2014 - Surveillance

Do you think that the current level of secrecy regarding government surveillance programs is appropriate? To what degree do you agree/disagree with specific government surveillance programs and why? (Consider the collection of metadata and wiretapping as well as the PRISM program, Boundless Informant, and Bull Run.)

2014 - Immigration

Refer to at least one of the four approaches to immigration policy which we debated in class and explain what you think the U.S.'s overall approach to immigration should be. Then, what you think the U.S.'s approach to creating a path to legal immigration for illegal residents should be. You must incorporate discussion of the Christian perspective article (Loving the Stranger) we read.

2014 - Globalization

Do you think our world is becoming “flat”? If so, in what ways? What potential challenges could these changes bring for our future?

2013 - Foreign Policy

Explain which philosophy of foreign policy which we discussed in class you think the U.S. should adopt and why. In the process, explain how you think we should address issues in at least two different countries.

2013 - Gun Control

Question: How should the U.S. address the violence of school shootings and random massacres? What legislation should the U.S. pass, if any? Should the U.S. arm teachers?

2013 - Immigration

Question: What should the U.S. approach to creating a path to legal immigration for illegal residents be? What should the U.S. approach to future illegal immigration be? (In your answer, be sure to reference the DREAM Act, as well as the Biblical perspective on immigration which we discussed.)

2012 - Health Care

What should the U.S. do about rising health care costs?

2012 - Genocide

What should the U.S. government's response to genocide around the world be?

2012 - Globalization

Welcome to this year's Current World Problems class blog! Here is our first blog question for the year:

What should the U.S.'s approach to globalization be in each of its four areas? Why?

2011 - Question 5

What should our bill on health care look like?

2011 - Question 4

What should our national policy toward the environment be?

2011 - Question 3

Choose a country we have discussed. What should the U.S.’s approach to maintaining national security look like? Refer to the philosophies just mentioned. If discussing war, you should also refer to the Geneva Convention and Biblical definition of just war.

2011 - Question 2

What should the government do about immigration?

2011 - Question 1

What should the government do about the economy?

Question 3

What should our foreign policy look like? Focusing on general philosophy or a particular country, explain how you think the U.S. should proceed with ensuring our national security.

Second Question

How should we view current immigration legislation?

First question:

What do you think the government should do about the economy?

Welcome to Current World Problems!

Welcome to Current World Problems! Doesn't sound so bright and cheery, does it? Thinking about all the problems with war, hunger, political strife, natural disasters, and societal injustice in our world can be a daunting task. BUT, there's a bright side. The problems of the world ignite our passions. As Frederick Beuchner once said, "Vocation happens when our deep gladness meets the world's deep need." Though our world is fallen, it is our calling, and even our PRIVILEGE to work for the redemption of society. THAT is something to get passionate about.

Redemptive work requires knowledge. In order to be prepared to work for the good of God's kingdom, we must acquire a comprehensive, rigorous, and intimate understanding of the tasks before us. The beginning of our calling is education ... so get prepared to discuss a lot of pressing, but interesting topics!

This blog provides us with a great opportunity to delve into the problems discussed in class even deeper as well as enter into the conversation with others. Through discourse, we can learn even more from eachother. The more thought and consideration you give to each topic, the more we can learn from eachother. I'm so excited about what we have to discuss and learn in this class! With that said, happy blogging!

You guys are the best,
Miss A