

It has been another strange year as life slowly comes back to normal. The UK has had two Monarchs and three Prime Ministers. We have experienced extremely cold weather and also extremely hot weather. Florida has had two hurricanes – Hurricane Ian (category 4) which made landfall near Fort Myers close to where Hurricane Charley (also category 4) made landfall in 2004 and then proceeded to destroy the last remaining 5BFTS WW2 building (a hanger) at Airglades Airport (aka Riddle Field), and Hurricane Nicole (category 1). In August, I spent a week in Florida, mostly at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach to help with building the 5BFTS Digital Archive. While I was there, I drove to Jacksonville to visit a wonderful lady who had been a little girl of six living with her parents and two older sisters in Fort Myers in 1941. This family hosted my father George and his three ‘best friends’ nearly every weekend throughout their time at Clewiston and after WW2, strong ties remained between their family and ours. I was so glad that I had visited and spent an afternoon reminiscing with her, because the next week, I heard that she had died. As far as I know, she was the last living link I had with George when he was in Florida between October 1941 and March 1942, and I shall miss her. There are 5BFTS people who are fortunately still with us, but none who knew him at Clewiston during these dates. Many of the cadets formed similar friendships during their time at Clewiston and retained links between their families and Florida families. I know I speak for them all as I say ‘Thank You’ to the wonderful people who befriended these ‘boys’ who were a long way from home, and generously made them feel so welcome in Florida. Long may the links remain. And this is why we need to build and maintain the 5BFTS digital archive at ERAU; so that these stories, and the many documents and photographs that have been collected over the years can be preserved for future generations. People are asking what their grandfathers/great-grandfathers/great-uncles, etc, did during WW2. And now, thanks to ERAU, if they were at 5BFTS, they will be able to find out a little more! And to everyone, I send Season’s Greetings using the words of Gerry Beardsmore, 5BFTS Chairman from 1998 to 2005: “From me and mine to you and yours, Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Health and Happiness and Peace in the New Year

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 5 - September

A few days ago, I had a letter from someone who was a cadet at Clewiston in 1943. He wrote, “I would not have thought that there was so much interest in such a small part of the war effort as the number of survivors of 5BFTS is diminishing.” The latter part of this sentence is sadly true; each ‘In Memoriam’ notes the death of one or more people directly connected with 5BFTS. This time, we remember our good friend, Gordon Newsham (Course 24), 5BFTS Committee Member, Archivist and organiser of Midland Reunions who passed away in May. The first part of the sentence, however, is definitely not true! Those of us who were privileged to have attended the 60th Memorial Day Service in Arcadia in May were humbled by the support and interest shown by our friends in America. The Union Jack continues to fly proudly alongside the American Stars and Strips in Clewiston and at Airglades Airfield (Riddle Field), and the City of Clewiston has remodelled their Civic Park where 5BFTS features in the new Memorial Garden. Here in the UK, the National Memorial Arboretum has placed a brand new plaque explaining about the grove of birch trees planted by 5BFTS Association and the Imperial War Museum at Duxford is developing a 5BFTS section for its American Air Museum. On a personal note, in July, I travelled to Jacksonville in Florida and re-established the links between my family and the Simpson family of Fort Myers who were so kind to my father and three of his cadet friends in 1941-1942. Marion Simpson was aged 7 in 1942. Now 81 years, she welcomed us with true American hospitality and the intervening years fell away! A wonderful experience. ‘Their efforts to preserve the freedom of the world were not in vainand will never be forgotten

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 3 - Christmas

Reflection for the Season Every family has their traditions and, as our sons were growing up, one of ours was to sit together and read that lovely tale by Clement C Moore, ‘The Night Before Christmas’, using a version given to my elder son when he was very small. My son now has his own children, and he and his wife continue the tradition. Christmas in the UK starts in October (or even earlier in some places!) when decorations appear in shops, shopping ideas feature in magazines and on-line supermarkets invite their customers to ‘book their slot’ for Christmas deliveries. In the US, you have the same period of frenetic commercial activity, but split into three parts, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas covering respectively, October, November and December. UK shops (real ones and those on-line) have been quick to realise the commercial potential of Halloween and Thanksgiving, but merge these events into their much more major focus – Christmas! I have to admit that I love going into ‘Christmas’ shops at any time of the year, although generally, only to browse. We have very few in the UK but there are many in the US, all smelling of cinnamon and other spices which bring instant recognition and nostalgia for other seasonal traditions - decking the hall, roasting chestnuts, singing carols, etc. This is a short newsletter, with one main focus – to share season’s greetings with everyone in our rapidly growing 5BFTS family. Whether you celebrate Christmas or whether you don’t, I hope you all get to enjoy some time with your family and friends and use the holiday to stop, unwind, reflect on the old year and look forward to the new one. And in 2016, there is a very special 5BFTS landmark. In May, it is the 60th British Memorial Service at the British Plot at Oak Ridge Cemetery – please come and join us to celebrate and thank the Rotary Club of Arcadia for organising this service for the past 60 years (see below)

