"Democracy in Tension" Online Summit
Navigating the Interlocking Crises of Democracy and Religion
Hey Theology Nerds!
Democracy today faces profound challenges – polarization, inequality, populist authoritarianism, and widespread cynicism are eroding the foundations of democratic life. Yet, what if democracy's greatest strength lies not in eliminating these tensions, but in productively embracing them?
That’s exactly what we’ll be exploring this Summer during the DEMOCRACY IN TENSION Online Summit, and I want to invite you to join us!
Reimagine democracy as a space for productive tension—not uniform agreement.
Engage new tools to resist polarization, cynicism, and political despair.
Explore how religion and democracy can coexist in pluralistic societies.
Transform political enemies into adversaries through agonistic engagement.
Confront the forces eroding democratic life with bold, practical insight.
Connect with scholars and citizens committed to revitalizing democratic imagination.
ABOUT THE SUMMER SUMMIT
The summit will navigate the complex terrain between political equality and social justice, liberal freedom and democratic sovereignty, and ethical demands and political action. Through interactive sessions, participants will explore how to transform antagonistic enemies into agonistic adversaries, confront the nihilism threatening our democratic imagination, and cultivate spaces for genuine political discourse across differences.
Designed for both academics and engaged citizens, this summit provides a rare opportunity to think deeply about political theory while developing practical approaches to sustaining democratic life. Each session combines theoretical frameworks with applied discussions about navigating real-world political tensions, algorithmic polarization, and the challenge of engaging with those whose views we find repugnant.
Rather than offering simple solutions, this summit embraces the productive tension at democracy's heart, helping participants develop the intellectual resources to resist both passive disengagement and active nihilism in our political moment.
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS: All lectures will be released on Monday, July 28th. You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Replays are available on the Class Resource Page.
COST: A course like this is typically offered for $250 or more, but we invite you to contribute whatever you can (including $0) to help make this possible for everyone!
OUR SUMMIT SCHOLARS
Click the graphic to learn more about each scholar!
HOW WE'LL LEARN TOGETHER
13 Pre-Recorded Lectures from Top Scholars
Available starting July 28th, watch or listen (at your own pace) to unique lectures from political philosophers and scholars of religion.3 Livestreams with Dr. Simmons & Dr. Fuller
During the week of July 28th, our hosts Dr. Aaron Simmons and Dr. Tripp Fuller will engage with a number of the scholars via livestream.Follow-Up Interviews with the Scholars
Follow-up interviews with the scholars where they respond to YOUR questions!
Class Resource Page With Access to Replays
Can't make one of the livestreams? All replays will be available on the Class Resource Page, and you can go back to listen anytime during the class.
Answers to Your Questions
Dr. Aaron Simmons and Dr. Tripp Fuller will answer questions from class members during the livestreams.
Private Online Community to Connect and Share
Join the private Facebook group to connect with other participants and access all lectures and livetream replays.
That’s a lot of white people in your speaker lineup. Like, almost all white people. Which is puzzling/problematic because of the centrality of Black voices, Black experiences, Black perspectives to the nexus of religion and politics in the US.