Garland Inspires Students

Dr. John Garland recently joined us for the Kennel Charles Lecture, delivering an enlightening talk titled “When Life Isn’t Simple: Faith in a Complex World.” His lecture, held on Monday in the chapel and followed by discussions with seniors at EMS on Tuesday, delved into the intertwining of faith, conflict, and attachment theory.

Dr. Garland emphasized how this type of lecture and learning is rooted in Anabaptist traditions, yet it also extends into broader streams of thought and formation. He posed essential questions: How can we become a people of courageous love and peaceful faith, and how can we impart these values to our children? What does this mean in light of the issues and conflict, like immigration?

Reflecting on his personal journey, Dr. Garland shared,

“I didn’t grow up Anabaptist… I became Anabaptist as soon as I could.”

His personal narrative set the stage for his insights into his role as a pastor at the San Antonio Mennonite Church, where he encountered the complexities of immigration. He highlighted the challenges of “following the law” and becoming oneself, describing these issues not as a simple three-dimensional spectrum but as a force with gravity that keeps people down.

Dr. Garland addressed how his church shifted from a “savior complex” to an approach that empowers individuals to effectively handle their own challenges. He illustrated, through biblical texts, the importance of empowering people to build trust and navigate conflict.

“We are all on a spectrum of conflict,” he noted, suggesting that the church provides stability—a place where “your feet can land,” as echoed by the Psalms: “You have given me wide space for my feet, a place where my feet can land.”

A pivotal part of Dr. Garland’s lecture was the introduction of attachment theory, focusing on the concept of security. He posed the question: How can we be an anchored safe harbor? He proposed three key strategies to secure, anchored attachment to God:

These principles, Dr. Garland suggested, are crucial not just in addressing conflicts like immigration but in all relationships. By providing a stable foundation, much like a rock in a swirling ocean, individuals can find a handhold and a foothold to steady themselves.

Watch the Lecture here.

Watch the Chapel here.

Thank you, Dr. Garland, for your profound sharing and the way you ignited our collective imagination for what’s possible!