George Hogarth, Clewiston and Beyond

The memoirs of George Hogarth, a young Royal Air Force (RAF) cadet from Edinburgh who was trained during World War 2 at the No. 5 British Flying Training School at Riddle Field in Clewiston, Florida. No. 5 British Flying Training School (BFTS) was operated by the Riddle-McKay Aero College division of the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation. Compiled by his daughter, Dr. Jenifer A. Harding.https://commons.erau.edu/clewiston-beyond/1000/thumbnail.jp

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 8 - September

In the UK, we watched the progress of Hurricane Irma with some trepidation knowing that our friends who live in Florida might be under the path of the hurricane. Many were able to evacuate and thankfully, as far as I know, no one has been hurt and property damage although very inconvenient, is repairable. Run off from rainfall is making Lake Okeechobee rise above the normal high but I read that no damage has been done to the dike even where there is major construction work as in Clewiston. We hope it will not be too long before life returns to normal although newspaper reports here are predicting that this will take some time in the tourist areas on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. On October 30, 1991, I was in Cape Cod. Hurricane Grace was merging into a strong storm system over the sea resulting in the Perfect (or Halloween) Storm. We went to the Marconi Wireless Station on the beach that morning. As it took all our strength to stop our 12 year old from being blown over, we beat a hasty retreat. By noon, the beaches had closed. My photos show a sea that is foaming and white under a dark grey sky. We hastened back to Hyannis on Route 28 through torrential rain. Shortly after we arrived back at the hotel, flooding closed this road! Winds were reported as high as 78mph (they certainly rattled the roof of the hotel swimming pool!) and the massive waves led to extensive coastal flooding. I know that the threat of hurricanes is an inescapable part of living in Florida but looking at pictures of Irma’s damage, made me think about our time on Cape Cod. We went out that day not appreciating the power of the storm – by the time we returned, we knew a little of what it felt like. The message - never underestimate nature! In this edition, we remember with pride, four men who became pilots at Riddle Field, served their countries well and afterwards, helped to ensure we remembered what they did and whom they did it for. ‘Their efforts to preserve the freedom of the world were not in vain and will never be forgotten

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 21 - Christmas

It has been another strange year – but there have been highlights! And one of my highlights has been a trip to Arizona in November to share an 80th Anniversary Celebration with #4BFTS. In 1941, Lend-Lease allowed British Flying Training Schools to be set up in America – #4 was in Mesa, Arizona, and it was here in Mesa we remembered that 80 years ago, the first contingents of young men sailed across the Atlantic in June, July and August 1941 to become pilots and help defeat the evils that were besetting Europe. America was then neutral but by Pearl Harbor, several hundred RAF cadets had already come to America, enjoyed everything that the New World could offer them including wonderful hospitality, and more importantly, had learnt to fly and sailed home about 6 months later as pilots ready, after a bit more training, to defend their country. Over four years later, four BFTS still trained pilots until the abrupt end to hostilities in August 1945 and several thousand RAF pilots had received RAF Wings; almost without exception, their time in America remained amongst the cadets’ most treasured memories. Several hundred USAAF cadets, who had trained alongside the RAF cadets, proudly wore both RAF and USAAF Wings for the remainder of their service career. So it is with immense gratitude to the Wings of Flight Foundation in Mesa and the descendants of #4BFTS cadets (and to the US Government who opened up their country on November 8 – just two days before we were due to fly) that my husband and I were invited and able to attend a wonderful weekend of celebration culminating in a service on November 14 (Remembrance Sunday) to remember 23 cadets who never made it home and are buried in Mesa Cemetery. I was proud to represent #5BFTS and honored to stand with the descendants of #4BFTS cadets and remember our fathers and uncles, giving thanks for all the cadets who helped to make the world a better place. We left Arizona in temperatures of 90oF (32oC) to be greeted at home by snow! Just to remind us that Christmas is coming! As I write, the Omicron variant is gaining a foothold, and none of us known what the future may hold – but wherever you are, I hope you are safe and if needs be, cared for and are able to be with, or make contact with, loved ones wherever they may be.And so, to everyone, I send Season’s Greetings using the words of Gerry Beardsmore, 5BFTS Chairman from 1998 to 2005: “From me and mine to you and yours, Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and Health and Happiness and Peace in the New Year

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 4 - March

Today, March 6, is the UK Mothering Sunday (Mothers’ Day) held on the fourth Sunday of Lent (three weeks before Easter Sunday). Originally people returned to the church where they were baptized (their ‘Mother Church’) resulting in family gatherings. Young people who were working as servants in large houses, were given a holiday on Mothering Sunday to visit their own mother and often took a gift of food or hand-me-down clothing from their employers. This has led to the modern meaning of Mothers’ Day when people still visit and take gifts to their mothers. Traditionally, people did not eat sweet, rich foods during Lent. On Mothering Sunday, this was relaxed and a Simnel cake prepared. This is a light fruitcake topped with marzipan. Marzipan is also baked into the middle. Legend suggests it was named after Lambert Simnel, who worked in Henry VII’s kitchens around 1500. Mother\u27s Day in the United States is annually held on the second Sunday of May. With more secular origins, it focuses on a celebration of motherhood and it is a time to appreciate mothers and mother figures. Many people give gifts, cards, flowers, candy, a meal in a restaurant or other treats to their mother and mother figures, including grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers. The 5BFTS cadets, mostly away from home for the first time, would therefore have had two occasions when their distance from home, and their mothers, would have had extra poignancy. In Flypaper1, May 7, 1942 (for the US Mothers’ Day) Jack Hobler, a Flypaper Associate Editor, put some of those feelings into verse, but also gave a new perspective to the meaning of Mothers’ Day. The full poem is at the end of the newsletter, but the last three lines read: “Defending other mothers, sons, he\u27s fighting now in air. God\u27s blessing on you, Mother dear, for giving such a son; We can\u27t repay the debt we owe to you when this war\u27s won”. So true! ‘Their efforts to preserve the freedom of the world were not in vain and will never be forgotten

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No 28 - Spring 2024

As I write, the sun is shining. As the UK has experienced the wettest February on record, with March and April being pretty wet as well, it is lovely to see the sun although it may not last the day! It won’t be long however, before we are complaining that it is ‘too hot’! Here in the UK, we love talking about the weather! We can be wrapped up against the elements on Saturday, picnicking in shorts and t-shirts on Sunday and battling torrential rain on Monday. Each year, we hope for a White Christmas (possibly thanks to Bing Crosby) – never mind the fact that the UK has only experienced a widespread, Dickensian-like Christmas snow four times in the past 51 years. We can have snow in summer and wear t-shirts in November. For some people, the weather forecast is vital, but arguably, never more important than in Summer 1944. The 80th Anniversary of D-Day is on June 6. Deciding the date was critical to success. Air operations required clear skies and a full moon, Naval operations required low winds and calm seas and ground troops needed to land at low tide. D-day was set for June 5, but poor weather delayed it until June 6. Although not ideal, as strong winds and rough seas caused problems for the landing craft with the tide coming in more quickly than anticipated, it went ahead as a second postponement meant a 2-week delay – and maybe operational failure for many reasons. Over 8,000 RAF personnel took part in the Normandy landings, and 11,590 Allied aircraft were deployed; I know that some of the pilots were 5BFTS graduates. Please read about Ian Blue in Riddle Round-Up who was in Normandy a few days after D-Day. This was the largest Naval, Air and Land Operation in History and we now know that it led to the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation. In the UK, amongst other celebrations and remembrances, the bravery and sacrifices made in 1944 in securing the peace and freedom we enjoy today, will be marked with the lighting of beacons across the country. And we remember all those who were graduates of 5BFTS and took part, or supported someone taking part, in the Normandy Landings in whatever capacity. ‘Their efforts to preserve the freedom of the world were not in vain and will never be forgotten.

Tracing the Evolution of Welfare Discourse from 1990 to 2016

In August 1996, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) as the primary cash welfare program for single mothers and children. A political debate during the early to mid-1990s that was particularly hard on welfare recipients culminated in a block grant to states tied to mandatory work requirements and time-limited lifetime benefits for recipients. Media coverage during this period closely tracked the unfolding political discourse around welfare reform and recipients. Following TANF’s implementation, though, coverage dwindled to near nonexistent levels. At this writing in early 2022, TANF remains part of the social safety net, though it provides far weaker support than its predecessor for women and children living in poverty. Yet TANF recipients are rarely subjects of media discourse. How did we arrive at this point? What impact did TANF’s enactment have on welfare recipient representation in the media? Particularly in light of work’s prominence in welfare reform debate, how did coverage change, if at all, during periods of economic recession? And perhaps most important, due to the historical and contemporary racialization of welfare reform debate and welfare dependency rhetoric, what role did recipient racial/ethnic identity have in media discourse? Using qualitative content analysis, I sought to uncover how media coverage of welfare recipients changed between 1990 and 2016 across 3,360 articles published by The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. As would be expected, pre-TANF coverage was marked by themes concerning dependency, illegitimacy, and teen parenthood. Articles during this period were more likely to incorporate a threatening frame and less likely to portray suffering than post-TANF enactment coverage. Considering racial/ethnic identity, African American recipients were strongly overrepresented, and coverage was rife with the dependent single mother controlling image. Representation matters. How and which groups are included in media discourse can have both positive and negative ramifications for those groups. Findings presented in this dissertation and limitations of the study design suggest the importance of continued research into the role of media on the substance and arc of welfare reform